WHAT TO WEAR
COLORS
Solid colors are ideal. And it’s usually best to choose more muted colors, such as olive or hunter green instead of lime, burgundy instead of bright red and so on. You can wear neutrals, but make sure they have enough contrast to flatter your skin tone. You can definitely do a print as long as it’s not too distractingly busy, and again in flattering colors. I do not recommend clothing with writing or logos visible.
EXAMPLES
SINGLE PORTRAITS
Stay True to Your Personal Style! Wear what you feel good in! This occasion does not require shopping. Consider how to add pieces easily to give you different "looks" as we go.
Ex: Same base + Jacket/Shoes
GROUPS
Ditch the matching white or black shirts! The goal is to coordinate, not be twinning. Stay true to your style/brand. If you have a team lead you want to stand out, have them wear the primary color for a focal point.
EXAMPLES FROM BOLD TO NEUTRAL
background
Be sure to consider your location/setting's colors, tones and style. If you want a solid black backdrop in studio, don't wear solid black.
This session's wardrobe choices coordinated perfectly with this modern, light & neutral location's backgrounds.
Contrast & Coordinate Examples
other styling and prep topics
hair & makeup
I do recommend investing a little more time in your hair and makeup for your session, but no need to go overboard, just do an elevated version of your true style. Now is not the time to try a new hairstyle, color, or straighten your signature curly ringlets.
Guys, get a haircut the week before, not the day before.
Ladies, If you never wear a bold red lip, don’t wear one. If you usually have your hair pulled back or rarely do anything to it, maybe get a nice blowout with your stylist.
For Makeup, I don't recommend going super heavy with foundation or powder as I will do light skin retouching in post processing, and all that product will only weigh down skin and increase lines. A tinted moisturizer is enough. I do suggest going heavier on eye makeup and contour/blush. Adding a little lip color is good, but do what feels natural!
Ladies, bring a comb or brush to help with freshening up ends as I adjust you before a take, and consider bringing bobby pins or a clip to quickly and easily change hair style with a 2nd outfit.
shoes
If there's walking involved with your location (especially outdoors!), be sure to bring walking shoes that are easy to slip on/off. Then you can put your photo ready shoes on once we're at a set spot.
If we're in a nature location, it's best for ladies not to wear heels through uneven nature trails or guys to wear their best suede leather kicks through potentially wet or muddy ground areas.
ACCESSORIES
Accessories, layering and jewelry can help coordinate group outfits or pull together a palette easily!
For example: If the color palette chosen is blues and neutrals (think light & dark blues + beige/tan/gold),...
And let's say you already have a closet staple like a navy sheath or shift dress that you feel great in,...
Consider other items in your closet to style it, before automatically shopping for a tan blazer.
- You may have a statement necklace in blues, gold, or even pearls...
- Or a neutral beige scarf that could easily be tied into a gorgeous shrug.
- Or a light blue button up you could wear under a sleeveless dress with collar and sleeves popped out.
- Or a creamy turtleneck sweater that could be worn over the top and tucked up/in to reveal just the skirt bottom.
- Or simply finish off any solid navy look with tan/brown belt, shoes and other watch/jewelry/accessories.
Check metal tones and your accessories/jewelry for each outfit. If your jacket or cardigan has gold buttons you may not like how your silver necklace or belt buckle looks with it.
Make it easy on the day of the shoot by keeping each accessory set in a separate bag, secured to hanger or within garment bag with its designated outfit.
Having all necklaces/earrings/etc in one container for all outfits will take up unnecessary time as you sort, search and untangle.
visualize
If you're looking for inspiration and visual examples to break free of the black/white usual seen so much, check out Pinterest!
Search Keywords such as Color Palette, Branding Session Style, Professional Style Outfits, Photo Shoot What to Wear, etc.
Many boards will have creative color combinations that people wouldn't think to pair that look incredible, like dusty blue and burgundy, and ideas for layering that easily elevate an outfit. Some pins even have links for where to purchase if you find an item or look you can't live without!
