Portrait Photography Style Guide
Oh hey there! I know you are super excited about our portrait session and I am right there with you! With a little bit of planning, we can make sure the photos I take truly capture your authentic self not only living your best life but looking your best. If you follow my tips on my portrait style guide below, I can assure you, that you will be super pleased with how you look in the photos you receive from me!
Stick to neutral and earthy tones
I highly recommend choosing wardrobe pieces that have neutral and earthy colors! Forest green, beige, white, black, nude, light pink, mustard yellow, navy blue, light blue, copper, gold, charcoal… MY FAVORITES! A couple of reasons for this…. Bright, bold and neon colors can be distracting from you (the subject and star of the show) and takes away from the emotion from the photo. Also those colors don’t look great with my editing style. Neutral and earthy colors also really work well with the settings I like to shoot my clients in (cue my excitement for shooting in nature and minimalist / modern spaces!).
Keep the patterns to a minimum
You can totally rock patterns in our shoot but be careful of over doing it. Try to stick to more subtle patterns and don’t have more than one person wear a pattern… that can look a little crayyyyy in photos and we don’t want that!
Dress weather / season appropriate
This may sound like a no brainer but I have seen some lets just say pretty “interesting” wardrobe choices that don’t really go with the season or weather. Keep the layers and warm clothing for fall and winter shoots while keeping the dresses and sandals for the spring and summer. Other than it looking silly, I don’t want anyone to feel too hot or cold while shooting. Also speaking of that don’t ever assume what the weather will be like the day of your shoot and keep your eye out on the weather because some days as we are all well aware the weather can be unseasonably warm or cold! As long as its not inclement weather we will be shooting so be prepared!
Wear outfits that are comfy, fit you and you can move around in
This may be the most super important piece of advice I can give you! Don’t plan on being standing still holding poses in a portrait session with me, you are gonna be moving all over the place! Wear shoes that you feel comfortable wearing for long periods of time. Choose clothes you are not afraid to move around in and that look good when you are moving or sitting ( heyyyyy ladies love those flowing dresses and skirts). Also pick clothes that flatter your body type. Put effort into choosing outfits you don’t look like you are swimming in or clothes that look like the are stuck to you. And lastly make sure they are clothes that are weather appropriate that you don’t feel too hot or cold in… there is nothing as bad as being overheated or freezing cold.
Props
Can I be honest here? There are WAY better props to bring to your shoot then those cheesy signs or letters with your wedding date on them or a word like “love” or “family”. If you want a little extra something in your shoot to celebrate you, your relationship with you significant other or your family I got some suggestions for you that are not so cheesy they are cringe worthy… Have a special furry friend? Please bring them cause I LOVE animals and they are a major part of your life! Is there a special food like tacos you like to pig out on? Bring it and if you love me, snag an piece for your friendly “starving” artist friend… lmao. Do you like play guitar or ride bikes? I am so here for capturing you doing what you love! Let me know if you are planning on bringing anything other than yourselves before hand
Rock those accessories and layers
It is so when clients rock really cool hats, jewelry, scarves or other accessories in my sessions. I love seeing pieces that elevate my clients’ outfits and overall look. Also layers are AMAZING for this as well. Bring jackets and sweaters for cooler weather that we can take on and off to add more variety in your photos.
Lets see those tattoos and piercings
I don’t know about you all but I LOVE showing off my visible tattoos and piercings because they are part of me. Incase you did not know I fan girl every time one of my clients has a one or more tattoos or piercings I can see. Show me them tattoos and piercings and we will make them look super rad in your shoot!
My engaged ladies… treat yo self to a manicure!
I am all about photographing hands and especially engagement rings on hands (its kind of my thing). Make sure if you are showing off that new bling on your hand that your nails and hands are shining. If you get colors on your nails stick to neutral colors so it does not take away from the ring. Also, make sure you put some hand lotion on your hands so we can avoid the look of dry skin.
Favorite Places for Outfits
Here are some of mine and my client’s favorite places to shop:
Have more questions or need suggestions? Hit me up here or check out my website and I am more than happy to steer you in the right direction or check out my portrait portfolio to see more of my stylish past clients!