I often hear, "I love your style! I'd love to book with you!"
Aside from connection, styling is THE next most important element of your session. Photography is an art, and just like each artist has a style, so does each photographer. If you're going to invest your time into anything, styling would be it! In this guide you will find tips, color palettes, shopping links and even inspiration images. As a complimentary service you also have access to my client closet, which are items you can borrow during our session together.
So let's get started!
- Matching outfits makes them blend together
- Light, pastel colors adds no dimension to the photos
- Stiff clothing and shoes didn't allow for much movement
- Bold & neutral colors added separation between the subjects
- Variety of textures and articles of clothing adds dimension
- Flowy & comfortable clothing allows for dramatic movement
- Layers of clothing & jewelry adds detail for up close moments
Together we will create a beautiful piece of art that is unique to your family.
As one of my clients once said, "This is just as much your story as it is ours." and I couldn't agree more. So let's start writing your story...together.
Let's get started!
Colors
This is SO important. Following the color palette provided will make a dramatic difference in how your photos turn out. AVOID neons, bright whites, dark darks and matching outfits.
Textures
Adding in textures gives that extra dimension to your photos. Think knits, cotton, lace and silk! Wear articles that flow with you and with the wind. Dudes can wear joggers, slacks, khakis, or dark jeans. AVOID clingy, tight fitting clothing or articles that need adjusting often.
Layers
This is obviously easier to do in the winter months. Think neutral or denim jackets, vests, suspenders, tights, scarf, bows, headbands, or sun hat. but there are also singular pieces of clothing that have different layers of textures that can be a great piece to add!
Patterns
Keep the patterns simple such as a small floral print or flannel. AVOID logos and matching outfits.
Color Palettes
Add a simple pattern to any of these. These colors photograph well and add so much dimension to your photos.
Don't be afraid of neutrals mixed with bold colors!
Emerald, Rust, Wine, Burgundy, Olive, Cream, Ivory, Khaki, Coffee, Mustard, Deep Teal, Mauve, Burnt Orange, Sea Foam Blue. All of these colors can mix together and the colors photograph very well. AVOID neons, pastels, light and dark blues and true primary and secondary colors.
BUT WAIT...what about SPRING colors?
These SAME colors can be perfect for spring! Deep yellow, Deep Teal, Mauve. and darker orange; paired with a floral shirt, a neutral and a beautiful spring backdrop will scream spring! The most important thing here is color (not neons or super brights), so stay away from all pastels as my editing style does not compliment those colors well.
In Home Sessions
Again, we can stick to the same color palette. Keep patterns really simple and in the accessories if possible (swaddles, etc.)
Christmas
Stay away from bright reds, bright greens and bright blues. Be careful when pairing multiple dark colors together. Make sure to add neutrals.
The little things matter...
Accessories
Ladies - Adding in earthy tone jewelry and a felt wide brim hat are always a good compliment to any outfit! Dudes - Neutral beanies and waffle knit jackets can be worn in the winter months!
Shoes
Ladies - Wear simple sandals or boots. Dudes - Wear boots or nice sneakers...anything but athletic shoes! Make sure they are neutral or feel free to go barefoot in the warmer months!
Hair
Loose curls or chunky braids are my go to! Leaving your hair down adds that extra dramatic effect in photos!
Let's go shopping!
Here are some of my favorite shopping places!
Moms - Baltic born, Vici Collections, Joyfolie, Amazon, Free People
Little girls - Joyfolie, Target, Amazon
Babies - Target, Walmart, Amazon, H&M, Baileys Blossoms
Boys & Dad - Amazon, Old Navy, H&M
...and for everyone, of course, my client closet!
Here are a few examples...
Important Reminders
Remember to avoid
Neons, dark darks, and bright whites
True primary & secondary colors
Pastel colors, plain light and dark blues
Logos & Graphic T's
Very busy patterns - keep it to one simple pattern, if any
Remember to avoid
Neons, dark darks, and bright whites
True primary & secondary colors
Pastel colors, plain light and dark blues
Logos & Graphic T's
Very busy patterns - keep it to one simple pattern, if any
Now, let's get you dressed!
I take pride in helping to style my clients as part of my services offered to you. I don't expect this little guide to make you an expert. PLEASE feel free to text me pictures of your outfits so I can give my expertise. I will be texting you closer to our session date to help get your outfits planned out perfectly! Feel free to contact me for any reason! 941-705-5083
