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CHOOSING WHAT TO WEAR
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I know it can be intimidating picking out clothes for a shoot, (literally I still get stressed whenever i’m supposed to be photographed) so hopefully this helps ease some of those feelings.
Most important, I want you to look like you.
These are just suggestions based on what will photograph 'technically well', the basics of color and contrast, and the importance of comfort. By no means do you need to dress a certain way, dress 'up' or go shopping to get something new. Please take all of this as loose suggestion, and show up in what you feel most beautiful in.
The two main things to consider,
MOVEMENT + COMFORT
These elements are key to the entire shoot, and affect how the photos turn out the very most.
Being comfortable in what you’re wearing is the most important thing to consider when you’re choosing an outfit. If you know you don’t like certain angles of the outfit, don’t feel good sitting or walking in it, are signs to go a different direction. We will most likely be moving a lot, and in a variety of climates and environments. If you can’t walk naturally in your shoes, or sit comfortably in your pants, it’s going to be hard to be candid.
I suggest trying on your outfits at home, and making sure you can comfortably sit, jump, and run, and also feel confident doing it.
Regarding movement, it doesn’t have to be a flowing dress, or oversized anything, just something that doesn’t grip you all over. Something that if the wind blows it might pick that up a bit, or as you are walking and taking on new shapes it’s draping effortlessly, rather than with restriction. Mostly I want you to be able to move in it!
COLORS
Colors vary for every setting! Determinant on background, light, and skin tones. Typically, I suggest muted colors. This doesn't mean only neutrals! It can mean bold colors, but not highly saturated. Stay away from primary colors, but variations of them can be beautiful. Rusty reds, mustard yellows, forest greens are some examples of these variants. Since there is a high chance we are shooting in a natural environment, think earth tones. Don't think of it as 'color coordinating' with one another, because that generally results in matching. Try to think of it as complementing one another. If one of you is in a solid tone, try pairing that with a neutral pattern, texture, or layers.
Colors will add much more to the mood of the photos then you probably initially think. See the bold rust dress in the bottom left photo, and how it interacts with the cool blues; beautiful isn't it? Compare that to the subtleness of the forest green shirt in the bottom right, which seems to fit in perfectly with the shadowed pines in the background. Totally different interactions as one is high contrast and the other is low, but they both work and bring different types of moods to the photographs. Now imagine how different colors might present in each photo, for example, if they were switched? The photos would be entirely different.
Now imagine the landscape or location we’ve chosen for your own shoot. Think of the setting, and how the colors you wear will interact with it. If you have no idea what will fit with the location we've selected, ask me! I am more than happy to help.
PATTERNS
Avoid loud, demanding patterns as a whole. They tend to be overly distracting and take away from the emotion of the imagery. If you do go for pattern, make sure it's only one of you, and the other is simple! Too many patterns can make the image feel hectic and overwhelming. Flannels, muted prints, earth toned floral patterns are all great examples of things that work well. They can photograph beautifully, and bring some dynamic to the photo. If you're unsure about your pattern, just ask me.
Texture is amazing. Clothing like denim, crochet, and anything distressed all bring style and natural pattern to the photo in a subtle way, without over complicating it. Her pattern (upper right) is an example of subtle yet complimenting.
CONSIDER OUR ENVIRONMENT
One of the most important questions I want you to consider is
does it make sense?
We are most likely shooting in an outdoor setting, which means we will be working alongside all of the elements. Consider where we will be walking, sitting, etc. Above are some great examples. Barefoot on the beach is one of my favorite looks, but barefoot in that rockfield (the BW image) would be painful and unrealistic. Temperature also matters. The glacier images you see were taken in -17 degrees, anything other than bundled would have been just silly. The image in the mountains was on a 6 mile hike, so too dressed up would have been unrealistic. Consider our adventure and how you can add some cute style to it.
Another example of freezing temps (0 degrees at 7AM in December). Bundled can be cute, especially with layers and accessories!
