*For your session, PLEASE remember, no cameras of any kind (including cell phones)! Only my camera is allowed to capture all the great moments and smiles!*
When choosing a photographer, you need to find one that will fit your needs AND personality. Which is harder than it may seem. Make sure you are 100% comfortable so the best of you can shine through! If you can be relaxed, it's so much easier to get great images.
- What is the purpose of my portrait? To update my walls? To announce an important life event?
- What colors do I love to decorate with? a) earth-tones: brown, rust, gold, cream b) bold pops of color on a neutral canvas c) soft and pale tones (pastels) d) I have an absolute favorite color. Tell me what matches it? e) Neutral tones- black, white, gray, cream
- Are there any colors I do not look good in or I detest? (simply avoid these)
1) Coordinate, don’t match.
It used to be a thing – everyone would wear the exact same outfit: think jeans and a white t-shirt. This is a very dated look (90's:)) Also everyone blends together and makes the image less interesting. Don’t do it now. Choose a color scheme – mix and match colors so that everyone flows and coordinates. Meaning pick 3 or 4 colors and everyone wear a variation of them . I love COLORS patterns and layers and accessories!
2) Select one piece (a favorite color) and build
When I don’t know what colors I want to choose for a photo shoot, I choose one piece and build around it. It is okay to have blue be your theme, but combine lights (tints) and darks (shades) with your main color to create variety and contrast. Balance comes by adding neutrals. Neutrals are classic- never appearing out dated and look great on all people. Black, gray (my favorite!), brown, tan, cream and white. These basics are a perfect canvas to add a splash of color to. 1). If you have a fair complexion/ hair a white top will wash you out- so choose a darker top. If you have a dark complexion/ hair, a black shirt will detract from your features. Just remember to balance things out.
3.) DO wear patterns!
I love little boys and men in a colorful plaid shirt. I then would have others bring out one of the colors of the plaid shirt and wear a plain colored shirt and pair it with a cute scarf, boots or heels. I suggest selecting mostly solid clothing to avoid distraction and to maintain a “timeless’ quality. To make things a little more interesting, select a pattern or two to give variety. Children’s clothing can be a great source for a fun color pallet that will tie in your whole family’s wardrobe. Texture photographs well! Choose a few items that will add texture: a scarf, vest, fun boots, jacket, a woven cardigan, etc. Layers are great. Rather than just a boy in a T-shirt, add a layer by wearing a button up shirt over the top. Belts, jewelry, watches all add to the “texture” element.”
4.) Think about the location of your pictures
We have all seen – kids especially – styled in hats, boots, tutus, and jackets. And they look ADORABLE. But if those kids aren’t comfortable, you are in for one miserable photo shoot. Make sure to keep everyone’s comfort level in mind. A tutu may SOUND like a great idea, but if you choose a blustery November day, your girl may be freezing, so have a backup plan in mind. Are you going to be on the beach? Surrounded by beautiful foliage? Sometimes you can choose what you are wearing to accent the locale. Fall colors – deep reds, oranges and greens look lovely this time of year, while a softer palette accents the coast. Since you ultimately want your pictures to be up all year long, you likely want to avoid being too seasonal, so you may want to skip Santa hats, reindeer ears or Halloween costumes – even if you are taking specific holiday pictures.
5.) Please SAY NO to LOGOS!
No NIKE, OLD NAVY, GAP or other labels. This is VERY distracting in an image. I know your sweet girl loves her Frozen Dress and crown, but as this is a more formal photo and one you want to put on display, it is best to keep characters out of the picture. You don't want a certain "Explorer" Girl and her Backpack to overpower your own tiny person! There is a slight exception to this... if you prefer a more urban style sometimes graphic tees work:) For example a "Rockstar" shirt, make sense?
6.) Comfort also means dressing to flatter your body type
DONT wear something unflattering. This seems like a given right? BUT Im constantly surprised when women complain that they hate their arms yet they choose a short sleeve shirt. To this I say 3/4 length sleeves:)
7.) Plan in advance
The more time you allow yourself to decide what you would like everyone to wear, the more calm you will feel. Waiting until two nights before your shoot is bound to make you feel panicked. Additionally: options never hurt. Before you go out and buy an all new wardrobe: Gather from your closets some samples of the colors you are considering and line them up on a bed or couch and see how they look together. Save $$ by utilizing clothing you already have with the addition perhaps a new piece or two. After you’ve done your line up, see what is lacking (ie. another dark shirt, a complementary color, etc.) If you want your portrait to be authentic- avoid buying clothes that you know your family would never wear “in real life.”
Hopefully these tips are helpful! Good luck and I can't wait to capture your memories for you! :)
