What to Wear for Your Session?
You’ve asked! And, we’ve {finally} answered! You’ve booked a session with us! THANK YOU! BTW, do you know how much we appreciate you? The fact you are here makes our little hearts go pitty-pat with appreciation!
Choosing what to wear for your session can feel like a lot of pressure; but it doesn’t need to be. Critical consideration? Comfort! When you’re relaxed in what you’re wearing, it shows. You move naturally + your confidence comes through in every image. If you’re tugging and adjusting your clothing throughout your session, it not only takes you out of the moment as a distraction, but it probably means that your clothing isn’t as flattering as you would hope. Too tight is never ideal, too loose – may not be flattering in other ways. The happy medium is where you want to aim!
Your outfit should also reflect your personality. Whether you lean towards romantic + flowy, casual + cozy or polished + modern your clothing helps tell the story of who you are in this season of your life.
With that said, a portrait session is the perfect reason to dress up (we love, love, love a long flowing gown). Maybe you’ve been saving a special dress for “the right time” or you have a piece you bought “just because” but haven’t worn yet, this is your moment. Wearing something that makes you feel extra special… the best version of yourself will never be wrong!
What is the Color Palette for your Session?
Whether it’s for your family, couples, individual or even a multi-generational session.. color matters!
When choosing a palette, we suggest leaning into soft, natural tones that are timeless + effortless. Earthy shades like warm beige, blush, cream, sage, muted blues, rust and soft brown photograph beautifully and blend seamlessly into the outdoor setting.
Focus on outfits complimenting each other rather than matching perfectly. Adding texture or small delicate patterns can add interest and personality. Try to avoid bold, primary colors as they feel distracting and pull attention away from connection and emotion.
And, we always, always suggest that you avoid logos (we see this most commonly on children). We love a Disney Tee or a GAP hoodie, but gently recommend that you attire your littles in more timeless, neutral attire.
Don’t forget to consider the time of year and your session location! What works best on a beach in July is a different look (easy, breezy blues & whites) than what you’ll be wearing in October in the forest amidst the rich colors of autumn (classic jewel tones).
Do you have a Complimentary Closet? Oh yes, we do!
Not sure if there is anything in your own wardrobe that suits? This is the time to check out our Client Closet, which is always complimentary! We are on a constant hunt for gowns that we know will ‘shoot’ beautifully. Our Client Closet Catalogue is almost 40 pages long (insert gasp here 😉). We have a variety of dresses, kimonos, skirts, cute tops as well as blankets, hats and a few other fun accessories for you to peruse!
Our catalogue is not on-line. We send a PDF of the Closet attached to your Confirmation Email!
Texture and Movement – another element to consider?
Are you going to take it too far? Please do!!! Here are a few other details that can really elevate your session! When choosing what to wear think beyond color and consider texture and movement. Soft knits, linen, lace, corduroy or flowing cotton all add visual depth that photographs strikingly and keeps portraits from looking one-dimensional.
Movement is just as important. Dresses that catch the breeze, wide legged pants, layered skirts or an open cardigan can all create that effortless natural feel in your photos. When fabric moves it adds life and emotion to photos and helps to make everything look dimensional and organic rather than stiff.
You can add texture through layers. Especially in our wild West Coast weather, layers are your friend. Add a chunky knit sweater, wool coat, a cozy scarf or your favorite hat to add visual interest and keep you warm. We call that a win/win – you’re warm and stylin’!
Props
We love “props” but maybe not the cheesy kind 😉. And we love to make your session a unique and true reflection of who you are, and what is happening in your life right now!
Here a few of examples of what we consider meaningful props. A young couple, expecting their first babe. Images of them, hanging on a clothesline in the forest – with a selection of baby attire gifted from loving family and friends.
Engagement session? Champagne, well, you can never go wrong with a bit of bubbly! Or, are you both coffee lovers? Then bring your Tim’s for some cute go cup and ring close ups! We’ve also had a couple bring their cruisers to the beach, and filled the bike baskets with blooms for some magical peddling along the shoreline images.
For graduation portraits, moments of young people with their favorite musical instruments or in dance attire!
