Tips on How to Dress for a Photo Session

Clothes for Seniors:

With a choice of having different looks to showcase your style, you'll want to get the most out of each outfit. There are a ton of great places online to get ideas and sample looks. I love Nordstrom Brass Plum and Gap

On top, bring your favorite sweater or jacket and be certain to include at least one look that has long sleeves. Identity apparel like athletic or musical uniforms is a great choice for one of your looks. This is your time to shine, so be unique -- include something formal, funky, fun or wild. For one of your looks, get casual and choose your favorite thing to wear on a normal day. Remember that these pictures are forever and one classic look that is beautiful now and years from now will always be something you love.

Accessorize

For guys and gals -- nails and hands will appear in images so buff, shine and polish like they are going to be seen. Hair should be done before you arrive. I don't recommend dramatic cuts or colors right before your session but the ladies should bring ponies, head bands etc for changing the style with the outfit.

Finally, bring anything that makes you who you are...fun hat, great shoes, your instrument, your car, athletic gear.

For guys, men and children I recommend that everyone wear a tiny bit of non-greasy moisturizer, and also suggest some sort of non-shiny lip balm such as Chapstick. For infants or small children, you might consider keeping a bib or apron over their "good" clothes prior to your actual start-time in order to avoid unexpected "oopsies."

If you wear glasses, please keep in mind that sometimes glasses can create an unsightly glare or reflection. You may want to consider removing your glasses for the photo session; however it is not absolutely necessary.

Make-up

Ladies, include extra mascara and bring lipstick & powder for touch-ups. Your Make-up should be slightly heaver for your photo shoot but make sure your foundation is well blended.

Dark eye shadow or heavy eye liner can distract from the natural beauty of your eyes and can even make your eyes look smaller.

Location:

Your session will last anywhere between one to two hours, with accommodations made, if necessary, for the feeding and changing of babies. I will shoot at your home or at one of several beautiful locations I like to use in and around town. Before your session, we will discuss these plans at length and I welcome any ideas you may have!

What to Wear in Family Groups:

I will be shooting your photos in digital color, so I suggest that you coordinate the outfits amongst the members of your group so they all look nice together. I find that “coordinating” is better than “matching” when choosing outfits, and suggest you pick a color palette that flows nicely among all members of your party. Bright colors photograph really well, although I would caution you against too many competing patterns. Stark whites and dark blacks are the least flattering colors to wear for portraits such as these and can detract from the faces of the subjects. My best tip? Let your personality show through the clothing you select!