The biggest question...
at the start of any shoot. I know it can feel kind of daunting to pick what to wear for photos. So here are a few guidelines I’ve put together to an create a beautiful outfits that will feel comfortable and easy! This is what I’ve found to work best from trial and error from past shoots, they’re only guidelines, not rules!
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Ultimately, you want you photos to look like yourselves. Don’t feel like if you don’t follow these guidelines that your photos are going to suck. A lot of people try to go shopping for new clothes for a shoot beforehand but I actually recommend not always going that route. Bring items you normally wear, things that are already in your closet that you love and feel like yourselves in. An old band t-shirt and ripped jeans? Perfect. You're pictures are a representation and memory of who you are now! Weather you're going for a classic long lasting or fun fashion shoot, we all want to look back on old photos and remember the good times surrounding them!
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Most importantly, I always recommend to bring multiple options. To get the best results, we'll discuss possible outfits before your session and then pick and pull from the options you bring for extra looks. This way we can make sure the outfits compliment the environment so that the focus is on you, and not on any distractions. All you have to do is make sure you bring items that make you feel like a million bucks!
Hair + Makeup
A lot of people ask me whether or not they should get your hair and makeup done by a pro. While I don’t think it’s necessary whatsoever, I also encourage to go with what you think is best! On one hand I have had a handful of clients that have seen their pictures after their session and related they were surprised since they didn't look like themselves. But, if you want your hair and makeup done, then definitely do it, because the most important thing is that you feel confident. If you’re getting hair and makeup done, it should take just over an hour. If you would like a hair cut, color, spray tan or other large adjustment. I recommend an appointment a week before your shoot to have time to fix any mess-ups.
Make it make sense
Think about the conditions and locations we are going to be shooting in and plan around it. If we are going to be hiking around the mountains, bring shoes with good grip and you won’t twist your ankles in. If we are shooting on a sandy beach, it might look strange in clunky boots. If it’s cold weather outside, bring thick and thin layers. If it’s going to be hot, items that can breathe so you don’t have sweat stains. Be as comfortable as you can be!
Patterns and Color
If you are looking for your portraits to last. Aim for a classics look that avoids big, loud, and crazy patterns. The smaller patterns and subtle colors, the better! If the pattern or color is too loud, it will distract from your faces. Flannels, thin stripes and small dots are usually a okay! I usually try to avoid pairing too many patterns together because it makes the photos feel a little hectic and distracting, unless that's what you're going for! Also, be sure to iron your clothes before so there’s not huge wrinkles causing unnecessary shadows.
