NO IDEA what TO WEAR for your SESSION?
I GOT YOU!
WHAT TO WEAR GUIDE
If you’re daunted by the task of picking out what to wear for you pictures, I got you covered! I’ll go over my suggestions on what I personally know works well in photos and what you should stay away from.
Ultimately, I always suggest wearing what makes you feel comfortable. You don’t want to look back at your photos and not really recognize yourself. If you’re going to wear something you own, I suggest wearing something you love and you know you like how you look in it in photos. If you’re going to buy something new, I advise wearing your outfit at least once before and taking some pictures in it before our session. I’m also here for outfit consultation through your closet or even when you’re shopping (love a good Facetime shop).
A Few Tips + Guidelines
First off, I always suggest bringing a few options. For most sessions with me, we’ll be photographing in a few areas, so a few change options is always a good idea. Before our session, I can help you pick out the best options and accessories for our shoot. Don’t bring too many options though, or we’ll be a little overwhelmed and not have enough time, but I always suggest to bring 2-3 outfit options.
An option I think works best is to start with a base layer and exchange out accessories for different looks. Start with a basic dress or pants and shirt and then add on a sweater, scarf, jacket, hat, different jewelry and accessories, or whatever else can give you a few looks. Receiving your whole album in the same outfit can be a little boring so let’s mix it up! If we’re in nature or somewhere without a bathroom, you’ll also probably be changing in the back of your car or on the side of the road, so if that’s not something you’re comfortable with, remember to figure that into your outfit planning.
Make Sure it Makes Sense
Your location will 10000% impact your outfit choices. A city location vs a nature adventure will need completely different outfits to compliment your surroundings and allow you to stand out. Pick your outfit for where you’re going and what would make sense. Also think about the conditions of your location. You won’t want to wear heels at the beach or nestled in the mountains. If a walk or hike is planned for your session, bring good shoes with grip so you won’t twist your ankle. If it’s cold out, wear wool socks and layers so you won’t be cold. We don’t want to have to rush our time because of outside elements, so bring anything that will make you feel comfortable.
Colors & Patterns
Avoid big loud and bright patterns. Stay away from clothing with text, logos or images on them. Smaller or more subtle patterning like thin stripes or small floral patterns with more muted tones is best for patterns. Anything that can distract from your face or location is a no go. Neutrals or muted tones always work best in photos and give a more timeless, clean and flattering look to pretty much everyone. Gone are the days of matchy matchy but make sure your colors compliment each other and your surroundings. Something that I also love to suggest is wearing items you can play with in the wind like a long skirt or kimono or pieces that create shape and dimension like a slouchy sweater or big sleeves (if that sentence makes zero sense to you, I can show you pictures of what I mean).
Finally, be sure to iron wrinkles out of your clothing and keep them nice during travel so your clothing isn’t distracting (garment bags and hangers are your friend).
Props
When I say props I don’t mean cheesy expecting signs or whatever else you’ll find when you Google “props”. The props you can bring should represent who you are on your own or in your relationship. Bring your favorite beers or champagne for a celebratory cheers. Bring your favorite blanket to cuddle up on or a ukulele or even your pet (if you have a dog and don’t bring them, I will be upset). Vintage car, bikes, or a camper? Let's incorporate them into your session!
Your pictures should exude who you are and props can always help with that (they can also make you feel a little less awkward in the beginning if you have something to do or hold).
If we’re doing a cozy at home session, you may not want to get super dolled up (we’re thinking realistic, here). Showing skin might make more sense instead being bundled up. I personally know I’m not wearing pants 90% of the time at home and want to wear cozy clothes. I recommend having options of tank tops, sweaters, jeans, undies, or cute loungewear. Maybe boo can be shirtless for a few shots, or you can cozy up with your favorite warm drinks and snacks with your blankets.
In Home Sessions
Minimal and realistic cozy is key for your in home session! If you're planning on being photographed on your bed or couch, neutral and minimal tones will photograph best, to not take away from you two. If your cozy spots are loud colors and patterns (and it's just not working with your aesthetic) cozy neutral throw blankets and pillows will work! Not sure what to do with your space? Feel free to Facetime me and I can help you style your home! Want to forgo the stress and be photographed In a fun, new space? Book an Airbnb or VRBO for a mini vacation and cute cozy cabin pictures! I can help you look for a location too!
Hair & Makeup
There’s always the question of should you get your hair and makeup done professionally? My answer is whatever makes you feel the most gorgeous! If you want to full glam, go for it (just make sure it makes sense with your location)! You’ll want to look back at these images and remember how you looked and felt at that point in your life. You don’t want to look at your photos and only see caked on makeup or hair that doesn’t look like you. My suggestion, if you choose to get hair and makeup done is do a test trial so you know what to expect. Timing wise, make sure your hair and make-up will be completed at least an hour before your session so you won’t be late. If you’re getting a spray tan (again no need, but if you want) make sure it’s a very natural tan, done a few days before your session, so you know how you will look and you’ll look like you! Let me know if you'd like me to suggest a hair + makeup artist for you! If we're in the studio for our session, I can bring the artist in our space before your time to shine!
Shoes
We love focusing on all the details all the way down to your shoes! If you have 2 outfits for your session, I always suggest your first outfit being the dressier of the two, with your heels or dress shoes. I suggest breaking in your shoes if they're new for a few days before your session if you can. We love a unique, fun shoe or something you've been dying to wear but nowhere to wear them! Your second outfit can have something more casual and comfortable! Try on your shoes with your full outfit to make sure it makes sense together and if you like how you look in your outfits together!
Jewelry Rental
Looking for beautiful new jewelry for your session? Check out my jewelry brand, Eaarthbones Jewelry for ethically handmade 14k gold filled and sterling silver crystal jewelry. We're sold in over 50 stores throughout the country and worldwide, while also online! Use code RVKPHOTOGRAPHY for 15% off of your order. I can bring your order to our session or you can have it shipped to you!
DISCOVER EAARTHBONES
@RACHELVKINGLIFESTYLE
SHARING LOVE and ALL THOSE good feels
CAPTURING YOUR MODERN LOVE
AND MEMORIES on film
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