1. Dress Up!
It might sound obvious, but the most important thing to do is dress up! You have invested time and money into a professional photoshoot and you will want to look your best. Remember…when you look good, you feel good! Your confidence will shine in your photos.
Layers add so much depth and texture to a photo and take a normal photo to the next level! Hats, scarfs, sweaters, suspenders, bowties, a nice jacket, and stunning statement jewelry are all great options! Focus on one statement item (dress, jewelry, suit) and build the rest of the outfit complementing your statement item.
3. Don’t be afraid of color and patterns!
Whether you’re going fully formal or laid-back casual, solid colors are always a win! So go with bright hues that will pop from the background. Try to avoid plaids, and head-to-toe black or white clothing—and keep the silhouettes streamlined. Some couples coordinate their clothing palettes, but there’s no need to go overboard to the point of being matchy-matchy.
If you are worried about color, tip 4 may be more your style….
4. Explore all neutrals
When you are wanting to go neutral with your outfits remember white isn’t the only neutral. Men wearing a light blue oxford and a woman in a tan sheer flowing dress is still neutral! Other neutral options: black, tan, blush, light blues, nudes, navy, gray. Spice up your neutrals by playing around with other textures, patterns!
5.Consider your location
Based off where you will be taking photos, your outfits should work with with your location.Pick your scene and than choose your outfits. Make sure your outfit is comfortable for your surroundings. Lets not be wearing those stilettos at the beach!
Think about the colors of your surroundings when considering your outfit. Will you be shooting in an open field, park, or forest with luscious greenery? If so, we suggest contrasting the green background with a bold color, such as red, or a colored neutral to really pop from location backdrop.
Similarly, you will want to consider the location mood or theme as well. Will you be shooting at sunset on the beach during the summer? A beautiful sundress and sandals would really help enhance the mood of summer warmth in your photos. You could even add a floppy hat to use for a prop! You know how much we love layers!
If you will be heading into our studio for your photoshoot, there are a few things to consider. What color backdrop(s) will be used? Solid colors with a mix of textures photograph really well under studio lights. Headshots and portraits you will want to choose colors that you look best in and highlight your face. When shooting full length studio shots, always highlight your shape and don’t be afraid to show off your curves.
6. Let your Personality Shine
We can’t stress this one enough. The clothes you wear to your photoshoot will help reflect your personality in the photographs, so make sure to stay true to who you are in the real world. For example, if you don’t typically wear a lot of makeup, we don’t recommend going full glam for your photoshoot. Perhaps you never wear a dress…then maybe you shouldn’t wear one to your photoshoot. We want to make sure you can recognize yourself in your photographs. You are perfect who you are…be yourself. You can look good and let your personality shine at the same time.
7. Be Comfortable
Being comfortable during your photoshoot is key to capturing photos that will show your personality and attitude. Nothing will spoil your mood and ruin a photoshoot like having to tote around a heavy purse, bag or backpack during your session. If possible, leave your belongings at home or in your car. It will go a long way towards your comfort during your photoshoot.
Are you shooting on the beach or going for a small hike out in nature? Then wearing heels to your session might not be the best idea.
Fun tip: if you need your heels, wear flats to the location and then switch to heels for your photos. All of the gain without the pain! Similarly, let’s say you need your engagement photos taken in the winter but you REALLY want to wear your favorite summer dress…BUT IT’S COLD…bring warm, comfy clothing to change into after your session, and a big warm jacket to wear in between shots.
Comfort is KEY!
8. Less is More
When it comes to makeup, ladies, less is more! Let your true beauty shine with confidence ad elegance. You will photograph lighter, happier, brighter, and warmer, more professional and approachable.
9. Consider professional hair and makeup
Your photoshoot will be a special day. You are doing something you don’t usually do, dressing up and documenting a significant time in your life. Spoil yourself! Your photographer most likely works closely with a makeup artist and hairstylist. Sometimes they even offer a discount when you book photography and makeup together. Ask your photographer! We highly recommend Heather Borah.
10. Ask photographer for Advise
Don’t be afraid to ask your photographer for advice on what to wear to your photoshoot. Your photographer probably has a lot more experience with these kinds of shoots that you do, so there is a good chance they have an idea what kind of look will work best with the location.
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