the low down...
I know it can be daunting to pick your outfit for photos. Here are a few guidelines I've put together so you can be sure to look amazing, while still making sure the focus of your images is on you! Full disclaimer: I am not a fashion expert by any means. There's a great chance you've got better style than me! This is just what I have found to work best from past sessions. Most importantly I want you to feel and look like yourselves! Wear something you are comfortable and confident in.
a few tips to help you out if you're just not sure where to start.
First off, I always recommend bringing options. Changing outfits gives you a variety of images! All you have to do is make sure to bring the items you feel like a million bucks in! If you ask me for my guidance, or what I like best, I promise to give you an honest opinion.
Wear an outfit, and bring another along! Or if you don't want to change, grab an accessory to mix it up! A jacket, scarf or hat! Heads up; if you do need to change you're most likely going to have to do it in the back of the car or in nature!
WE LIVE IN SASKATCHEWAN - DRESS FOR THE WEATHER
MAKE IT MAKE SENSE!
Think about the conditions and location when planning your outfits! If we are going to be walking in the valley, wear shoes that you are comfortable in. If we are shooting at the beach, dresses, bathing suits, and sandals are great options! If it's freezing cold outside, bring layers and warm clothes! Especially for little people. If kids are cold it won't matter how cute the outfit is, because they will look miserable in every single photo.
COLOUR
I typically recommend sticking to neutrals and Earthy tones. My favourites are oatmeal, sage greens, and deep ocean blues. Neutral doesn't mean black and white at all!
The only specific colours I would stay away from are neons. A lot the time they result in a colour cast that reflects onto your skin, make your skin tone look a bit funky in the photos.
PATTERN
Avoid big, loud patterns and logos. If your pattern is too loud or the logo is large and in the middle of your shirt, it distracts from your faces! I usually avoid pairing too many patterns together, because you guessed it, it makes the photo hectic and distracts from the beautiful people! If there are multiple people in the session choose 1/3-1/4 of them to be in patterns, and the rest in solid colours.
MOVEMENT
Part of the reason it is so important to be comfortable in your session, is because we will be moving! If you're in brand new jeans that are still stiff and tight you might be distracted during the shoot trying to make sure everything stays in place while you move around. Bring clothes that are "broken in"! I also love when people bring clothing or accessories that can show movement by catching the wind. In Saskatchewan wind is often a common factor, so might as well work with it! It adds energy to the photos that looking freaking gorgeous!
PROPS
When I initially think of props, my mind flashes through all the cringe-worthy pinterest photos. BUT props don't need to be cheesy! Bring along something you both enjoy or do together. Some items people have brought along over the years include pizza, special blankets, motorcycle, skates, guitar, ice cream and pizza to name a few! Let me know ahead of time to make sure we can incorporate them in an authentic way that fits your session!
