Wearing clothes and styling outfits are very different tasks. Here is my step-by-step guide to ensure you look and feel your best for your session!
In today's economy we are reminded that each of us assigns a different value to areas of our spend. Some prefer to allocate more of their budget on clean, organic food while others are invested in completing home projects. Clothing for people like my husband, hasn't been top of mind since 2009.
Unpopular Opinion: You don't NEED to buy anything new to wear in order to have a successful session.
If you want to utilize what you have on hand:
Determine your best color(s) and plan those as close to your face as possible.
Consider the temperatures and weather. Make sure the clothing you're selecting matches the season so you're comfortable and align with your environment.
Isolate the selection even more by making sure it's free of tiny lines or fine patterns (these sometimes create moire effect in camera). Check for stains, imperfections, and wrinkles that need attention before wear.
Prepare your clothing with a dry clean, wash, shave (to remove pilling), hemming, or iron.
If purchasing new clothing is high-value to you and enhances your session experience, here are some tips I might suggest:
Follow steps 1-3 above.
Discern your body type and search for necklines that suite your figure best.
Pair your neckline with the right hemline.
Search for texture! You can dress 2-3 participants in the same color and simply create variety in-camera by using texture. We really can SEE the softness of a sweater, the texture of tweed, the smoothness of silk.
When selecting shoes (should legs be visible), opt for something that also works in your terrain (studio, outdoor trails, leafy yard, etc.) Plan for matching tights and socks accordingly.
Shop for re-wear! Try to think beyond your session and opt for clothing that would be
Adding more outfits
Now, if you're adding in additional outfits for other participants in your session, I recommend starting with your best color and building a color palette from that. If your best color is navy blue (high contrast) adding medium blue, orange/rust (opposite on the color wheel), or green will help balance and create interest.
Here is a sample I might create:
Person 1: Navy dress, camel-colored shoes
Person 2: Medium blue button down left open, cuffed sleeves, navy t-shirt, khakis, camel-colored shoes
Person 3: Rust-colored dress with navy or camel-colored shoes
Person 4: Rust-colored button down (buttoned) with jeans and with navy or camel-colored shoes
Now what I've described above is simply how I would select outfits. The most important part of the process is STYLING.
To style your clothing, add details that help it feel more customized and personal.
Choose accessories (jewelry, belts, hats, head scarfs, etc.) and add interest.
Placement of a belt will "tailor" an otherwise shapeless dress.
Adding a hat (to hold and use as a prop) will add interest without effecting your hair.
Layering clothing will give you options for freshened looks throughout your session without doing a full outfit change.
This doesn't mean to go overboard and become cluttered and busy. Take time to select your details and align them to your session's theme/vibe.
A few words about black and white:
High contrast colors like black and white are going to create a very bold effect when photographed. Though clean and classic, sometimes adding a medium color to the palette will help to blend the bold transition.
If you're seeking this style for your session, be conscious of choosing the same color of white and close shades of black. Off-white and white will look cheap when placed together without careful intent.
As always, consider your location too!
If your setting is very modern, will your outfit help you stand-out or blend in with your surroundings?
If your location will be dark and moody, does your outfit make you fit the vibe or do you oddly stand out?
Don't forget to prep yourself!
Avoid alcohol and extra caffeine leading up to your session.
Haircuts should be 2-5 days in advance so hair has a chance to be reset/lay prior to your session. For men, 2 days is ideal.
Take an 'everything' shower the night before to help you look and feel your best! Touch up your nails or brows, do a deep-clean of your smile, and consider gentle face treatments (no peels!).
Stand in front of the mirror and practice a few poses. Figure out what you like about your figure and what you want to highlight. This will help your photographer position you best to illuminate your best features. Conversely, sharing any insecurities will help them pose you better too!
Look ahead at the weather and style hair accordingly.
When in doubt, less is more (makeup, accessories)
Launder, iron/steam, and lay-out your outfits! Put any extra accessories or back-up clothing in a go-bag prior to your session so you don't scramble the day-of.
Dress children when you arrive! Avoid carseat harness wrinkles, snack spills, or sickness ruining your best laid plans.
Children often need a warm-up period. Texting the photographer their favorite songs, characters, or talking points can go a long way. Bringing along a loved toy to "watch" or "help take photos" is a great idea too. Candy/snacks are great incentive for AFTER the session.
You've just invested in yourself by learning how to maximize your session outcomes! If you made it this far, you are absolutely the kind of client I would love to have in my rolodex.
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