WHAT TO WEAR
THINK ABOUT YOUR LOCATIOn
First things first: choose an amazing location that will highlight your family! Whether you have a special spot in mind that is unique to your story or you need assistance choosing the perfect location (don’t worry, I know all the best spots!), choose a place that you truly love and fits with the weather for the season your session is scheduled for. I also recommend considering your home decor! If you’re planning on displaying your images in your home, think about what will coordinate with the colors and vibe of your living room or bedroom. For example, if your decor has more of an organic vibe with neutral or cool toned walls (such as gray), think about a location such as a garden, open park or wildflower patch and pair it with a simple neutral or light color palette (such as ivory, peach and light blue) to compliment that specific room and really keep the focus on your beautiful family! If your home has more of an urban or industrial feel to it, maybe consider a city location with more contrasting color tones (such as black or navy with ivory and burgundy)!
Choose your style
Next, choose your style! Some families and couples like to get fancy (there’s no such thing as too dressed up!), while others like to keep it casual. Depending on your shoot, we might have time for both! My personal favorites are always a lace or flowy maxi dress and khaki pants with a classic patterned button down - they look good on anyone, anywhere and are so classy and timeless! Just make sure that you all are on the same style level. Ladies, if you’re wearing an elegant lace dress and heels, your man should not be wearing shorts and flip flops! Whatever you choose to wear, make sure that it fits you properly.
COORDINATE to compliment each other; DON’T MATCH
Once you have your location and style chosen, decide on a couple of coordinating colors (usually 2 to 4) that pair well with your location, style and the season your session is scheduled for. Consider neutrals or pastels - they compliment anyone and photograph beautifully! I recommend avoiding any neon or bold hues as they take the focus off of you and do not photograph well. A few of my personal favorite color combinations are khaki/light blue/navy/ivory, light blue/khaki/blush, light grey/sage green/ivory, burgundy/denim/ivory, etc! There are tons of color combinations and always room for a little pop of color to add into your accessories or even your lipstick color! Again: just keep your location in mind! If your session is taking place in a wooded park or garden, green might not be the best color choice as you’ll blend too much into the background.
limit patterns & avoid graphics & logos
Patterns are awesome, so don’t be scared of them! Just keep your patterns simple and layer or mix them with textures such as lace, velvet, tulle, suede, knits, corduroy, flannel, etc. Try to avoid graphic prints and large logos that will take the focus away from you and your loved ones.
Accessories & details
Have fun with your accessories! Ladies - add amazing shoes, a scarf, a statement necklace or earrings to really make your outfit pop. Have your man wear a bow tie or add a fancy pocket square and classy vest to his suit to kick his style up a notch! Spoil yourself with a day of pampering - get your hair and makeup done professionally and get a manicure and pedicure so that you feel your absolute best. Although it might seem counter-intuitive, I recommend that you do not get a spray tan before your session, even a few days prior, because it tends to photograph orange even when it’s applied subtly and by a professional. Your actual skin tone will photograph the most beautifully and naturally! One last detail: if you’re preparing for your engagement session, be sure to get your ring professionally cleaned so that it is extra glamorous for those up close ring shots!
KEEP IT SIMPle, CLASSIC & BE YOurself
The most important piece of style advice is this: be yourself! Choose outfits that you all are comfortable and feel yourselves in. If you choose to try a new, trendy style for photos and maybe feel awkward because it's not your norm, it's going to show in your pictures. Just be you and your photos will always be classic! Make sure that whatever you choose to wear, that you and your beautiful family will remain the focus of your images.
one final note
I know I just gave you a lot to think about. This guide is meant to help make your session experience something you’ll look back fondly on for years and years to come. At the end of the day, though, the location you choose and the outfits you select won’t matter nearly as much as the memories you make together! Your session is meant to be a time for you to just be yourselves and enjoy it. Have fun together. Laugh a lot. I’ll take care of the rest!
If you have any other questions about anything or would like to send outfit options my way, please do not hesitate to ask - I am always more than happy to help!