1. Individual Outfits

• Incorporate layers and clothes with some texture to add visual interest to your look and give you multiple posing and styling options. Jackets, sweaters, scarves, textured fabrics -- all of these things add that extra umph, making the difference between a basic image and an extraordinary one.
• Choosing clothes that show movement in photographs can make a world of difference for your shoot. Dresses that catch the wind behind you, or jackets that you can work into your poses - open, closed, or wrapped around you. Clothes that show movement not only make images more impactful, but also help your posing, giving you more variety and options for what to do with your hands and posture.
• Colors to that work with my editing: whites, ivory, off whites, neutrals, khaki, green, browns, jean color, light blue, neutral tones, etc.
• Colors that won't work with my editing: Reds, hot colors, any bright or neon colors.

2. How to Coordinate Group Outfits

• Coordination is key, but there is such a thing as matching too much. Don't choose identical outfits. Instead, choose a color palette that each person can make unique with variations of texture and style, accessories, or a subtle pattern.
• Colors & patterns: Colors are everywhere around us and bring things to life… why not bring your images to life as well! Again, be sure the colors you use coordinate with each other and you don’t just end up looking like one big rainbow family!
• I really love neutral colors like browns, whites, greens, etc. When picking patterns, choose smaller ones that won’t distract attention away from the main subject/s. Use patterns sparingly…. if one person is wearing a print, try to avoid putting someone else in a competing pattern. When thinking about texture, choose different ones that will give photos some interest such as lace, corduroy, denim, etc. Avoid large logo’s, emblems and graphics like “GAP” and “Old Navy” because again, these will typically distract attention away from the subject. We want your faces and emotion to show, not promote the clothing company you purchased from!

3. Accessories & layering

• Jewelry - earrings, layered necklaces, bracelets, watches, rings, leather wrapped bracelets.
• Belts, Scarves, Handbags - all add variety to your images and also give you more posing options. Bring whatever you have and we can add them, or not, based on the look.
• Shoes: I'm all for a sassy pair of shoes, however they may make for a very long and painful session. If you plan on wearing heels, be sure to bring a pair of flats or flip flops that can help you get from point A to point B without any pain. You can just swap them out as you need to.
• Layer up! - One of my favorite “tips” for clothing choices! In the Summer months, this may be more difficult to pull off but during all of the other seasons, definitely layer your outfits. Not only will it provide more visual interest in each photo but it will also allow a lot more variety in your shots and poses. Have a ton of images of yourself in just your dress or cute top and jeans? Throw on a little sweater or jacket and a hat and you have entirely different look.Wearing layers is a great form (and function). Not only does combining layers and textures create more visually interesting photographs, but it preps you for all sorts of weather conditions, too! This could be a cute jacket, cardigans, hats, scarves, tights, and headbands.
• A NOTE ON GLASSES: If you always wear them, plan to wear them in your photos. We can always do some photos with & some without so you have options. Do not wear transition lenses to your session.
• A NOTE ON HATS: Ball caps will leave heavy shadows on your face, so try to stay away from them if you can.

5. Colors and fabrics to avoid

• Avoid any bright colors: A rule of thumb here is to choose to either complement your natural environment or contrast it. For families it’s best to keep your colour scheme limited to four colours. You can choose one person to wear a feature colour and have everyone else’s outfits complement that.
• Anything that wrinkles: Although I do create magic with your photos, wrinkles cannot come out. Just keep that in mind when picking out and choosing outfits.

6. Grooming

This section may go without saying, but it’s important to groom before your session.

• Manicured nails: Hands show in many poses. Remove any chipped polish or treat yourself to a manicure pre-shoot. Please no BRIGHT colors.
• Sort out your hair! Stray nose hairs? trim them. Beard? shape it. Gloriously bushy brows? Clean up the center/use a brow brush to shape.
• Keep make up natural, but still have some on: You will want to avoid using very heavy makeup, but a bit of color on your lips, eyes, and cheeks will help bring you to life in photos.

7. One last thing, dress for the location

Don’t forget to keep in mind where your session is. Choosing clothing that fits the vibe of your location is key for overall impact of an image.

• Dress for the season & location: Obviously you want your images to make sense. One typically wouldn’t be wearing jeans, boots, and a jacket to the beach in the summer so why would you for pictures? Dress the part and be aware of your location.
• Shooting downtown? Think urban style - hats, layered jackets, handbags, boots or sneakers.
• At the beach? Think flowing fabric, whites, khakis, linen pants or shirts, sandals or barefoot.