Helpful tips and hints...
There are several things to consider and think about before a photo shoot; such as wardrobe, location, props and more. Here are some tips to look at before your next photo shoot. Compliments of Designer and Photographer, Corina Nielsen.
Coordinate outfits
Now this doesn’t mean everyone has to 100% match with khaki pants or jeans
and a white shirt! You want to complement each other’s outfits by choosing
colors that work well together. I find that if everyone is wearing the
same clothing, people will all tend to blend in together and there won’t be too
much pop and life to the images. Coordinate VS. Matching…. let’s not get
cheesy!
Use colors & patterns
Colors are everywhere around us and bring things to life… why not bring
your images to life as well! Again, be sure the colors you use coordinate
with each other and you don’t just end up looking like one big rainbow family!
When picking patterns, choose smaller ones that won’t distract attention away
from the main subject/s. Use patterns sparingly…. if one person is wearing a
print, try to avoid putting someone else in a competing pattern. When
thinking about texture, choose different ones that will give photos some
interest such as lace, corduroy, denim, etc. Avoid large logo’s, emblems
and graphics like “GAP” and “Old Navy” because again, these will typically
distract attention away from the subject. We want your faces and emotion
to show, not promote the clothing company you purchased from!
Be timeless
For some fashionistas, this may be a difficult concept, however you are
going to want these images to stand the test of time. Pick outfits that
aren’t t considered too trendy, but will be able to be enjoyed and displayed for
many years to come. One example of something that is timeless is jeans…
classic look and style yet you can still incorporate your own flair into the
outfit with your tops and accessories. Still be YOU, never forget
that!
Let your personalities SHINE
Perhaps the most important “rule” in my book. The purpose of these
photos is to hopefully capture each individual as they truly are, to capture the
family, the relationships, and people in the photos just as THEY are.
Forcing children to wear outfits that are uncomfortable and unfamiliar to
them may cause some anxiety and stress to them which in turn will inhibit really
capturing their personalities during the session. Same goes for adults.
Wear clothing that YOU feel good in and the pictures will emanate those
feelings. If your child wears a pair of rain boots everywhere he goes, it
makes the most sense to have him wear them for pictures as well. Remember,
you want to capture everyone as they are NOW. Capture these moments as
they are!
Dress for the season & location
Obviously you want your images to make sense. One typically wouldn’t
be wearing jeans, boots, and a jacket to the beach in the Summer so why would
you for pictures? Dress the part and be aware of your location. For
example, if you are shooting at the beach, ladies wear a pretty dress and
sandals, put dad in a short sleeve shirt and shorts OR pants (which you can also
roll up), put your little girl in a sweet Spring or Summer dress, etc. You
will want to make sure that everyone is on the same page and coordinates in both
colors AND styles.
Layering
One of my favorite “tips” for clothing choices! In the Summer months,
this may be more difficult to pull off but during all of the other seasons,
definitely layer your outfits. Not only will it provide more visual
interest in each photo but it will also allow a lot more variety in your shots
and poses. Have a ton of images of yourself in just your dress or cute top
and jeans? Throw on a little sweater or jacket and a hat and you
have entirely different look.
Personalize It
These are YOUR images and of course you want them to speak volumes about
you and your family. Discuss things your family enjoys doing together and
bring “props” and accessories that will help compliment who you are. If
your family enjoys playing music together, bring your instruments to your
session. If your family enjoys boating, suggest doing your session on a
boat or at the very least near the water. Bring along items that will
represent who each individual is AND who your family is collectively.
Remember where you came from
Typically, not something everyone will keep in mind before their session.
However, I always encourage clients to think about their home, their
décor, colors, and style of their homes. Chances are, at some point after
your session, you will be ordering prints or digital files. Why not keep
your décor in mind and ensure that it all blends into your home. This
will ensure that any large portraits will coordinate beautifully.
Keep make up natural, but still have some on
You will want to avoid using very heavy makeup, but a bit of color on your
lips, eyes, and cheeks will help bring you to life in photos. Be sure to
bring some lip gloss with you as well.
Outfit changes
If time allows it, bring another set of outfits. Again, you will get
a lot more variety in your shots so why not capitalize on the opportunity and
get the most bang for your buck!
Ladies & their shoes
I'm all for a sassy pair of shoes, however they may make for a very long and
painful session. If you plan on wearing heels, be sure to bring a pair of
flats or flip flops that can help you get from point A to point B without any
pain. You can just swap them out as you need to.
Plan ahead
Make sure you have given yourself enough time to think about all of the
details of your session. Plan ahead so that #1 you can truly think about
your photos and everything you want out of the session, #2 you aren’t rushing
and stressing out right before your session, and #3 if you have decided to go
for a new look for your session or someone gets a bad haircut, you still have
time to fix things if you need to.
If I were building outfits for my family this is how I would do it:
1.Keeping your location and season in mind, start with one person. Don’t
try and think of everyone at the same time. I find that mom or a little
girl makes the most sense since they would typically be the ones wearing a
print. So mom will be wearing a floral print dress (small pretty pattern
that is).
2.Now move on to the next person. You will be pulling colors from mom’s
dress so begin to think about who in the family would look good in what colors.
Dad doesn’t look so good in XYZ since it tends to drown out the tone in
his skin. Let’s pick ABC for him instead. And so on
3.Then start to come up with ideas to personalize the session. A little
boy may have a security blanket or teddy bear he never parts with…. be sure to
bring that with you. The little girl may like crafting so have her make a
cute matching headband or clip for her hair. Mom loves tulips… on your way
to the session pick some up. Make thoughtful choices and be sure to
discuss the ideas with your photographer! Believe me, most are full of
ideas however, it’s always nice when the family helps and truly ensures a
“custom” session.
