• 

Fall is upon us and in case you didn’t know — it’s the time for photoshoots. Yes, you heard me right — add to your to-do list, “get profesh photos taken”. Why? Well, girl, the light is fading fast… especially here in Seattle. So if you’ve been meaning to get photos for your brand, photos for your business, photos of your bump, photos of your newborn, photos with your lover or your whole fam… now is the time. And before you stress out about who to book and what to wear — I’m here to help. Sharing my fall style guide on what to wear to a photo shoot.

Things to Consider for Your Lifestyle Photography Session

LOCATION

When it comes to styling for a photo session, you want to keep in mind the location of your shoot and the vibe you want to portray. Golden grass can offer a warm, relaxed vibe. A sandy waterfront can offer a cool, breezy vibe. An urban neighborhood can offer a structured, edgy vibe.

WEATHER

The location should be able to help guide you with what type of clothing to wear, along with the time of year. Since this is the time for Fall sessions, you’ll want to lean towards longer sleeves and covered toes.

SEASON

If you’re shooting photos in the summer to use during the fall, pulse in fall wear. If you’re shooting photos in the fall to use during the winter, pulse in winter wear. Get the gist?

Tips on What to Wear

CHOOSE A NEUTRAL COLOR PALETTE

I’m a lover of wearing neutrals because they are classic and timeless, which is probably what you want out of your photos. Longevity to live on your website or in a frame. So keep it simple and effortless.

Dark clothing can be slimming. It helps blend the bodies with the background so that faces truly pop. Leather jackets, blazers and dark trousers.

Bright colored clothing distracts from the face, emotions and interactions within the photo. If you must wear color, try to keep it in the pastel family. Pale blues, yellows. Blush.

Light clothing can be airy and fresh. It can bring a beautifully simple touch but it can also wash out so be mindful of skintones. Crisp white shirts, breezy white dresses.

GO LIGHT ON TRENDY PIECES

If you’re a style blogger, you get goin with your bad self. You have photos on photos showing off style. But if you’re booking a shoot for longevity — where these photos will represent your business or your family, leave the trends at home. Trust me, you’ll regret styling those balloon pants with a padded shoulder tee and a belt bag years later.

AVOID PRINTS & PATTERNS

I can’t stress this enough. True PNWers don’t be offended, but the plaid doesn’t need to be in your photo. Neither does the polka dot, paisley, herringbone, leopard or tiger. Huge distraction and awful distortion that happens in digital portraits. You can sometimes get away with a small, floral print if it’s on a dress, but I would love for you to check with me first.

GO FOR COMFORT

This is a big one. 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.

COVER YOUR LIMBS

Now in the spring and summer, things are a bit different, but if we’re talking fall portraits, you’ll just want to cover your arms and legs. The more skin that shows in the photo, the more distraction there is away from the face.

ACCESSORIZE MINIMALLY

Minimal, ladies. Your favorite necklace (1-2) and bracelet above your watch. Simple stud or small hoop earrings. No hair accessories (unless it’s for your cute little). Remove glasses if you can.

SHOES YOU CAN WALK IN

Sky high heels will not allow you the comfort nor the look you’ll want for your timeless photos. Make sure they’re practical.

Photoshoot Specific Tips

BRANDING PHOTOSHOOT

These photos are going to tell the world about who you are and what you have to offer. The face of your brand and business. Ensure what you’re wearing helps to tell that story. Real estate gals, I know you’ll be rocking some damn good elevated workwear. Fitness friends, I know you’ll have the cutest activewear sets.

COUPLES PHOTOSHOOT

Whether you’re dating, engaged or married… Baby Spice was right, 2 really do become 1. But let’s not showcase this in your photo session. Rather, think complementary. Salt to Pepper, Sand to Ocean. Decide on whether you’d like to have cool tones across blues, greys, black or warm tones like tans, beiges and browns. I love suggesting black and white for my couples shoots, or have the guy in blue with the gal in something light.

FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT

Again, it’s all about complementing. You don’t have to match entirely. In fact, please don’t. Rather, play with cool tones across blues, greys, black. Or warm tones like tans, beiges and browns. Since we’re talking Fall, I’d choose darks over lights. I like to suggest children wear similar tops vs exactly matching. Same with parents.

MATERNITY PHOTOSHOOT

The shoots are all about the mamas — so you’ve got to be sure your outfit helps with that focus. I love suggesting dresses for maternity shoots — solid colors, maxi or fitted. Overall, whatever is most comfortable. And please ladies, keep the heels at home.

NEWBORN PHOTOSHOOT

Oh your sweet baby getting all ready for his/her photoshoot… it’s actually easier than you think. Why? Swaddles can act as an outfit change! I like to suggest one onesie for the babe and then 2-3 extra swaddles — a mix across solids and patterned in calming colors.