session style guide
The number one thing I want you to remember is: being comfortable is EVERYTHING. You should look and feel like yourself, first and foremost. You and I will be collaborating on telling your story together, so let’s get this right.
Color Scheming
Aim for neutrals & earthy tones. These colors compliment the outdoor environment almost anywhere you go. Primary colors are incredibly striking, but can sometimes have the effect of distracting from the main subject (which is you). For families, it’s best to keep your color scheme limited to four colors maximum. You can choose one person to wear a feature color and have everyone else’s outfits complement that.
Texture & Movement
Pick fabrics that move and flow with you. Natural fibers like linen, cotton, or wool are amazing. Avoid stiff-seeming garments with collars as they look a bit too formal and often get tucked in weird spots and need adjusting.
Patterns & Prints
Avoid large bold patterns as they often dominate the photograph and detract attention from your beautiful face. Usually, subtle smaller patterns work best. Flannels or a light floral print are great when they complement the location. Less is definitely more with this one, try to limit yourself to one pattern at a time. Much like crazy patterns, clothing with writing or logos on it tends to be a bit distracting. If you’re not quite sure if your outfits mesh well together, shoot me an email or send me a text and I’ll be happy to weigh in.
Hair & Makeup
So this is totally your call! I want you to look like you. So do whatever you need to do to feel confident and beautiful. I’m a sucker for the way loose hair blows in the breeze. Up-dos are alright, and I totally get it--it’s so easy to throw your hair up! But when it comes to saving a moment and putting it in your pocket, hair down is the way to go. With your hair down, you get movement, you get interest, you get some perfect slices of imperfection in the best possible way. Half up, half down is a good alternative to keep it out of your eyes so I can see your beautiful face.
Accessorizing
Hats, sunglasses, socks, and jackets are a great way to jazz up your accessory game. Throw some fun extras into your bag but avoid large distracting pieces. If you couldn’t tell by now, I’m interested in shooting you (not your clothes or your bling). Watches are a bit of a weird one, especially in couples sessions. Best to leave the watch at home unless it’s sentimental.
Shoes
If you wear heels like a pro, I definitely don’t have the authority to tell you not to do that! But if you, like the rest of us mere mortals, find heels to be moderately uncomfortable, then do yourself a favor and ditch ‘em. In most cases, we’ll be stomping around on some relatively uneven terrain and I don’t want you spraining an ankle. I’ll probably be giving you some energetic prompts to follow, too, so you’ll want to be ready for action.