Is your session with younger children? Bring some wooden toys, treasured books or even a family bible. Yellow shovels and red sand buckets, not so much; unless your vision is something bright and funky! Family photos with surf or SUP boards? Yes, please! Can you ever go wrong with florals? No you cannot!
As mentioned, in our Catalogue we have some items that we consider props! However, making it personal with sentimental items is what we love!
If it’s meaningful and will add to your photos we’ll be thrilled if you bring it to your session.
What about your Hair and Makeup?
Hair and makeup are clearly such a personal choice. We want you to feel like yourself, the best version of yourself. If you don’t wear makeup please don’t feel pressure to do a full face for your session. A touch of mascara and lip-gloss photograph beautifully. If you prefer to go full glam we love that too! We do recommend glowy neutrals and avoiding bright colors aside from a great pink or red lip! Don’t forget about your nails either. We recommend neutral colors for your mani and pedi or just fresh clean nails if polish isn’t your thing. Bright colors can be distracting if your entire outfit is classic neutral. However, bright nails with a funky denim and crop top is clearly a vibe!
As for hair… we can’t emphasize it enough. We love movement. Hair blowing and flowing is stunning and so organic. If you’re more of a hair up kinda girl go for it or bring an elastic to pop your hair up into a pony part way through the session and mix it up (just keep the elastic in your bag and off your wrist to avoid lines). Hair down is often a way to soften your profile. And, if it’s wild west coast boudoir – then hair is an integral part of your outfit – sometimes it is your outfit 😉
A note about grooming for the men. If the guy/s in your sesh require a hair trim, we recommend it a week before – not the day before ;). And, consider a light styling product if we’re shooting in a windy area. For dry lips or skin a very light moisturizer / lip balm application is always a great idea. Smooth, but not shiny is the skincare goal for the men in your sesh.
What’s on your feet? We’re so grateful to you for asking this question too!
We love barefoot when the weather and terrain allow for it and to be honest, even when it doesn’t 😉. For the ladies? Heels, cute sandals, Blundstones or your favorite rain boots all add personality to your portraits.
When everyone is wearing neutrals, and one person has on bright white or colored sneakers, the classic theme has been thrown. Sometimes we can conceal footwear in tall grass or behind a rock, but sometimes that just doesn’t work. So whenever possible, if your footwear isn’t “purposeful” for example high heels with a gown, then we suggest in darker tones that do not draw the eye down.
Maternity
Maternity sessions are such a beautiful time to lean into creating softness and shape with your outfit. Maxi dresses are always a favorite. They create gorgeous movement and naturally highlight your silhouette. Solid colors work especially well to accentuate your bump. We also love an outfit change.
Switch into jeans and a cute bralette with (or without) an undone shirt overtop, this gives an effortless vibe and really shows off that beautiful belly. And if choosing an outfit feels overwhelming, don’t worry; we have so many stunning maternity pieces in our client closet to make styling easy and stress free.
Wow, are you still here? You are awesome! Okay, just a few more items….
If your session length allows, we encourage bringing a couple outfit options. A quick change can add fabulous variety to your gallery. Perhaps one look is relaxed + casual and another that’s elevated + romantic.
We also love accessories. Have a great hat? Throw it on for a few pictures. We love a beach blanket, jean jacket or a lace shawl. But please leave the apple watches, fit bits and cellphones off and out of your pockets. And, if you’re a Fitbit wearer 😉 then please, please consider ‘tanning’ your wrist OR replacing your apple watch with a pretty piece of jewellery for your session!
Just a note about tanning, we love a golden glow! Yes, we do. If you’re indulging in a pro tan, please check with your technician as to how many days in advance of your shoot you should schedule!
Down to the nitty gritty now. Underwear can make or break an outfit. We love a good nude strapless bra with most gowns, and seamless nude underwear. A sweet bralette can also look cute peeking through. If you are feeling a little spicy, we vote for black lace! And, watch for those ‘undie’ lines in your outfit. We often have you walk away and towards us, so take a quick peek at your back before leaving the house too!
Whew! Okay, big gratitude for being here! Reading our ‘short’ essay. And, mostly preparing so well for your shoot! We absolutely promise that the results will be worth it.
