What to Wear

Wear what makes you feel confident.

These photos are about capturing who you are at this point in your life, and if you’re relaxed and feeling great, you’ll be much happier with the results. 

(Side note: if you're under 18, we have to have a parent or responsible adult with you. But this is your session. Sometimes your adult can make you more relaxed, and sometimes, um, not. As long as you and I can connect without being distracted, bring anyone you want, and we'll include them in a couple pix if you like! But if your parent will be over my shoulder trying to make you cheese it up, or they're just stressing you out, we'll need to have a convo about personal space.)

Here are some things to consider.

Number: Two outfits (or three if you're quick) work well for an hour session, typically a dressier one and a casual one, but that’s up to you. If your outfits have two different looks it gives you a chance to show off a different side of yourself, and it makes for more variety in your gallery. Different styles also lend themselves to different backgrounds and poses. (A flowy dress looks great swirling in a field, while a moto jacket and jeans stand out well against a flight of stone steps.) Layers are your friend!

Weather: You’ll be outdoors for about an hour, so if you’re overheated or freezing cold, it will show! Remember that the best results will come from you looking comfortable, so if your heart is set on a sundress or your favorite chunky cardigan, be sure to bring layers to warm up/cool down between settings.

Fit: Wear clothes that fit your body, but aren’t tight or restrictive. I’ll suggest a lot of different poses, so you’ll want to be able to get up and down easily. That also means avoiding hemlines that are extra short, and necklines that are extra low. On the other hand, don’t go too bulky. A drapey skirt is a great way to add movement, but a super bulky sweater won’t be as flattering. We want to highlight your best self!

Simplicity: Logos, text and graphics are distracting in images. If it’s something particularly meaningful to you, include it! But I’d also bring something without those elements, just to give yourself more options.

Prints or stripes: Fine if they’re small, so that they’re creating texture or interest, but remember we want the focus to be on your gorgeous face. Flannel shirts are a great look for fall, but if it’s plaid, check it out from a distance and from close up to see if any of the colors jump out at you.

Pockets: It might seem random, but pockets are useful for posing in a natural way. No pockets? No problem, I’ll guide you on how to hold your hands. But if you need a tie-breaker on an outfit, go with the pockets.

Shoes: Yep, they’ll be in the pictures, so include them in your outfit plan. Also: we’ll be walking all over the location you choose, so if you’re showing off your four-inch heels, bring something comfy to get from place to place.

Colors: Muted or neutral colors are flexible in different environments (I don’t mean flesh tones: Avoid!). Deeper colors and jewel tones will really pop against more urban settings. A white sundress or plain white t-shirt are classic and flexible for layering. Just make sure they aren’t overly sheer.

Sunny or cloudy: If your session day is gray and overcast, light and bright is the way to go. Your clothes will help to add some pop to the image, and the light colors will also reflect off of your skin and bring more light into your eyes.

Skin: If your skin flares up, please don’t worry! Skin-correcting editing tools are pretty amazing, and I’ll make sure you still look natural.

Hair: This is probably not the time to try out a new hairstyle; you want these photos to represent how you look at your everyday best. If you’re getting a cut, maybe schedule it a week before your session so it doesn’t look quite so freshy-fresh. 

Tanning: There’s a limit to what I can do about tan lines in editing, so if yours are distinct, consider an outfit that doesn’t highlight them. Alternatively, spray tans don’t photograph well. They can look great in person, but still render orange in the camera.

Test run: Try everything out, top to toes, and check it in a full length mirror to make sure you’re happy with the complete look. Shoes? Socks? Hats? Accessories? Remember to bring all of the things! (And please, on a hanger! Wrinkles can be really tricky to edit!)

Changing: How do the outfit changes work? If there’s a public restroom, we’ll head there, but frequently there isn’t, or the restroom is locked. Some people change in their cars (I can keep an eye out to make sure no one walks by), and some just opt for layers added and taken away. For example, a plain t-shirt, a button down, a sweater and a cool jacket all offer a lot of different combinations without requiring any privacy. But I’m happy to take a break while you do a complete wardrobe change! It’s whatever you prefer.

Remember: It’s your session. We’ll make it work, and you’ll look amazing. I can’t wait!