Styling Do's and Dont's
What you wear to your session creates the overall feel to your images. So if your nerves start to fizz when you think about what to wear, don’t worry. This is SO normal! Before you loose sleep to late nights spent online shopping, putting articles of clothing in your cart only to take them out again, let’s talk about what works and what doesn’t.
Whether it is your favourite denim and shirt or a flowing dress. Think about how you want to feel on the day of your session... Think about how you will feel seeing you image blown up and framed on your wall.
Location and Season
Plan your outfits around what you know about the conditions at the location we’ll be shooting at. Will there be a breeze or a bit of wind down the beach? A beautiful flowing dress and hair down, why not even ditch the shoes for pain-free feet, and look relatively native to your environment. Think through your clothing choices logically based on location, vibe, and comfort level.
Incorporate Texture and Movement
Pick fabrics that move and flow with you. Ones that add a cosy texture, or get picked up by the wind, filter the late afternoon sun, and glow in the morning light. Natural fibres like linen, cotton, or wool are amazing. Avoid stiff garments as they need constant adjusting.
*If you decided to go with linen make sure you think about the crinkle factor!
Colour
Aim for neutrals or earthy tones that are warm. These colours and tones will complement the outdoor environment almost anywhere and add warmth to your images.
My favourite colours to photograph are neutral tones of ivory, camel, tan and pink, Think neutral, earthy and warm!
For families it’s best to keep your colour scheme limited to four colours. You can choose one person to wear a feature colour or print, say Mum, and have everyone else can simply match in tone not print.
Patterns and Prints
Avoid large bold patterns as they often dominate the photograph and detract attention from your beautiful face. Usually, subtle smaller patterns work best. Light floral print are great when they complement the location. Flannels can be a bit bold and overpowering, and fine stripes cause a lot of moiré, less is definitely more with this one. Try to limit yourself to one pattern at a time. and avoid matching patterns! Much like crazy patterns, clothing with writing or logos on it tends to be a bit distracting
Matching vs Complementing
You don’t want to create the illusion of being your partner’s Siamese twin. When multiple people wear the same colour, sometimes their matching outfits blend together so much that you can’t really see any of them properly. In order for the aesthetics of your photograph to really sing, you want to find complementary outfits that showcase a variety of colours, textures, accessories, patterns, and tones. Complement the other people in the photograph as well as your surroundings. You don't want to look the same.
Layering
Combining layers and textures create more visually interesting photographs, but it preps you for all sorts of weather conditions, too! Think knit jumbers, textured tights, denim jackets, snuggling in throw blanket, tights and boots.
TIP: wearing a long sleeve dress on a cooler day with layers underneath like a single or long sleeve top and tights.
Hair and Makeup
As for hair... I’m a sucker for the fly away hair that blows in the breeze. Up-dos are alright, and I totally get it, it’s so easy to throw your hair up, I personally love a mum bun! But hair down is the way to go. With your hair down, you get movement, you get interest, you get the feels and some perfect slices of imperfection in the best possible way. Remember this is a special occasion!
LET'S RECAP.
Dress for the season and location.
Compliment - don’t match (unintentionally).
Natural, neutral and warm tones look amazing!
Choose loose, flowy, or textural options.
Avoid large prints, logos, and patterns (unless it tells your story)
Choose appropriate clothing to cover any unwanted tattoos or areas yourself conscious.
Throw in a knit jumper or cardigan, or even a denim jacket into your bag.
Empty all pockets pre shoot, we don't want un-natural bulges.
No sunnies please, and no fake tan!
Pack a little hair spray to tame those fly away's.
Avoid plunging necklines to prevent boobie pics.
Shave the day before to prevent any skin irritations on the day of your session.
Touch as much as you can through-out your session and...