I'm so excited for your upcoming session and can't wait to help you with what to wear! Dive into these pro tips and guidelines so you two can look and feel amazing in front of the camera!
The goal is to keep the style and vibe true to you, so that the images are focused on your love without distractions. I want you to be fully present with each other and not have to worry about uncomfortable outfits.
After hundreds of sessions, I’ve found these guidelines work really well, but they are just suggestions, not rules. So, wear what you love and don't stress it! The most important thing to me is that you two look and feel like yourselves, so you can be as comfortable as possible! You already know I'm not about stiff awkward pictures!
I always recommend just spicing up the style you already wear daily! When you're shopping, think about how you can elevate your everyday vibe, so the photos feel timeless and true-to-you. Consider brands like Anthropologie, Free People, Zara, BHLDN, Abercrombie, Lulus, Revolve, Nordstrom, and Reformation to start your search!
If you two are up for getting fancy, a dress paired with a nicely fitted suit can be super classic in photos. To make it more elevated, add a tie and oxfords; to make it more casual, a cozy turtleneck shirt and nice boots! You can always opt for one fancy outfit and one casual outfit for variety – that's my recommendation to make the most of the time we have for your session!
yay! let's start planning!
As mentioned, it's most important that you feel comfortable and confident in your outfits. These are your photos and memories, so choose what is true to you, so you look back on these pictures years from now and just see your love, not an outfit you felt awkward in!
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Most of my couples opt for 2 outfits, which I absolutely love for the sake of variety and your comfort throughout the evening! Our 1.5 - 2 hour session is plenty of time for 2 outfits (sometimes even 3), and we're typically heading to multiple locations where it would make sense for an outfit change.
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Depending on where we are taking pictures, you may be changing in the back of the car, in a public bathroom, or somewhere outdoors. If you aren’t comfortable that, I would suggest sticking to one outfit! Please don't hesitate to text me photos of the outfit options you have, so I can guide you with what will photograph best! I'm alwaysss here to help and love being your virtual styling bff in this process!
styling your session:
tips, ideas, and guidelines
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 would look weird if you’re wearing shoes (ps heels are pretty tough out in nature, but I totally think you can rock a cute bootie-heel!). If it’s freezing cold outside, bring lots of layers and warm clothes with cozy socks and boots. If it’s going to be hot, bring clothes that can breathe more so you don’t have sweat stains in the photos. Be as comfortable as you can be while still looking adorbs!
make it make sense
movement
Like I said, make sure that the materials you wear will keep you comfortable during the shoot not only for temperatures but also for being able to move around in. If you're in brand new jeans that are still stiff and tight, it may be hard to move and run around while still being comfortable! I recommend bringing clothes that are "broken in" so that you'll be as comfortable as possible. I also love when people bring clothing or accessories that can show movement by catching wind! It adds energy to the photos and looks amazing!
I recommend sticking with neutrals and earthy tones. Neutrals doesn’t mean just grays and browns, there are neutrals of every color (mustard yellow, forest green, navy blue, burnt orange, etc.). I usually think it's best to stay away from bright, fluorescent, distracting colors. Try to find what would look best with your skin tone. Pinks, oranges or reds can sometimes cause a color cast on yours or your partner's skin, so just check with me first if you're leaning toward one of those! Again, think of a muted or neutral tone instead of a bright color! Pinterest for outfit inspo is a real life saver here when it comes to color palettes!
colors
coordinate
You want to try to be coordinating instead of matching. Think about color palettes that work well together rather than wearing the exact same colors or patterns. Gone are the days of matching red-and-black-plaid or white shirts and jeans for both of you! Don't be afraid of color, just coordinate those color palettes. Search Pinterest for outfit color palettes that work well together for ideas!
Avoid big, loud, chunky, crazy patterns. The smaller or more subtle, the better! If the pattern is too loud, it will distract from your faces. I would try to avoid pairing too many patterns together, since it can look a little hectic and distracting in photos. Also, be sure to iron or steams your clothes beforehand and hang them nicely when you drive to avoid any wrinkles!
patterns
Accessories are such a great way to add some pop to your outfit! Think about adding a cute hat (fedoras, wide-brim, beanies), a scarf, a denim jacket, or some simple jewelry! I would take off your watches, so they don't distract from your faces when I'm getting up close shots. Apple watches just aren't that cute in photos, unfortunately!
props
No, not those cringe-worthy Pinterest props with cheesy chalkboards and quote signs! Props can be really fun if you just stick to normal, real-life ideas! Think of the stuff you love - Taco Bell and beer (if you're anything like me..), a motorcycle, your furbabies (if you have a dog and don't bring it, I’ll actually cry), blankets, your Jeep, a campfire, a bouquet, a paddle board, etc. OR let your location be your prop, like carnivals, hot air balloon festivals, ice skating, swimming in the lake, going to the local brewery, etc.
in-home sessions
All of the above applies, but for in home sessions, feel free to get extra cozy! Your photos will look way more comfortable and intimate if you're wearing clothes you'd actually wear at home than if you're in many layers or what you'd wear to go out! I recommend a matching pj set, a tshirt and boyfriend jeans, leggings and a sweater, etc. Feel free to show some skin if you like that vibe. Just think cozy and comfortable and you'll be good to go!
I think there are perks either way! If you don't get professional hair and makeup, you will, of course, look and feel more like your everyday self! However, a professional blow out or soft curls with professional makeup will photograph beautifully, as well! If you're worried about looking fake or not like you, make sure to choose a makeup artist who specialized in natural makeup!
Your session is a great time to schedule your wedding day makeup trial, so you can get the most out of the professional makeup!
Whether you're doing it yourself or scheduling with the pros, PLEASE schedule to be done at least an hour if not a little more before you have to leave for the shoot to ensure you're on time.
If you want a golden glow, go for a very natural airbrush from a trust professional, rather than any DIY lotions or sprays. Although I don't recommend tanning beds, try to avoid anything that will cause harsh tan lines. My editing is already very warm, so I want to keep your skin looking as natural as possible!
hair & makeup
pets
OMG PLEASE bring your furbabies, I will actually cry of happiness! :) I always recommend having an extra set of hands (family member or friend) to help out! Your dog can take breaks when they get a little restless and we can continue to shoot photos of you without any worry about the furbaby!
Always bring a nice leash (not a bright orange, dirty old thing) or harness, water, doggy waste bags, treats, and some toys! We can use them to get their attention toward the camera if they need a little enticing!
there you have it!
If you have any questions, please reach out! If you’re still unsure about what to wear, feel free to text me the options and I will help! I absolutely LOVE when my couples ask me for input so we can choose the absolute best options for your sesh! :) But overall, wear what you’re comfortable and feel like yourself in. Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to think about all the little details! I don't want you to stress or rush to throw this together, it should be well thought out to make the most of your session! You do you, and I promise the photos will turn out amazing! I'm always here to help along the way!
my number is 732-266-6311
text me links or pictures while you shop and pick outfits!
ready to start shopping?
check out my Pinterest board for all the outfit inspo here!
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