A guide for WHAT TO WEAR
Let's get you ready!
I know it can feel a bit daunting to pick what to wear for your photos so I've created a few guidelines so you guys can be sure to look and FEEL comfortable and amazing and love on each other the way I know you want to. I'm not a fashion expert, but I do have a good idea on what looks good together, especially in photos. Keep in mind these are JUST guidelines. I want you to feel like YOU, but an elevated version of you.
Here's the deal, please don’t feel like if you don’t follow these guidelines, that your photos are going to look awful. Dress how you normally dress so you can be as comfortable as humanly possible! A lot of clients dream up new outfit ideas before their sessions and want to splurge on new things, but my biggest piece of advice is: DON'T. Instead, bring clothing you already have and wear; things that are already in your closet that you love and feel like yourselves in. Who cares if you look back at the photos in 20 years and laugh about what you're wearing?
The more comfortable you feel in your clothing, the more comfortable you're going to look in your photographs. Trust me, I won't steer you wrong.
Here’s a few guidelines to help if you’re feeling lost about what to wear:
First off, I always recommend bringing options to your session if you need to. To get the best results, I'm happy to help pick and pull from options you bring to change into for each location we shoot at (if we're shooting at multiple spots). This way I can make sure the outfits compliment the environment so that the focus is on you two.
Most people bring about 2 to 3 pairs of bottoms and 3 to 4 tops each along with dresses, accessories, and jackets as well. Also, just know that depending on where we're shooting, you’ll most likely be changing in the back of the car. If you aren’t down with that, that’s totally fine and you can just bring one outfit! Just make sure to text me a few photos of the outfit options you have and we can pick it out together beforehand.
When you're considering the environment we'll be shooting in, consider the landscape, the weather, and how you can make it all make sense. For example, if we're going to be at the beach, consider what types of shoes you should wear. Better yet, maybe go barefoot?
If it's going to be chilly, wear layers and think about how to tie accessories in if you want to.
Being comfortable is key to making your photos make sense with your clothing and environment.
Make sure it makes sense.
movement
Make sure the materials you wear will keep you comfortable during your session, not only for temperatures, but also for being able to move around in easily. I recommend bringing clothes that are "broken in" if possible so you can be as comfortable as possible. I also love when people bring clothing or accessories that can show movement by catching wind because it adds energy to the photos and looks absolutely gorgeous!
Colors + Patterns
I typically recommend sticking with neutrals and earthy tones. Neutrals doesn't mean strictly grays and browns. There are neutrals and muted tones of every single color (think: mustard yellow, forest green, navy blue, burnt orange, burgundy, etc.) Try to stay away from BRIGHT, neon colors, like bright pinks, oranges, and reds, unless you go really bold and do it right (example below). If you have dark or olive toned skin it can be an exception with different lighting conditions, but most of the time, these colors result in people's skin looking pink/orange in their photos. Try to steer away from these colors unless you're really feeling called to wear something like this. You can always ask me for direction and advice! Even looking through my past client galleries for inspiration can be super helpful. You can also check out my Pinterest board here for other outfit ideas and inspiration!
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 usually try to avoid pairing too many patterns together because, you guessed it, it makes the photos feel a little hectic and distracting. Also, be sure to iron or steam your clothes before your session so aren't any massive wrinkles distracting from your faces either.
Listen, props don’t have to be cheesy! Props can be a pizza picnic, your motorcycle, your dogs (even your horse!), blankets, champagne showers, a truck/car, a campfire, a bouquet, a paddle board, etc. If you have props you want to incorporate, let me know and we can make sure to incorporate them in a non-cheesy way!
I love when people bring hats, sunglasses, scarves, jewelry, etc. It’s so nice to pair them with different outfit options! Avoid wearing watches so they don't distract from your faces when I’m getting close up shots!
Props
All of the above applies, but for in home sessions I say get even comfier! I’m saying that your photos will look a lot more natural and intimate if you're wearing things you actually wear around your home! Honestly, I think most of us walk around without pants on anyways.
I recommend having choices of tank tops, shorts, sweaters, and jeans to mix and match! If you want to just rock a sweater with your undies for a few shots or have your boo be shirtless, then heck yes to that. I just want you to DO YOU BOO.
In Home Sessions
A lot of people ask me whether or not they should get their hair and makeup done by a pro. My answer is always “whatever will make you feel like your best self, do that.” What is right for one person won't be right for another person. I know what a confidence boost it can be to have your hair and makeup done by the RIGHT person/people who get your vision and can still make you feel like YOU. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had girls show up to their sessions wiping off the slathered on makeup on their faces and ripping out 500 bobby-pins because they just don't FEEL 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 in your own skin.
If you’re getting hair and makeup done, I recommend you schedule it to be finished at least an hour before you have to leave for your shoot so you aren’t late and you have time to make adjustments if necessary. Also, if you’re pasty as all hell (like me) and want to get a spray tan, be sure to get a suuuuper natural airbrushed spray tan rather than one from a salon/tanning place. Trust me, you don’t want to look like an oompa loompa!
Hair + Makeup
That's all folks!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out! If you’re still freaking out about what to wear, feel free to shoot me a pic or two of what you’re thinking, or we can create a Pinterest board together for inspiration! Overall, I would say just wear something you’re comfortable in and feel like yourself. A pair of Vans you’ve had since 8th grade? Great. A sweater you wore for a month straight? Awesome. A hat that you know your mom hates? Perfect. You do you, boo. I promise the photos will turn out amazing.
