what to wear.fam photo session

colors? patterns? matching?

i get this question quite a bit. here’s my suggestions for you…

-comfort. obviously i want you to feel comfortable in your outfit. if you don’t, it will translate into the photos. also, i love to get you down on the ground and if you're in a constricting outfit, it might limit your looks.

 

-solid (light) colors work better than big patterns. loud patterns distort and distract from your beautiful face. a small pattern is just FINE, just pop in the mirror and see if your eye leads you to your pattern or your face; cause that's what my camera will pick up too.

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-i tend to love a beige/white/brown/neutral palate for most indoor and outdoor sessions. this color palate tends to look amazing no matter the season (and works well with my editing style). little hints of color can be really beautiful though :). what would I steer you away from? vibrant pink, vibrant yellow, and reds. tip: lay out your family looks on the bed or floor and see if you like the way they compliment each other.

 

-another helpful hint (abby wood wear; stylist) is to choose looks that compliment your home. if you're going to have these portraits hanging on your fireplace or walls, it’s a nice idea to have it ‘fit’ into the style of your home. 

 

-don’t be afraid to throw on a dress, momma’s (and girls). there’s something beautiful about a casual dress next to a jean-or khaki-clad family. . i lean toward long pants for family sessions rather than shorts; but there are always exceptions to the rule. also, wear that special ring from your grandma, or that necklace that means so much to you. you'll love to see it in your photos for years to come.

no matter what you choose, if you feel BEAUTIFUL it will translate into those pics :) 

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photo session tips 

babies.kids

-try to avoid booking a session around nap time for kiddos. along those lines, try your very best to AVOID CAR NAPS before your shoot. there isn’t a lot of time for your little guy or gal to wake up and get acclimated to a new scene; not to mention a stranger with a camera in their face asking them to perform :)

 

-bring (secret) snacks for babies/little kids. cheerios or something colorless work the best. mood booster, distractor, plus easy to edit out. 

 

-have fun with your family. my favorite style is natural. yes i will try and get you those one or two poses for the ‘traditional’ looks; but the best photos are the candids/in-between. try to go in with a positive attitude, i promise to make it as painless as possible.

 

-expectations. this one is big for me. if you have a two year old, you know what i’m saying. toddlers and kids are unpredictable. if your kiddo is acting a fool, no sweat; we’ll play a game or slow things down and i’ll get the shots. don’t stress about it, it makes it worse. judgement-free zone. also, don’t be afraid of bribes. ever. ;)