How to Prepare for your Photo Shoot

Bykatie

So you have booked a photo shoot! Congratulations! It is going to be fun and amazing, but, if you are anything like me, you may be stressing out on how to make sure you are all organized and put together for the date. Let me help with providing some of my thoughts and expertise.

How to Pick your Outfits / Tips + Tricks for Pampering Beforehand / Creating a Photo List





How to Dress for your Photo Shoot

Consider Your Location

Let’s start from the top! You want to make sure that you are keeping your setting in mind. This will help with picking out your style and colors and with logistics. Are we going to be in a field? What would look cute and is practical for posing? What time of the year will it be? The last thing you will want are uncomfortable shoes or outfits that have you freezing or overly hot, because it will show on your face during the session!

Pick Out One Outfit First

Whether it is Mom or Dad, a picky teenager or child, it can a helpful starting point to start with dressing one person first. Not only does this give you a starting point for coordinating outfits and colors with that look, it can help with that person feeling really good for the session! I know when I have found the perfect dress for photos, I am beaming. This gives my husband joy and with that less anxiety, it is easy for the baby to be less fussy. It may sound crazy, but I promise it works!

Pick a Color Palette

Did you pick one outfit already? Great – you have a good starting point! You can pick colors that are the same from that outfit, or even pull colors from a pattern. For example, if you picked a floral dress or dress shirt, pick a color from the flower as your coordinating color.

If you want to pick colors before you find an out, let’s start by thinking what would look good for Holiday photos, Fall, Spring? You can find color schemes on Pinterest or google. Here are some examples!

Examples:

By Anchored in Elegance – Link

By Vetta Capsule – Link

Do

  • Pick colors that you love and flatter you. For example, I love the color purple but it does not look good with my skin tone.
  • Pick colors that compliment your location. Think about the setting of your portrait sessions. Will you be in the forest? Think about colors that will “pop” against a mainly green backdrop. If you are unsure, message me. I am happy to help you brainstorm!
  • Pick one or a few coordinating colors or go with neutrals. If you pick a few colors, make sure they work together! Like Green and Black for the Holidays, Pink and Navy, etc… Or you can rock a more neutral look all together. Either works well!

Don’ts

  • Don’t wear neon colors. They do not photograph well! That is all.
  • Don’t wear too much white. Too much white can be “blinding” in a photo. Use it sparingly, if you can!

Mix Patterns and Textures

So now you have your colors picked, great! Here is how to make your colors work for you. If you want to show a good variety, think about picking patterns that match your colors or are neutral and work with your look.

Do’s

  • Mix and match with your patterns! This will give you a lot of variety overall and balance out the look.
  • Use textures to add interest. There are so many options for all ages and genders! Think of lace, chambray, tulle, flowy chiffon, velvet, ruffles, knit… options are endless but add interest!

Don’ts

  • Do not pick super busy patterns. Use patterns wisely, a paisley may look beautiful but if everyone is in a busy pattern, it will look very disjointed.
  • Don’t wear outfits with heavy branding. Firstly, large or a lot of logos can be distracting in a photo. Also, while it may be stylish to sport a popular clothing logo now, as we know, things come and go. You won’t want to look back and say “Ugh, remember when that brand was popular?”

Dress for Comfort and Flattery

And finally, one of the most important tips, is to make sure no matter what you pick that you and everyone in the photo are comfortable! Trying to wear stilettos that hurt your feet? Not going to look good in the photos, because the discomfort will come through in your face.

Also make sure you pick outfits that fit well. Nothing that is too tight or too loose, because it will distort your shape. Find outfits that also flatter your figure! For example, I like to take attention away from my arms so I stay away from strapless or sleeveless clothes.

Where to Shop

Obviously, this depends on what your vibe is but check out of these shops!


Abercrombie – Jeans and tops for teens and adults

American Eagle – Jeans for teens and adults, lots of dresses and tops for women and female-identifying persons

Baltic Born – Dresses, dresses, dresses!

Bohme – Boho style for women and female-identifying persons

H&M – Great for kids and babies! Good options for alternative styles.

Lulu’s – More dresses

SHEIN – Affordable, but great options. Be careful to check the sizing charts before you purchase. They have easy returns!

Old Navy – One of my favorites! Great for the whole family and makes it easy to coordinate colors.





Self-care/Pampering Before Your Session

While this may seem like overkill, I like to put it out there to all of my clients! You are making an investment with getting professional portraits taken, let’s make sure you are feeling in “tip top” shape.

Here is a quick list of items to consider:

  • Nail Care – Think about scheduling a manicure or pedicure at a salon you like! Or it could be as simple as trimming your nails, painting them and clipping away any hang nails. If you are doing an engagement sessions or anything where your hands will be a focal point, you will thank yourself later.
  • Hair – Similar as above, let’s take care of that hair! Whether you have long hair or short hair, textured or non-textured, our hair can be wild some days. If you want to hire a stylist for the day, do it! If you would rather keep it more low key, think about washing your hair a day before. If you tend to have frizzy hair or flyaways (I know I do), get some argan oil and try to slick them down.
  • Facial and/or Body Hair – Okay, let’s talk about body and facial hair. If you are looking to do body hair removal prior to your session, talk to an expert on when to schedule your waxing or threading. If you are looking to shave, make sure you do it a day or two ahead so any enflamed skin has a chance to settle down.
  • Skin Care – This is not just a tip for women or feminine identifying persons. This is for EVERYONE! Do not use any new products before your photo shoot, in case you have a reaction. Moisture days before and before your shoot to ensure you minimize any dry skin patches.
  • Make Up – I suggest that everyone who likes wearing makeup gets their makeup done! Nothing is better than getting dolled up and you can go glamorous or more natural. There are so many great artists in the area who can assist. Or if you want to do your own, try to do a trial run ahead of time!
  • Teeth – You may not have thought about it but brush those teeth before your session! Nothing sucks more than smiling wide and having some broccoli stuck in your front teeth.




Creating a Photo List

If you have very specific photo requests, it is best to get them document and over to your photographer ASAP so they can plan. So if you have a Pinterest pose or two, send them along. Pick only a few though!

Here is an example of a photo list:

  • Group shot with everyone
  • Mom with Daughter
  • Mom with Son
  • Mom with Daughter and Son
  • Grandma with Daughter and Son
  • Pinterest Photo with Hands making a heart

While this is not a necessity, just make sure you are communicating your expectations with your photographer if you have VERY specific needs!

Have questions?

I am happy to chat with you and help you find the perfect outfits for your session.

Email Me