A guide to planning & styling your photoshoot to make it
perfect
WELCOME TO MY STYLE GUIDE FOR TIPS ON STYLING YOUR PHOTOSHOOT TO ACHIEVE THE IMAGES OF YOUR DREAMS
Hello & welcome!
Welcome to my style guide where you will find some suggestions and ideas that will help make styling your photoshoot come together (it will help me to create images that you will love)! Thank you for choosing me to be your photographer, you’re in safe hands.
Planning ahead is essential when styling your photoshoot
STYLE
WHAT AESTHETIC DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE?
What style of photoshoot are you drawn to?
The styling your photoshoot involves planning ahead, and carefully considering what each person will wear. You need to think of the overall aesthetic you are wanting to achieve.
Are you a lover of all things neutral, or is classic black with a touch of drama and sophistication more your style?
Style is knowing who you are & what you want to say
pLANNING
WHAT TO WEAR & HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR PHOTOSHOOT
PLANNING
A little thought goes a long way
When styling and planning your photoshoot and deciding on what to wear for a family portrait session, it’s essential to think about how every person’s outfit co-ordinates. You want a cohesive, well-thought-out look, so it’s important to consider a few things. Are you wanting images that match your home or personal style? Are you wanting images that tell the story of a moment in time or to capture a milestone? Do you want timeless images that will look just as good in twenty years as they do today? If that it the case, you should choose classic, simple outfits over styles that are on-trend. Visit my instagram and website for inspiration from my other clients, as they often choose their outfits to compliment the tones and aesthetic of my photographic style.
COORDINATING
Working together for a cohesive look
Co-ordinating colours make for a cohesive result. You don’t need to all be wearing the same colour, but a carefully chosen colour palette will elevate your finished images. Different shades of the same colour can look great, as can similar tones. Depending on the background for your photo session, you should dress accordingly. Do you want a formal, elegant look with velvet and lace, or something more relaxed with natural fabrics and textures.
COLOUR PALETTE
Deciding on a colour theme
It’s important to choose a colour palette that is either cool or warm, and not a combination of both. The colours need to be in harmony, and appear united when together. Think of the season and compliment your surroundings; if you are going for a warm Autumn look, you may be best to choose a combination or warm, bold or dark colours. If it’s an outdoor beach shoot in the middle of Summer, then soft, cool colours may work best with the sand and ocean. Choose classic over following trends, which will ensure your images look timeless. White, although fresh, can be very polarising in a photo, especially if others are wearing very dark colours such as black.
PATTERN & prints
Keeping it simple
Avoid the use of lots of patterns and busy prints, especially logos. The biggest distraction in a photo is a big logo, slogan or character across the front of a shirt, it draws the viewers attention away from the face. It’s also the quickest way to date an image. If you do choose to introduce some pattern, a floral dress or polka dots can be a good option, but stick to colours from the overall palette of the group, and generally for not more than one person.
OUTFITS
CHOOSING AND CO-ORDINATING OUTFITS WHEN STYLING YOUR PHOTOSHOOT
FOR THE MEN
Plain, block coloured shirts worn tucked in or un-tucked. Block coloured t-shirt. Rolled up sleeves. A textured, knitted cardigan, jumper or jacket/coat over a collared shirt. Slim fitted jeans or chinos with a belt. Formal pants with shirt and tie. Leather boots or shoes, no wrist watch.
FOR THE WOMEN
A block coloured dress in a fitted or flowing cut. A flowing floral print dress. A well-cut, fitted outfit always looks flattering. A winter coat in a classic style over skinny jeans/pants. An elegant formal dress with heels. Ankle boots, ballet shoes, leather flats. Minimal jewellery, no watches.
FOR THE GIRLS
As per Mum, but with added accessories such as; headbands or bows, hats and berets, tights with black patent shoes or boots. Cute little jackets and coats. A formal dress and shiny shoes. Well-cut dress in a classic style. Shiny red shoes with a navy dress.
FOR THE BOYS
As per Dad, but with added accessories such as; a hat or cap, braces, leather boots, jackets and coats, formal pants, shirt and tie with braces.
SHOES
Because yes, they will be seen
Shoes are often forgotten until the last minute and yet they can make or break an image. It’s important that the shoes you wear match your outfit and style, and do not act as a distraction. Classic styles are always best, and try to avoid runners. If you are doing a beach shoot, barefeet are perfect.
THE LITTLE DETAILS
Make or break
The little details can make or break an image, you are investing both your time and money into a photoshoot, so it’s imporant to make sure everything looks its best. Iron your clothing before your session. If you are wearing nail polish, ensure it’s fresh and free from chips, this also applies to toenails as sometimes they are seen too! You may wish to have your hair freshly cut and coloured, have your eyebrows manicured, and any waxing or shaving done. If you like to self-tan, please do so very lightly, avoiding that orange tell-tale sign (you really don’t need this as your images are normally retouched!).