THE JOURNAL

Welcome to our style guide

We get asked “what should I wear” SO often! So we decided to prepare a Photography session style guide with a few tips on what colors, patterns, and materials photograph well. First and foremost – we want you to wear what YOU feel comfortable and beautiful in. We can definitely help with some tips on what PHOTOGRAPHS well – but keep in mind, the goal is for you to feel confident and special during your session!

Wardrobe Tips

Choose Neutral Colors

We love neutrals because they are classic and timeless, which is probably what you want out of your photos. So keep it simple and effortless. 

Dark clothing can be slimming in real life, however on camera it adds weight. Camera’s can’t see in 3D like the human eye can and they have a hard time finding the curves of the body when dark colors are present. This will result in your figure having a flat and boxy shape.

Bright colored clothing distracts from the face, emotions and interactions within the photo. Most bright and bold colors interact poorly with skin tones and often reflect the color onto your skin tone. If you must wear color, try to keep it in the pastel family. Pale blues, yellows, blush. 

Light clothing can be airy and fresh. It can bring a beautifully simple touch Think crisp white shirts, breezy white dresses and beige linen pants.

Prints and Patterns

We can’t stress this enough! Avoid crazy patterns like Neither polka dot, paisley, herringbone, leopard or tiger. These are a huge distraction and create awful distortions in digital portraits. You can sometimes get away with a small, floral print if it’s on a dress, but make sure to check with us first. Patterns are best added into your props to go along with your wardrobe.

Cover your limbs

Even the slimmest arms will photograph large. To assist with this style-wise, any kind of fitted 3/4 length or longer sleeve is flattering.

Texture

Texture is amazing! Lace, linen, knots and airy materials. Adding texture to your wardrobe can really make the image pop. Think about this when you plan your accessories too.

Feel comfortable

This is a big one. You want to be as comfortable as you can in the clothing you wear. If your dress is too tight and you don’t feel you best, it will show in your expression. If your shoes are killing you, same thing. On the flip side, be sure your clothes aren’t too baggy or loose. You want to look polished.

Accesorize

Fun hats, textured scarves, bold jewelry and great shoes. Take this opportunity to think outside the box. We highly encourage our clients to include “personal accessories” like their journals, favorite coffee mug or even their pet. Yes, we are pet friendly studio! A cool pair of reading glasses is a great way to change up your look between wardrobe changes, too. We offer outfit changes on our extended sessions, however if you booked a standard or a mini session you typically don’t have time for a wardrobe change. So a quick swap of your accessories can make all the difference. A scarf and hat can give jeans and a blouse, a completely new look. Adding some glasses and a your favorite handbag can also completely change the vibe of your session! 

RELATED ARTICLES: