IT’S ALL ABOUT STYLE
In order to get the absolute best results from your photo session, it is important to spend some time planning your wardrobe.
Details matter! For an image to pleasing and successful, you must consider color schemes.
⚫️ STEP ONE ⚫️
COLOR COLOR COLOR
The very first thing you need to do when choosing your wardrobe is to select a color scheme. Whether you are taking pictures by yourself, with your significant other or your entire family, selecting the main color scheme will offer guidance for everything else! Here are some things you should consider when selecting your palette.
Color tone
There are three main categories of clothing colors for portraits: warm tones, cool tones, and neutral tones. You typically want to stay within one of these palettes when building an outfit. Mixing too much can be disorienting and mess up that cohesive message you’re trying to send with your images.
SeasonAL COLORS
Here is a short list of colors that typically work well for each season.
SPRING
Pale Pink
Mint Green
Baby Blue
Light Gray
Softy Yellow
Spring Green
Lavender
SUMMER
White
Yellow
Bold Red
Bright Orange
Bold Pink
Turquoise
Royal Blue
FALL
Brown
Mustard Yellow
Burn Orange
Dark Greens
Dark Purples
Neutrals
WINTER
White or Cream
Brown
Black
Medium/Dark Gray
Dark Purple
Ruby Red
Emerald Green
Blue
Find one color that you love and utilize a resource like DESIGN SEEDS to find complimentary colors.
TIP
Use your cell phone to take some snapshots of the colors you have chosen to work with. If you go shopping and see something that you think you might want to use for the shoot, you can access your colors to see if it coordinates!
⚫️ STEP TWO ⚫️
COORDINATE
Coordinating outfits is as easy as 1…2…3!
Once you’ve decided on a color palette, you can use this VIRTUAL STYLING SERVICE to help you coordinate everyone’s outfits with ease. Simply log in (your styling code is your last name), answer the questions and start choosing items for each person. If you have something in your closet already that you love, you can upload a picture of it so you can see how it looks with everything else!
You have the ability to access this service as many times as you like before your session.
TIPS
This service will provide links so you can purchase the clothing items, but I always recommend using it as a guide and shopping your closet first.
Always start with the person who is the most difficult to dress. Once you find their outfit, then build everyone else’s around it.
Don’t use too many complex patterns. Patterns can be great, but too many can be overwhelming. A good rule of thumb is to keep patterns to wardrobe 1-2 pieces.
Always choose clothing that is comfortable. Uncomfortable clothing makes for uncomfortable people.
As you start collecting wardrobe pieces, make sure to check them against one another. Lay them out on the floor or bed and make sure the colors coordinate and you like the way everything comes together. Don't forget to include shoes, socks and any other accessories when doing this!
IMPORTANT: Remember, the aim of coordinating outfits is not to match perfectly, but rather to harmonize and create a visual connection between family members. By selecting complementary colors, textures, and styles, we can achieve a stunning ensemble that highlights the unique personalities and relationships within your family.
