WHAT TO WEAR GUIDE
I know a lot of people have a hard time coming up with good wardrobe choices for photos. It can feel stressful sometimes, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are a few guidelines I’ve put together so you guys can be sure to look great and be all over each other, while making sure the images are focused on your guys’ love, not what you’re wearing.
I want you to look like YOU! Dress how you normally dress. Bring stuff you love. The most important thing is that you guys feel like yourselves. If you aren’t comfortable in what you’ve chosen for pictures, it will show.
HERE'S A FEW TIPS IF YOU FEEL LOST
First, bring some options. You'll want outfits that compliment the environment so that the focus is on you, not on any distractions. Make sure you bring pieces that you love and feel comfortable in that we can pick from.
But don’t bring your whole closet. It will take too much time to go through everything and will take time away from your session. Most people bring about 3 or 4 pairs of bottoms and 4 or 5 tops each, then you can bring dresses, accessories, jackets as well. Also, just know that you’ll most likely be changing in the the car. If you aren’t comfortable with that, that’s totally fine and you can just bring one outfit!
DOES IT MAKE SENSE?
It's the Midwest...it can be 45 and cloudy one day, 75 and sunny the next. So, be prepared to be flexible with wardrobe, in case you have to switch it up last minute. If it’s freezing cold outside, bring lots of layers and warm clothes, socks and boots. You don’t want to have sweaty pit stains in the photos, so if it's going to be hot, bring clothes that can breathe. Plan for the situation. If we are going to be going around in parks or walking trails, bring comfortable shoes you don't mind walking a lot in. If we are shooting at a lake, it would look weird if you’re wearing shoes. If we're shooting an in-home session, wear whatever you'd wear around home! You want to be comfortable but look natural!
COLORS
I recommend people lean towards neutrals and earth tones. This doesn't just mean creams, browns and grays. There's neutrals for every color such as a soft forest green, burnt orange, navy blue, and a deep maroon.
Stay away from bright distracting colors such as pink, red and orange. Bright colors usually resulting in odd skin tones. If you have a dark or olive skin tone it might be an exception depending on the light condition.
PATTERNS
Avoid loud, crazy patterns. The more subtle, the better! If the pattern is too loud, it will distract from your faces. Flannels are always a great option.
I try to avoid pairing too many patterns together because it makes the photos feel a little hectic and distracts from your faces and the location. Also, be sure to iron your clothes beforehand so there’s not huge wrinkles distracting from your faces either!
MATERIALS
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, you might be distracted during the shoot. I recommend bringing clothes that you love and are "broken in" so you're comfortable. I love when people bring things that can show movement by catching wind, because it adds energy to the photos and looks awesome!
HAIR & MAKEUP
People ask whether or not they should get their hair and makeup done professionally. My answer is and always will be “whatever makes you feel best!” I don’t think it’s necessary, because in my opinion, I would rather look like myself than a glammed up version of myself (since I wear pretty minimal makeup and a messy bun most days). But, if you want your hair and makeup done, then definitely do it! The most important thing is that you feel confident. Also, I don’t suggest getting a spray tan since most of the time they look orange.
CAN YOU PHOTOSHOP ME TO HAVE CLEAR SKIN
OR TO LOOK SKINNIER?
I don't want to change your appearance. I want you to feel like yourself, not look unrealistic. Yes, I will do slight retouches to clear up a blemish or remove a distraction but no, I will not Photoshop your body to look different because you are perfect the way you are!
PROPS & ACCESSORIES
When I think “props”, my mind goes to all of the Pinterest photos of chalkboards and things brought to shoots, but they don’t have to be cheesy! Props could be a fun pizza picnic, a motorcycle or truck/car, blankets, your fur babies (obviously), a campfire, etc. If you have props you want to incorporate, let me know and we can use them in a non-cheesy way!
I love the options of hats, sunglasses, scarves, jewelry, etc because it’s nice to pair them with different outfits and they add depth and dimension. Just avoid watches so they don't distract from your faces during close up shots!
YOU'RE GONNA ROCK THIS!
If you still have questions, feel free to shoot me an email! Send over some photos of your outfit ideas and I'll help you out. You can even check out my Pinterest board for some inspiration. Don't overthink it. The leggings you've worn for the last eight days? Go for it. Your favorite sweater you love to lounge around the house in? Heck yeah. The band tee that you've had since high school? Awesome. The most important thing is that you're YOU!
