Style Guide
I’m so excited to work with you!
Congrats on booking your session!
Don't stress friend!
Number one thing I want you to remember?
Being comfortable is EVERYTHING. You should look and feel like yourself, first and foremost.
Be comfy.
please.
Do you feel better in your favorite t-shirt and jeans or a new tight black dress? It’s usually best to stick with what you know fits you well. You don’t have to wear just jeans and a t-shirt, you can dress up more if you want. But if you want to be authentic, be yourself. To capture this time in your life, it’s about feeling comfortable and true to yourself.
Timeless Elegance
Opt for classic and timeless pieces that withstand the test of trends. Solid colors or subtle patterns create a harmonious balance, ensuring you remain the focal point of every photograph.
Lead with personality
I’m up for it all.
Wear outfits that tell your unique narrative. Whether it's your favorite vintage find, a cherished family heirloom, or a modern ensemble that screams 'you,' let your wardrobe weave a tale of your journey.
I want your shoot to be different from everyone else’s.
I want it to be you.
Incorporate texture
& movement
Pick fabrics that move and flow with you.
Add depth to your images by incorporating textures and layers. Think soft fabrics, cozy sweaters, or a touch of lace to create visual interest that complements the natural beauty of the moment.
UTILIZIE MY SIZE INCLUSIVE CLIENT CLOSET
It’s a personal goal to make pictures as pain-less and stress free as possible for my clients.
So! When you book a session with me you get instant & full access to my Client Closet.
This is a carefully curated collection of wardrobe pieces that feel great and look stunning on camera.
COLOR SCHEMING
Aim for neutrals, earthy tones, and metallics. These colors compliment the outdoor environment almost anywhere you go and look damn fine as a printed, framed photograph.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating for a beige world of quiet and inoffensive colors.
By neutrals, I mean lighter shades. Primary colors are eye-catching, but they can take focus away from the main subject (you). For instance, choose sky blue over electric blue and ochre or apricot over bright orange.
Consider complementing or contrasting your surroundings.
A mustard dress complements a green forest, while a bright pink dress contrasts. It's all about your vision!
For families it’s best to keep your color scheme limited to four colors. You can choose one person to wear a feature color and have everyone else’s outfits complement that.
COMPLIMENTARY
colors
Complementary colors sit across from one another on the color wheel
(i.e. blue and orange, red and green, yellow and purple).
I’ll show you some examples that reveal how complementary colors do special things for the big picture.
Analogous
colors
Analogous colors are next to each other on the color wheel, and can be quite soothing to the eye.
Think of the jungle and all of the lush variations of green, or the ocean and the infinite hues of blue.
Below, we’ve rounded up some photos that illustrate how analogous colors work together beautifully.
Be careful with
pattern & prints
While patterns can be captivating, opt for subtle designs to avoid stealing the spotlight. We want you to be the star, not your attire competing for attention.
And sometimes, you’ve got to throw convention to the wind and wear a loud pattern. If you’re a natural risk taker then this might work for you.
If you’re not quite sure what category your patterned clothes fall into, shoot me an email or send me a text and I’ll be happy to weigh in.
NO MATCHY-MATCHY
When multiple people wear the same color, sometimes their matching outfits blend together so much that you can’t really see any of them properly. They turn into one uniform blob.
LAYER UP
Wearing layers adds depth and sometimes comfort.
Not only does combining layers and textures create more visually interesting photographs, but it preps you for all sorts of weather conditions, too!
Think jackets, cardigans, hats, scarves, tights, and headbands.
It's always better to have and not need it, then need it and not have it.
THE FINE ART OF
accessorizing.
Hats, sunglasses, socks, and jackets are a great way to jazz up your accessory game. Throw some fun extras into your bag but avoid large distracting pieces. If you couldn’t tell by now, I’m interested in shooting you (not your clothes or your bling).
Adding personality to your look
Watches are a bit of a weird one, especially in couple sessions.
The big fat circle face of a watch is particularly apparent when people are holding each other’s faces and bringing them in for some sugar.
Best to leave the watch at home unless its sentimental.
Don’t overlook the shoes!
Shoes are a key part of a look and ideally complement the rest of the outfit.
Select the right shoes based on the location, and consider what you’d normally wear if I wasn’t following you around with a camera. Being barefoot makes sense on the beach, and boots are beautiful in the mountains.
If you're comfortable in heels, go for it! Otherwise, ditch them to avoid discomfort and potential injury on uneven terrain. I'll be giving you energetic prompts, so be ready for action.
TIP: Leather is great for boots, and know that sandals win over flip flops by a long shot. Always consider context when choosing footwear for both aesthetic appeal and practicality.
Hair & Makeup
Go with less is more
Wear your hair down
Take off chipped tail polish
Wear colored chapstick or lipstick
Do
Try a new makeup trend
Wear fake lashes if you’ve never worn them
Wear neon nail polish unless it’s your usual vibe
Don’t
So this is totally your call! But, if I may… I would suggest cultivating a bit of the French je ne sais quoi that balances elegance and ease so well. I want you to look like you. So do whatever you need to do to feel confident and beautiful.
Hands are crucial in portrait photography, and their condition tells a story about you. Neat nails enhance photos; chipped polish can distract. Consider a subtle manicure before a shoot.
As for hair… Oh boy. I’m a sucker for the way a wild mane blows in the breeze.
Consider this revision: "Up-dos are fine, but for capturing moments, nothing beats the natural flow and imperfect beauty of wearing your hair down."
Let’s recap
Dress for the season.
Dress for the location.
Compliment - don’t match (unintentionally).
Wear something comfortable that you feel like yourself in.
Natural fibres and earthy colours look amazing in most settings.
Avoid large prints, logos, and patterns (unless it helps tell your story).
Throw some accessories like a hat or denim jacket into your bag.
If you find yourself at the end of this guide inspired but still in need of inspiration — or maybe you just want to press the easy button….
A Clickable Guide
An inexpensive list for those who just don’t know where to start.
WOMEN
GIRLS
BOYS
I’m going to be real frank here. I have no recommendations. *cue panicked laugh
My husband wears greasy jeans pretty much everywhere. I am confident you can find a button up shirt and nice pants for your honey to wear.
MEN
Did you procrastinate?
LUCKY FOR YOU…
I’ve saved all my Amazon favorites on one list, so if you’re anything like me, you can buy those outfits last minute.