What you wear will also impact how I shoot you. I saw this harsh light (which I knew would mean bright blue skies) and placed them within that (somewhat a-typical / untraditional) because I knew their whites would pop. Something I would not have done if their tones would have clashed rather than emphasized.
An overnight backpacking trip, naturally they are outfitted in hiking appropriate clothes.
In shooting the opposite direction, the background lent to blown out, softer tones, which gave a “dreamier effect” and also suited their outfits well.
Accessories, props & Pets
I think accessories are one of the best parts of dressing for a shoot. They are so fun and bring a variety of styles and moods to the outfits without much work. Any and all jewelry, hats, layers, jackets, beanies, are welcome. I also tend to notice that they bring a sense of confidence and comfort! If your partner is always in a beanie, they will most likely feel more comfortable the second they put that beanie on. Just as if you put on a special new piece of jewelry, the confidence boost is so evident. It’s all about how you feel. Accessories are also key to how I shoot, a lot of my style comes with the details.
Props don't have to be cheesy signs! They can be things as creative and fun as blankets, campfires, tents, your cool old truck or van, a picnic, a bouquet of wildflowers you picked on our walk.. anything! If it fits into your relationship and is a fun part of your life, let’s figure out a way to incorporate it naturally into the photographs and add another dynamic to the shoot.
Pups are so fun to bring, (and i’m absolutely here for it). Just please consider a way that we can easily (and safely!) put them away for a good chunk of the time, since you'll probably want some photos without. They can be distracting if they’re around and tied up, or running loose, and I want you to be able to commit to full presence.
HAIR + MAKEUP
People always ask about professional hair and makeup, and my personal answer is do whatever will make you feel your absolute best. For me, that's pretty light makeup and messy hair. And yes that photographs totally fine! I don't think you necessarily need full coverage for photos, but again it's what is best for you! Just make sure you look in the mirror and feel like yourself. Be prepared for wind in your hair and probably some kind of moisture, sweat, crazy sun, or another type of element that will pop up and seem to ruin everything, but I promise it won't.
Also considering switching up your hair throughout the shoot— if you love rocking a high pony or a low bun go for it.
A note FOR MY MAMAS
A moment to honor YOU! What you’re doing right now is incredible, and deserves to be celebrated. Everything above still absolutely applies, so please take a look over those more broad ideas. I have shot lots of styles of maternity photos, so I want you to consider for a moment what this time means to you, and how we can most meaningfully capture it. Has it been difficult? Draining? or have you found a new kind of meaning in your world? Either way, I invite you to bring that into our time together. Be it through vulnerability and openness, or in that dewy mama fresh sense of confidence.
As always, this is all for and about you. I encourage flowing, comfortable outfits that emphasize that growing belly. I have shot everywhere from a rocky beach in the winter, to studios, to bathtubs. What makes you feel your most maternal? Barefoot in your home, or a flowing gown in the wind standing strong? I will empower you through every moment of this. And of course, the partners are invited. We will rotate between focus on you, the babe, and the pair of you.
FINAL TIPS
Iron all of your clothes! Wrinkles photograph poorly.
Bring lots of options! Maybe 3-4 tops, and 2-3 bottoms. Or if you prefer, jumpers or dresses. That way I can help you mix and match, and depending on weather and lighting decide on the spot what will look best.
Don't feel the need to 'dress up', do what feels right and what feels like you. I know for me that means something new that i’m stoked on, or the simplest top in my closet. For others it means their most trusted pieces they’ve had forever.
Avoid logos, unless you are intentionally choosing it. Use your best judgement, if you wanna rock a graphic tee of your all time favorite band cause that's what makes you feel the most you, go for it. But keep it as vague as possible overall. This isn’t a Northface ad!
THAT'S ALL I'VE GOT!
Send me pics, text me questions, FT me from your closet. I'm not saying I have great style (I don’t have any, actually) but I can tell you what I think from shooting different types of clothing and people. And remember, it's not all about the outfits and how they will look in the photos, but how you feel while you're being photographed.