Clothing, the big dilemma when it comes to photos. Let's dive into the world of wardrobe wonders! From chic outfits to timeless classics, we have got your back (along with a few other tips to help)! Let's make your photos as unforgettable as the moments they capture!
How to Prepare:
- Make hair, nail, and/or makeup appointments before your photoshoot. Make sure your roots are touched up and you aren’t wearing chipped nail polish. Please do not try a new style or make-up look. While I edit my sessions with a vintage, fine art style, I still want you to look like you.
- Plan your outfits at least a week in advance—don’t wait ‘til the last day, trust me! You want to wake up feeling relaxed and prepared, so plan these details out early. Choose clothes that you feel comfortable wearing and that are simple/neutral. Please no bare arms, logos or crazy prints. Try to steer away from all black or white. Feel free to accent your outfits with a colorful scarf or shawl. Feel free to text me photos of your wardrobe if you’re having a hard time choosing! I’m happy to help.
- Prepare your kids with laid-back, low-key references to let them know what’s happening. Tell them you will be “hanging out with our friend Melissa on (insert day)!” or “going to the park to play!” and keep things fun, lighthearted, and casual. Families have shared that this tip is especially helpful if they have a particularly shy child. Please make sure that the children have had their nap and a light meal before the session. (Snacks are allowed during session).
- Brainstorm about specific props, mementos, or special types of images you want captured. Some families bring heirloom quilts, a special stuffed animal, an embroidered keepsake, etc. Some families know they want a very specific type of photograph taken. If you have these preferences, be sure to brainstorm them in advance and let me know as well! If you have a certain pose or location that you would prefer, please tell me at our consultation.
- Drink plenty of fluids the day before session. This helps reduce bloating and fatigue. Please remember to not wear a hear scrunchie on your wrist before the session!
- No Tanning: If you normally tan, great; but if you are tanning just for the photo session? Please leave this step out. You do not want an unexpected sunburn for your photos.
- Most of all: have fun and relax!
How to Dress for Session:
- Obviously, dress for the weather! We want everyone to be comfortable!
- Don’t wear matching clothes— no more jeans-and-matching-shirts these days! Instead, wear colors in a complimentary color palette, such as earth tones and neutrals.
- No tennis shoes, T shirts, or shirts with writing on them!
- Be careful about undergarments. While I am very experienced at Photoshop, editing out bra straps or panty lines is difficult and time-consuming. Choose clothes that properly cover your undergarments, in all types of movement scenarios.
- I recommend women wear medium or long dresses instead of pants because they capture movement and generally photograph more flatteringly. Short dresses might be a challenge when we do any seated photos, so keep that in mind. Please do not have bare arms.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes you can move in. If your dress gets suddenly too short when you bend over, or your pants are too tight to sit down in, opt for more breathable pieces. Be prepared to move!
- Do opt for accessories! Bowties, suspenders, hats, flower headbands, chunky scarves, beautiful flowing dresses and skirts—these create visual interest and movement in your photos, and really help the images stand apart.
- Remind gentlemen to take bulky items like phones and car keys out of their pockets before we start snapping photos.