This guide is exactly that: A GUIDE! It is not law, and it's okay to break a few of the "rules" in here if you have an outfit you love and feel super confident in.
I'm not going to roll my eyes and say "he's wearing jeans," or "she's wearing a sleeveless dress" but I also want you to take it seriously because you are making an investment in your session and I want you to have the most stunning images. A lot of that comes down to what you wear and HOW YOU FEEL about what you wear.
So here is a few tips!
- Stick to the same tones, but don’t overly match.
- Neutral colours are always good – use 3-4 neutral colours as your base, then everyone can use these to coordinate their outfits (e.g. grey, tan, cream, blue, lighter brown and white).
- Primary colours or versions of them, tend to work well (e.g. yellow/mustard, red/maroon, blue/navy/royal)
- Avoid fluorescent or really bright colours – strong colours can look great, but not fluorescent.
- No big prints or logo's, this is about you and your family, not Nike.
- Avoid too much black where possible, especially if someone is in a lot of black, and someone else is in a lot of white.
- Think about the location of your shoot – if you are at the beach, wear colours that you would see at the beach (e.g. white, cream, soft blues), if your shoot is in the park, consider contrasting with the greenery with warm colours such as red, oranges or yellows, in addition to some neutral colours.
FOR HER
Have you thought about rocking a sequinned gown, tulle skirt or flower crown but just never had an occasion for it? This is your chance to do it up!
Remember: There is no such thing as “too dressed up” when it comes to your session, so don’t be afraid to have some fun!
Long, flowing dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos. Especially when with nature. Cute, shorter-length dresses photograph beautifully as well. Dresses and skirts tend to look most stunning on camera because they really flatter the female body — which is probably why the red carpet is always full of so many dresses and not very many pantsuits! I recommend saying yes to a dress or two!
In my experience, every woman, regardless of her shape has an area of her body that she’s self-conscious about, so recognising what that in advance is key. Choosing flattering silhouettes and colours that compliment your natural features is the best way to ensure you’ll love the way you look in your photos. Three-quarter length sleeves create an awesome slimming effect on all arms, so be on the lookout for an option with a longer length sleeve. You could also bring a cute jacket or cardigan along, too.
Skinny straps or strapless dresses have the opposite effect on arms on camera, so I recommend avoiding those whenever possible if your goal is a set of slimmer-looking arms.
Heels elongate women’s legs, making them look fabulous, but also keep in mind anyone else you may be sharing your session with! Often your partner may not like being shorter than you! Closed-toes heels in particular look great on camera because they carry out the line of your leg all the way down to your toe. If your toes are showing in a peep-toe heel, you might want to schedule a pedicure before your session so you don’t regret letting your feet show.
These little tricks make all the difference!
FOR HIM
Next time you walk by a men's store, you’ll notice the male mannequins and models are always wearing several layers at once. Layers on men look great on camera, so even when it’s hot outside, trust me when I say that it’s worth an hour or two of discomfort for photos that will last a lifetime. Adding another layer will bring extra dimension and visual interest to your photos. Jackets and coats up the level of any look.
If the temperature permits, he could even consider adding a v-neck sweater with a pop of colour from a long-sleeved collared shirt and tie underneath. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers!
Long pants and closed-toed shoes are the most sophisticated and masculine looks for men. They draw attention away from his legs and feet and place it on the face.
So, for your session, it’s best to leave the shorts and thongs at home. Suit pants, dress pants or coloured pants work best but a nice pair of jeans are always an easy option too!
FOR THE KIDS
Children don't usually have a long attention span and have the tendency to enjoy what you put them in one day and hate it the next. Because of the unpredictability of children I suggest having a couple options picked out.
Choose clothing that sets the child apart, not clothing that blends the child with your clothing.
Don't be afraid to have fun with your little one's clothing.
Bring an extra shirt that's funny or something memorable.
Shoes and headbands are perfect accessories for a small child, these items really help complete the look.
For older children, let them pick out part of their outfit because that will help them feel more proud to show off the look for the camera.
EQUINE
For the best images, the horse should be as clean as possible, I recommend them to be "show" level ready.
They will be shot typically in a bridle with the reins removed and a lead rope attached to the bit (which will be edited out in the final image).
Simple metal snaffle bits are recommended for the best overall look.
Flashes can be on or off, just depending on the look you are going for!
For Western horses with curb bits, I recommend a show halter for some poses as well as full tack options.
For Dressage horses in Double Bridles, I also recommend we shoot in some in a halter, or with nothing on (lead rope around the neck).
RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Entire body brushed and dirt free
- Completely dry
- Green spots removed
- Mane and forelock brushed straight
- Nose, mouth, and eyes wiped clean (bring a rag)
- Hooves painted
- Bridle wiped down and clean
- Bit shiny and wiped
- Plaited (looks stunning when possible!)
- Don't forget your sponsors! If your sponsor sells clothing, horse gear, I am always happy to incorporate this into your session!
I also highly recommend that a second person be there (besides you). I sometimes don't have assistants on my trips and having a second person to help crinkle wrappers and get their attention is highly advised to make the shoot go by smoother!
