I get asked “what should I wear” SO often! So I decided to prepare a Photography session style guide with a few tips on what colors, patterns, and materials photograph well. First and foremost – I want you to wear what YOU feel comfortable and beautiful in. I 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!

I want to start this section by saying that I recognise that clothing can be a very personal, sensitive, and unique representation of yourself. I want you to look and feel like the best version of yourself. The ultimate goal is for you to feel confident and comfortable in whatever you have on, because that will radiate through in your photos. When you look nice, you feel nice! Let’s talk about what works and what doesn’t work so well.  

 DO’s

+ Wear fabrics that move and flow. Movement = magic. Make sure you can easily sit and lie down in your outfits. I will always suggest a flow dress for women because of the moment factor. It truly elevates your session! 
+ Coordinate without matching (please, please don’t match!)
+ Texture is amazibg! Different fabrics - twill, flannel, chunky knits, embroidery details, layers, ruffles, buttons, etc.
+ Plan your clothing around the location where your session will take place. For example, if we are shooting in an area with lots of trees, avoid wearing green/dark colors.
+ Paying attention to small details can really elevate your session. For example, if your baby needs to be soothed with a dummy, consider a more photogenic brand so that we can keep on snapping without missing a beat!   

+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.

+Think about accessories -Blankets are a good extra, you can sit on them & wrap the childen in them later in the session when it gets cold for some cute shots - Think about shoes!! Tan always looks great! I’m a big fan of boots & hats!! This is the country girl coming out in me!!

+ Make sure everyone has had their hair cut and have neat and tidy hair. If you are dying your hair or putting on tan, be sure to do it a few days before the session so you have time to do corrections if need be.

+ Treat yourself and get your hair and makeup done. If you are doing it yourself thats great too. Feel free to bring a little mirror & some lipstick/powder to freshen up during the session!

+ Remember those little details like blending your make up along yours jaw, avoiding fake tan on your hands & creases, clean finger nails, smoothing stray hairs (its a good idea to bring a hair brush) specially on a windy day!

+ Don’t forget water & snacks!! Specially over the hot summer months!

DON'T

+ Please don't match! I would even go so far as to suggest not picking any kind of colour theme, and instead sticking with certain tones that give off a cohesive vibe and not a traditional matching feel. 
+ Please don't  wear things with large logos, characters, writing or neon colors. I 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.

+ Please don't wear ill-fitting things. Pay attention to the fit of your clothing. For women, flowy/movement is good. For men, it’s almost the opposite - you don’t want your pants and tops to be baggy. Slimmer fitting clothing photographs best on men and helps you look more pulled together, no matter what your size is. 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.

+A good tip is to put on the outfit & move around - my sessions are very playful! I will have you walking, sitting, spinning!! Too often people pop on an outfit & pose in the mirror, Make sure that it also looks great & comftable when you move around!

NEUTRAL COLORS

I 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.

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.

Be mindful of beige & white!! If you have all the family in beige & one person in white, the white will really stand out! If in doubt go with all beige. White can sometime blow out & reflect the blue sky - beige is much softer & wrmer. 

Don’t be afraid to add some color to the neutral look - greens, brown & mustards look great with beige!

Here is a link to some of my favourite outfits that not only photograph well, but can become part of your personal wardrobe!!

These dress options work for all body types

My picks

For ‘HER’

Anything flowy dresses with sleeves are perfect !! Maxi & mid length look GREAT! Beige or rustic colors!!

Beige flowy dresses -

SITTING PRETTY MIDI DRESS - Allegra midi dress - Weatherly Off-White Puff Sleeve Midi Dress - Mystic Moon Daniella White Tiered Maxi Dress - Gretchen Maxi Dress - Natural - Alicia Maxi Dress - White

Rustic

Melody Maxi Dress - Lana Maxi Dress - DANGEROUS WOMAN MAXI DRESS - Ishka lace dress - Linen wrap dress - Olive barker dress

Boho & bold Pattern

(make sure if you pick a dress like this to dress the rest of the family in plan bold colors that compliment the dress)

Leila Black Boho V-Neck Midi Dress - Jaase dress - Terima Maxi - lana maxi dress

Options if you’re more of a pants or jumpsuit kinda girl!

Shelly pants & top set - Mocha jumpsuit - Graciela Button Up Shirt - Warm Grey Cupro - LARISSA TROUSERS - Amelia Pant - pocket jeans - Corduroy Casual Pants - THIS jumpsuit is everything!! - For the cosy lovers - off the shoulder jumpsuit - SANDY TOP

Country girls I haven’t forgotten about you!!

Flynn Wool - cowgirl boots - Tassel Suede Leather Jacket - country dress

For ‘HIM’

Linen Shirts & chinos always look great!

Country road has GREAT quality option for men, that fit great & photograph brilliantly !!

Pure Linen Shirt - Oatmeal - Holloway Pure Linen Shirt - Sherpa Wanderer Corduroy Jacket - CHINO PANTS - T-shirt - Chino SHORTS - POLO shirt - Mens shoes

Little Humans

Cotton on Kids have great options - Make sure you look for earthy/rustic tones (refer to my color pallet - Greens - browns - beige - mustard)

Linen dresses, overalls, kitted jumpers photograph well!!!

- 3 Layer Cake Tutu Dress - Long Sleeve Baby Jane Romper - Spring Overall - Jacket

ORGANIC "OAKLEY" OVERALLS - ORGANIC "LENNOX" SHERPA JACKET - SOFT SAND CORD BABY OVERALLS - Chucky knit - Boys chinos - kids boots

Cute extras!!

Hat - Boots - Knitted throw

I’m also a sucker for local op shops - You don’t need to necessarily pay a fortune for a nice outfits, you just have to know what to look for!! It’s about getting creative & having fun with it!!

My client closet

I have a small but growing collection on clothes for my clients to use!!

(anything you would like to wear from my closet please discuss with me before the session so I can either bring the outfits or we can arrange a pre fitting to make sure the sizes fit & suit you )

If you have any questions or would like advice on outfits, them please reach out/send me photos/links!!

I am here to help guide you x