Style Guide
This little guide is to help you feel confident and prepared for your session. Below, you’ll find tips on what to wear (and what to avoid), how to coordinate outfits without being too matchy, and ways to keep things feeling true to you. The goal is to take the guesswork out and help you feel your best in front of the camera.
So, here's the thing
Trying to figure out what to wear for photos can be a little overwhelming. That is why I have put together this guide to help you feel confident in what you wear, while also putting my best effort into making sure you can still feel 100% like yourself.
If you're anything like me before a photo session (yes, I've been in front of the camera too!), it seems like everything in your closet is just not going to make the cut. I've been there. But I am here to say that what you already have in your closet can totally work.
This guide is not meant to limit you, it is meant to help you choose the best options out of what you would normally wear.
Does it make sense?
Once we 've decided on a location to have our session, it's important to plan around the conditions and the type of setting we will be in. If our session is in the winter, think layers, hats, gloves, boots, wool socks, etc. I'd hate to see any of my clients get frost bite because they wore sneakers with one pair of socks while we're knee deep in the snow (yay, Wisconsin!)
If our location is on a hiking trail during the fall, think about wearing shoes that will actually be comfortable to hike in and a light jacket that can easily come off if you get hot. Being comfortable in what you wear make this experience so much better for you.
Let's talk patterns
I used to absolutely love mixing crazy patterns together. I was the girl in high school who wore polka-dots with stripes and a long sleeve shirt underneath a spaghetti strap dress. And while I would applaud you for being a bold soul and showing up to our session with colors and patterns all over the place, it is with your best interest in mind that I tell you it does not show up as nicely on camera.
Avoid loud & crazy patterns. Loud patterns can be distracting, making the focus more on your outfit rather than you and your dog. More subtle and light patterns are a better way to go so that the eye isn't so drawn to it. As shown below, these folks paired a pattern with a solid as their outfits to avoid looking too blended together.
Choosing Colors
Ok, this is not the part where I tell you exactly what colors to wear. I promise you that I am not interested in one color pallet, because that would be so boring. About 90% of my sessions are outdoors, and somewhere in nature. I like to think of the color choices as a way to stand out from our backdrop, while also complementing the environment.
Wearing neutrals and earthy tones typically will make the most sense since I mostly shoot in earthy, natural settings. If bold colors is your thing, try to avoid wearing bright neon colors, as they can often create an unnatural skin tone on camera. For example: If you're someone who loves the color red, maybe go for a deep maroon, or a darker burnt orange. Instead of going with a bright green shirt, try going with a forest green.
If there's more than one human joining the session, avoid wearing the same exact color as them. Instead, find colors that complement each other. You can find some examples linked at the bottom of this page to access my Pinterest Boards. If you need to, bring options! I bring a pop up changing tent to my sessions for your convenience.
Consider using props
I am always excited when my clients bring along something that they can include in their session! Whether it be a blanket to snuggle up in, toys for their dogs to play with, or maybe a bottle of champagne to celebrate a special occasion.
The options are really unlimited here. Do you enjoy biking together? Let's plan our session with the bikes in mind. Are you a donut lover? Me, too. Let's pick up some donuts and set up a cute 'lil picnic. Love your truck? Let's park it somewhere cool and use it. I am all ears for whatever makes this session all yours.
Remember, wearing what you’re comfortable in is 100% what we’re going for. I’m just here to give you the creative vision so that we can make this an easy going and fun experience. If you have any questions or you’re on the fence about what to wear, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can even text me your outfit ideas and I’ll give you my input!
You can also check out some of my saved pins for couples sessions , single portrait sessions and family sessions!