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Photo Session Style Guide

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Use this style guide to help you select the perfect clothes for your next session. Maybe you’ll decide to scour the internet for ideas, check out color pallets at Coolors.co or simply just keep reading for my helpful tips. To help with this process, I have decided to include a few examples of my work along with coordinating color pallet examples for a better visual.


Here we are, on the brink of my busy photo season and I keep getting the same question, “What should I wear?”. Choosing the right outfit(s) can make or break a portrait. First, think of a photo session as an event. For other events you would dress your family in slightly dressier clothes than your casual attire. That doesn’t mean you should show up in a tux, but maybe something between your favorite sweat pants and a ballgown. One of the most common mistakes is to dress too casual.


Next, think about what type of session you’re doing and think about the colors that would complement that session. Think about the backdrop of your session: will they fit in with it or will they clash? For example, you may want lighter colors for a cherry blossom session versus an autumn session where you may be better off choosing muted oranges, greens and browns.

If you decide to wear a dress, and I hope you do, make sure it’s below the knee or full length. We don’t want to be distracted by all the exposed skin. When it comes to fit, always choose an outfit

that is shape defining. Most women will think that baggy will make them look better, but that is far from the truth. Wear something that defines the waist or try adding a belt for definition. Fitted clothing will photograph much nicer. If you’re trying to slim yourself (and we all are), choose a dark color. You could even wear a light top with a dark jacket for contrast and a slimming effect. I always suggest wearing long sleeves and pants, not shorts, for the same reason. Too much skin exposed is distracting and takes away from the subject. If your skin is on the pale side, avoid very light/white colors so it doesn’t “wash you out”. For the most flattering neckline, choose something that comes high up. As much as your cleavage looks amazing, that’s the only thing people will see when they look at your photos. Avoid tank tops with bra straps showing, older white shirts that may be dingy or have small underarm stains. I would also avoid any clothing that goes with current fads. You’ll regret it one day when you look back.


I typically say to avoid patterns or anything busy, again too distracting. Never wear anything with a logo or character on it. Just because you don’t choose a pattern doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with different textures of fabric in the same “color family”. That is one way to complement different colors without getting distracted with patterns. If you choose to put someone in a pattern, I always say just one person, everyone else in solids. Do not have matching outfits, remember, the goal is to complement each other’s colors. The one exception to that rule is if all the kids have the exact same outfit or shirt, NOT the whole family. Bright colors can be beautiful but can be distracting in photos. Avoid bright reds, bright greens and vibrant pinks.


Do you wear glasses?


Even anti glare glasses can create a distracting reflection and can block your eyes. I would suggest taking them off for photos to avoid the glare. Also, take off the smart watch. I love the look of a classic watch but most people these

days have smart watches. Unless you can dress it up, I would leave your watch in the car. Don’t over accessorize; earrings, necklaces and bracelets can be beautiful but less is always more. That being said, there is something special about wearing a hat (not baseball cap) for a session or your cool sunglasses. Both of which can be taken off for some of the photos and added for others.




Last, once you think you have it all figured out, lay them all out together, socks and all. Make sure you like how they look together and that they complement each other.




I hope you have found this article

helpful in your process of selecting the

perfect outfits for your upcoming photo session. Thank you so much for trusting me to memorialize such a beautiful time in your family’s lives. I’m really looking forward to another busy photo season with you all.


























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