These helpful hints on "what to wear" came from Designer and Photographer, Corina Nielsen.
http://corinanielsen.com/blog/dos-donts/
Coordinate outfits
Now this doesn’t mean everyone has to 100% match with khaki pants or jeans
and a white shirt! You want to complement each other’s outfits by choosing
colors that work well together. I find that if everyone is wearing the
same clothing, people will all tend to blend in together and there won’t be too
much pop and life to the images. Coordinate VS. Matching…. let’s not get
cheesy!
Use colors & patterns
Colors are everywhere around us and bring things to life… why not bring
your images to life as well! Again, be sure the colors you use coordinate
with each other and you don’t just end up looking like one big rainbow family!
When picking patterns, choose smaller ones that won’t distract attention away
from the main subject/s. Use patterns sparingly…. if one person is wearing a
print, try to avoid putting someone else in a competing pattern. When
thinking about texture, choose different ones that will give photos some
interest such as lace, corduroy, denim, etc. Avoid large logo’s, emblems
and graphics like “GAP” and “Old Navy” because again, these will typically
distract attention away from the subject. We want your faces and emotion
to show, not promote the clothing company you purchased from!
Be timeless
For some fashionistas, this may be a difficult concept, however you are
going to want these images to stand the test of time. Pick outfits that
aren’t t considered too trendy, but will be able to be enjoyed and displayed for
many years to come. One example of something that is timeless is jeans…
classic look and style yet you can still incorporate your own flair into the
outfit with your tops and accessories. Still be YOU, never forget
that!
Let your personalities SHINE
Perhaps the most important “rule” in my book. The purpose of these
photos is to hopefully capture each individual as they truly are, to capture the
family, the relationships, and people in the photos just as THEY are.
Forcing children to wear outfits that are uncomfortable and unfamiliar to
them may cause some anxiety and stress to them which in turn will inhibit really
capturing their personalities during the session. Same goes for adults.
Wear clothing that YOU feel good in and the pictures will emanate those
feelings. If your child wears a pair of rain boots everywhere he goes, it
makes the most sense to have him wear them for pictures as well. Remember,
you want to capture everyone as they are NOW. Capture these moments as
they are!
Dress for the season & location
Obviously you want your images to make sense. One typically wouldn’t
be wearing jeans, boots, and a jacket to the beach in the Summer so why would
you for pictures? Dress the part and be aware of your location. For
example, if you are shooting at the beach, ladies wear a pretty dress and
sandals, put dad in a short sleeve shirt and shorts OR pants (which you can also
roll up), put your little girl in a sweet Spring or Summer dress, etc. You
will want to make sure that everyone is on the same page and coordinates in both
colors AND styles.
Layering
One of my favorite “tips” for clothing choices! In the Summer months,
this may be more difficult to pull off but during all of the other seasons,
definitely layer your outfits. Not only will it provide more visual
interest in each photo but it will also allow a lot more variety in your shots
and poses. Have a ton of images of yourself in just your dress or cute top
and jeans? Throw on a little sweater or jacket and a hat and you
have entirely different look.
Personalize It
These are YOUR images and of course you want them to speak volumes about
you and your family. Discuss things your family enjoys doing together and
bring “props” and accessories that will help compliment who you are. If
your family enjoys playing music together, bring your instruments to your
session. If your family enjoys boating, suggest doing your session on a
boat or at the very least near the water. Bring along items that will
represent who each individual is AND who your family is collectively.
Remember where you came from
Typically, not something everyone will keep in mind before their session.
However, I always encourage clients to think about their home, their
décor, colors, and style of their homes. Chances are, at some point after
your session, you will be ordering prints or digital files. Why not keep
your décor in mind and ensure that it all blends into your home. This
will ensure that any large portraits will coordinate beautifully.
Keep make up natural, but still have some on
You will want to avoid using very heavy makeup, but a bit of color on your
lips, eyes, and cheeks will help bring you to life in photos. Be sure to
bring some lip gloss with you as well.
Outfit changes
If time allows it, bring another set of outfits. Again, you will get
a lot more variety in your shots so why not capitalize on the opportunity and
get the most bang for your buck!
Ladies & their shoes
I'm all for a sassy pair of shoes, however they may make for a very long and
painful session. If you plan on wearing heels, be sure to bring a pair of
flats or flip flops that can help you get from point A to point B without any
pain. You can just swap them out as you need to.
Plan ahead
Make sure you have given yourself enough time to think about all of the
details of your session. Plan ahead so that #1 you can truly think about
your photos and everything you want out of the session, #2 you aren’t rushing
and stressing out right before your session, and #3 if you have decided to go
for a new look for your session or someone gets a bad haircut, you still have
time to fix things if you need to.
If I were building outfits for my family this is how I would do it:
1.Keeping your location and season in mind, start with one person. Don’t
try and think of everyone at the same time. I find that mom or a little
girl makes the most sense since they would typically be the ones wearing a
print. So mom will be wearing a floral print dress (small pretty pattern
that is).
2.Now move on to the next person. You will be pulling colors from mom’s
dress so begin to think about who in the family would look good in what colors.
Dad doesn’t look so good in XYZ since it tends to drown out the tone in
his skin. Let’s pick ABC for him instead. And so on
3.Then start to come up with ideas to personalize the session. A little
boy may have a security blanket or teddy bear he never parts with…. be sure to
bring that with you. The little girl may like crafting so have her make a
cute matching headband or clip for her hair. Mom loves tulips… on your way
to the session pick some up. Make thoughtful choices and be sure to
discuss the ideas with your photographer! Believe me, most are full of
ideas however, it’s always nice when the family helps and truly ensures a
“custom” session.
These helpful hints on "what to wear" came from Designer and Photographer, Corina Nielsen.
http://corinanielsen.com/blog/dos-donts/