Christmas Mini's Style Guide!
A question I most commonly get when people get ready for their photo session- What should we wear? I created this style guide to hopefully answer that question and get you excited for your session! Let's get you feeling confident and ready to go.
These are clothing tips that I have learned along the way, after editing many sessions!
*Pictures are from last years Christmas set up, but are good examples of outfits!*
LOCATION.
Twin Studio, Bend Or.
This is beautifully neutral studio. White walls, light wood floors with natural light.
Neutral colors with look best and keep these timeless!
COLOR
When choosing color(s) for your outfits, I recommend selecting soft, light tones and muted shades. By avoiding ultra-bright, bold colors, it will help bring all the attention to your faces and keep your photos timeless.
The camera loves creams, tans/shades of brown, denim, and soft whites. This soft color palette fits beautifully into this studio space.
For pops of color or statement pieces choose a rich color like forest green, burgundy or a dark yellow like mustard, gold or black for contrasting.
Think:
Natural
Warm
Creams
Browns
Light Blues or rich denim
-Timeless-
Avoid shirts or jackets with logos.
Family //
My number one principle for dressing a family for their photo session is "coordinating, not matching."
1) START WITH A "THREE CORE COLOR" PALETTE
Before you go unloading your whole family's dressers and drawers, you can simplify this process with a plan. And the plan is to pick a palette. Start by selecting a base plus 2-3 colors from the swatches below and build the outfits using those 2 to 3 colors.
2) ADD ONE OR TWO ACCENT COLORS
If you want to add a bit of variety, or if you can't find a complete outfit from your 3 core colors, add in one or two accent colors, to be used less frequently than the core colors.
These colors should complement the neutrals and nearly-neutrals that you're already using.
Finish off by adding nonessential clothing items such as wraps, sweaters, hats or statement accessories such as watches, bow ties, bracelets, hair bows, and jewelry that fits the core and accent colors.
CUT & STYLE
Ladies- Flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos. Consider a cut that allows for beautiful movement in the images.
Men- Nice fitting button up, long sleeve or sweater. Layering can be fun! Denim jacket or a solid color jacket could look good.
Choose a solid-colored shoe. You can never go wrong with brown or black leather shoes! Even a simple slip on shoe would work. Skip the running shoes!
FABRICS & PRINTS
Fabric selection has the power to add positive interest or negative distraction to your photos.
A solid-colored fabric is always a winner, but if you don't want to wear (or don't have) a solid-colored dress, select a print that is minimalist and understated, rather than bold and design-forward. Think dainty florals, repetitive geometric motifs, checkered patterns.
Another way to add visual interest is to opt for texture like lace, seersucker, linen, denim, chiffon, or tulle.
