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style guide
learn
how to prep for the camera
Not sure what to wear for your photo session?
Or maybe you’ve got your outfit sorted but your family needs some guidance?
Think of this as your cheat sheet to prepare you for the lens.
tips & tricks
flip a coin
patterns
I OFTEN SUGGEST AVOIDING VERY BOLD PATTERNS OR BRIGHT COLOURS WHEN CHOOSING YOUR ATTIRE FOR ANY PORTRAIT SESSION. HOWEVER, DEPENDING ON THE MATERIAL AND/OR COLOUR OF THE PATTERN IT CAN WORK.
ALSO, IF YOU ARE THE TYPE OF PERSON WHO WEARS PATTERNS OFTEN, SUCH AS PLAID OR FLORAL PRINTS, THEN BY ALL MEANS, PLEASE BE YOURSELF! JUST KEEP IN MIND WHEN CHOOSING PATTERNS THAT IT MAY DOMINATE THE PHOTOGRAPH and make you stand out DEPENDING ON THE SIZE OF YOUR GROUP.
DON’T BE SHY TO PLAY AROUND WITH IT TO SEE WHAT WORKS BEST
rule of thumb
colours
FOR BIG OR SMALL FAMILY SESSIONS, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND CHOOSING A COLOUR PALETTE THAT INCLUDES UP TO 5 OR 6 COLOURS TOTAL and then dressing within that. THIS WILL CREATE A COHESION ONCE YOU ARE ALL TOGETHER WITHOUT BECOMING TOO “MATCHY, MATCHY”.
IT ALSO PROVIDES SOME GUIDANCE FOR YOUR GROUP, SO THEY DON’T GO ROGUE AND SHOW UP WEARING BRIGHT NEON AND TIGER STRIPES.
WITH THIS ALL BEING SAID, LET THE KIDDOS BE KIDDOS. IF THEY WANT TO WEAR SOMETHING A BIT MORE VIBRANT THAT WORKS WITH THEIR PERSONALITY, I SAY GO FOR IT.
AFTER ALL, THEY GENERALLY STEAL THE SHOW.
don’t be stuffy
comfort
BEING COMFORTABLE IS PROBABLY THE BEST ADVICE I CAN GIVE FOR A SUCCESSFUL PHOTOSHOOT. THAT DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN’T WEAR A DRESS OR THOSE DISCO SNOWSUITS YOU’VE BEEN WAITING TO ROCK! JUST REMEMBER THAT ALL MY SESSIONS INCORPORATE MOVEMENT, WHETHER THAT’S A GENTLE WALK IN THE WOODS OR EXPLORING OFF THE BEATEN PATH. CHOOSE WISELY WHEN IT COMES TO WEATHER AND DON’T BE SHY TO WEAR LAYERS OR RAIN GEAR. WE CAN ALWAYS REMOVE JACKETS, BUT WE CAN’T TAKE AWAY COLD NOSES IN POST-PRODUCTION.
DON’T LET YOUR OUTFIT GET IN THE WAY OF YOU ENJOYING YOURSELF AND HAVING FUN. REMEMBER, PRACTICAL FOOTWEAR ALWAYS WINS!
it doesn’t have to look perfect
to be perfect
KIND WORDS
Maternity | Vancouver, BC
Darby! I’m so glad we were able to work together again. I’m thrilled to have these beautiful images to commemorate such a transformative time in my life.
I’ll look back on these photos for years to come (just like our wedding photos!). Thank you!
