Step one: choose your color palette.
Arguably the most difficult part of "what to wear" is what color to wear! Personally, my favorite colors to edit are jewel tones such as emerald, ruby and teal! However, not everyone wears these tones year round. Oftentimes, clothing brands bring these colors out in the fall and winter. During the spring and summer, consider trying dusty blue, blushy pinks or turquoise! If you're having photos taken with a group, make sure everyone is dressing in the same color scheme! Your photos will appear more cohesive and the group will seem more intimate. You should wear whatever colors you feel most confident in and don't be afraid of going bold if that's your style!
The importance of fabric choice and the beauty of textures.
After choosing your color scheme, consider the TYPE of fabrics that you'll be wearing. Fabrics with texture will often be the most flattering and will give a rich, contrasting appearance to your photos. Examples of fabrics with texture include lace, wool, gauze, shiney satin and knits. My editing style emphasizes the beauty of textures in your clothes and the environment. The textures will be especially beautiful in solid colored clothing.
"Should I wear black and white?" And other neutral options.
I love editing white clothing because it pops against the environment that you're in (aside from snow or white walls!!). It's a safe color and many people opt for it because of that. However, keep in mind that groups wearing white may run into the issue of shades of white. Someone in cream while the rest of the group is in crisp, true white will stand out!
Wearing black can be very classy! However, the main issue clients run into is lint! A shirt full of white lint on a black fabric is NOT going to be flattering and takes a lot of time to edit. Consider bringing a lint roller in your car to prep right before your session.
All of that being said, I do suggest considering other neutral options such as camel brown and even "army" green. Neutrals never go out of style and are a surefire win if you don't feel drawn to another color scheme.
Things to remember.
Your fabrics may wrinkle if you've got a long drive to your photo session location. Don't be afraid to keep your dress hung in a bag and change in the public bathroom at your location. I also have a pop-up tent available for you to change right at your car!
This changing tent can also be used if you'd like to wear two different outfits during your session. This is a popular option for graduation photos and engagement pictures.
Wear shoes that you feel comfortable in! You'll definitely be moving around during your session and you'll want to make it easily from point A to point B. That being said, if your feet hurt during the session- please tell me! They also make plastic adapters for your high heels so that they won't sink into the grass as easily. Perfect for formal sessions and wedding days!
Afraid that your "trendy outfit" will look out of style in a few years? Yes, that may be true. But also remember that there are very few colors and styles that have maintained their popularity through all of the decades. Going for simple styles such as a woven sweater and your most flattering skirt are timeless. Wearing the "trends" is fun but so is a timeless look! It all depends on what you're looking to accomplish with your session.
Consider the location of your session. What tones blend with the colors in your location or the season you're photographing in?
Check out my portfolio and see what colors and fabrics you're drawn to.
You'll see that I've featured a variety of colors, styles and seasons in my portfolio. Don't be afraid to reach out to me if you have questions or would like suggestions for your session. I'm happy to help in any way that I can!
Hairstyle.
Finally, consider your hair. If your session is outdoors on a windy day or in a generally windy location (such as on a large body of water), you're going to want to plan accordingly. Generally, most individuals with long hair will find their hairstyles to become unruly when it's humid or extra windy. In these situations, you may want to consider an up-do! Or, use plenty of hair product that will help keep it in place. Thankfully, for most sessions, you'll have plenty of time to take breaks and fix your hair. But overall, you'll want your session to be spent having fun and getting your photos taken- not messing with your hair!
