Styling Guide
What should we wear?
Clients always ask what they should wear to their portrait session. Coordinating your outfits can be an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are some tips to help you with styling. If you’re stuck, ask for help! Just text or email me photos of different possibilities and we can solve the puzzle together! 804-248-2567
OVERALL TIPS:
GENERAL TIPS START WITH ONE PERSON.
It’s way easier to visualize the whole puzzle once you know what one piece looks like! Try starting with the women, mom or daughter, since women’s clothing tends to have more colors and prints.
COMPLEMENT, DON’T MATCH.
We want colors that generally complement each other: so for instance, soft colors (light blue, gray, blush) or warm colors (brown, orange, burgundy). If you want colorful images, then you should choose a more vivid color scheme for your outfits! And...you can never go wrong with a neutral palette, just use texture to create variation.
CONSIDER YOUR HOME DECOR.
If you’re planning to hang your images in your living room that’s decorated in all white, you probably don’t want your clothing to be dark. If you’re hanging them in a colorful nursery or office, then wear vivid outfits.
PLAN FOR THE WEATHER.
Nothing is worse than being miserably uncomfortable in a perfect outfit. If you’re planning an outdoor session in October or November, think about jackets and scarves. In the summer, dress in layers that you can easily take off if you get too hot.
DON’T FORGET SHOES!
These are often the forgotten last element, but they can really make or break your outfits! If you can’t find shoes you love, consider going barefoot (just bring walking shoes to get from point A to point B). Steer away from athletic shoes and bright white sneakers.
TRY ON YOUR CLOTHES WELL IN ADVANCE!
Check your outfits from all possible angles in the mirror, not just the one you like best. Try sitting, squatting, leaning forward, etc. The kids’ clothes should work well in motion so that we can play during your session (think flying, tickling, and hanging upside down).
DIAPER COVERAGE IS A MUST.
Check to ensure that your little one's diaper or underwear can be covered. This is often something to look out for on sweet babies 18 months and under. When you pick up your kiddo to swing them around and cover them with kisses, we don't want their diaper or their entire belly hanging out. Don't get me wrong, I love a baby belly, but we want to avoid shirts or dresses that will ride all the way up into their underarms, leaving them looking a bit half dressed and a hot mess LOL. Rompers and onesies are great solutions to keep thing covered and smooth. For girls in dresses, you might need a coordinating bloomer.
LET THE KIDS HAVE INPUT.
If your daughter hates wearing dresses, don’t force her to wear one for picture day. If your son thinks that bowtie is uncomfortable, ditch it. Happy kiddos make for happy photos!
SAY TO:
yes
COMFORT
Above all, if you feel good, you will look good! Choose clothing that gives you freedom of movement, keeps you warm/cool, and won’t require a lot of maintenance throughout your session.
TEXTURE
Add some visual interest to your images with unique fabrics. Some examples: lace, cable knits, chambray, tweed, herringbone, chambray, faux fur, wool.
PATTERNS
Don’t be scared of patterns and prints! They can work great in moderation. Try one statement piece (for instance, a colorful floral dress for mom) and one subtle pattern (maybe tiny polka dots for baby girl), and then keep the rest of the family more simple.
FITTED CLOTHING
We don’t want your clothing to be too baggy or too tight. Properly fitted clothing looks put together and will show your shape. For women, your upper half and lower half should be balanced: so for instance, blousy shirt + skinny pants, or tight shirt + flowing skirt.
SAY TO:
no
FORMAL CLOTHES
Let your clothing match your surroundings. A tuxedo or formal dress will look out of place in the park.
BRIGHT WHITE
If you love white, try off-white or ivory instead.
LOGOS & TEXT
Words will draw attention away from your faces.
TRANSITION LENSES
If you wear glasses everyday, please wear them in your shoot! However, lens glare and shaded lenses will keep your eyes from being seen.
ATHLETIC SHOES
Fun kicks are so in, so wear what makes you happy!
SHORT-SLEEVED T-SHIRTS
Button-down or structured shirts generally look better in photos. If you have your heart set on a t-shirt, try layering a blazer on top.
TINY PLAID & COMPLICATED PATTERNS
These don’t always translate well in-camera.
Maternity TIPS:
Here are a few tips to help you get a beautiful outfit so you can get those portraits you’ve been dreaming of (when you’re actually able to sleep!).
WEAR A DRESS
Find a gown or maxi dress that you feel beautiful in. Think loose and flowy, this will be more flattering to your curves, and you’ll be able to accentuate that bump by cradling it with your hands. The flowing fabric looks amazing in the wind and creates a lot of movement in a still photo. If you don’t like how it looks in the mirror, you probably won’t like how it looks in the portraits, so choose something that flatters your own body! Remember it doesn't have to be practical, this a special gown, think of it like princess dress-up! Feel free to add a flower crown if that's your style!
CHOOSE PASTEL OR IVORY AND KEEP IT SOLID
This is important in getting the “light and airy” look to your pictures. If you are going for a darker look, you can choose bolder colors or whites an neutrals. Since the main focus in your maternity shoot is your bump, don’t let anything take the attention away from that, like a pattern or print. Wear solid colors for your bump to stand out the most. Texture is also a great alternative to a print or pattern. If you want to incorporate pattern into your shoot, have your husband wear a patterned shirt instead. If you feel solid colors are too boring, then bring in some fun, bright and bold accessories like necklaces and scarves.
CASUAL OUTFIT
A great option for this would be some jeans, a simple top and a pair of cute boots or sandals. There’s nothing wrong with going a little more simple. You can always add a few cute accessories in your jewelry to spice things up a bit.
