Preparing for Your Photo Session
Preparing for a photo session can cause some anxiety, and I want to make sure that you have everything you need to feel and look your best. Here are some tips for getting ready to take some amazing photos!
Click here for my Pinterest inspiration board.
Click here for my Pinterest inspiration board.

1. Wear Neutrals & Earth Tones
Neutrals and colors in subdued hues will look the most natural for your photo session, allowing you and your loved ones to be center stage. Bold and bright colors have a tendency to overpower and distract. I love color, so if you want to incorporate a color into your outfits, choose a muted shade like some of the options to the right (above if on mobile device).
Neutrals and colors in subdued hues will look the most natural for your photo session, allowing you and your loved ones to be center stage. Bold and bright colors have a tendency to overpower and distract. I love color, so if you want to incorporate a color into your outfits, choose a muted shade like some of the options to the right (above if on mobile device).

2. Coordinate - Don’t Match
Instead of having your outfits match, coordinate instead. Matching draws your eye too much to the clothes and not enough to the people. You can get a coordinated look by staying within a similar color palette. If you want to repeat a color, limit it to only two pieces in the group sharing the exact same color.
Try to keep patterns simple and mix in solids. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule: notice on the right (above if on mobile device) the bold pattern dress works because it ties in all the colors present.
Instead of having your outfits match, coordinate instead. Matching draws your eye too much to the clothes and not enough to the people. You can get a coordinated look by staying within a similar color palette. If you want to repeat a color, limit it to only two pieces in the group sharing the exact same color.
Try to keep patterns simple and mix in solids. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule: notice on the right (above if on mobile device) the bold pattern dress works because it ties in all the colors present.
3. Skip the Spray Tan
I know it can be tempting to want that golden glow. However, even if it looks good in person, spray tans often do not photograph well and can make your skin have unnatural and uneven orange tones. If you feel like you need something, simply hydrate your skin with lotion or light body oil before your session to get that dewy look.
4. Hair & Makeup
Don't feel you have to get your hair done professionally, but if you are one of those people who knows you feel your best when it is, then this is the time to treat yourself. And if you are a guy, go in for a haircut about a week before to clean things up.
For makeup, I recommend having your eyes done a bit heavier than you’re used to. Makeup tends to look more minimal on camera, so it can help to have your eyes be highlighted more than normal.
5. Don't Forget Your Nails
Ensure your nails are clean, trimmed, and all dirt is removed before the session. If you're painting them, make sure they are chip-free. I recommend sticking to neutral or earthy colors; creams and nudes work best. You never know when your hands may be seen close up.
I know it can be tempting to want that golden glow. However, even if it looks good in person, spray tans often do not photograph well and can make your skin have unnatural and uneven orange tones. If you feel like you need something, simply hydrate your skin with lotion or light body oil before your session to get that dewy look.
4. Hair & Makeup
Don't feel you have to get your hair done professionally, but if you are one of those people who knows you feel your best when it is, then this is the time to treat yourself. And if you are a guy, go in for a haircut about a week before to clean things up.
For makeup, I recommend having your eyes done a bit heavier than you’re used to. Makeup tends to look more minimal on camera, so it can help to have your eyes be highlighted more than normal.
5. Don't Forget Your Nails
Ensure your nails are clean, trimmed, and all dirt is removed before the session. If you're painting them, make sure they are chip-free. I recommend sticking to neutral or earthy colors; creams and nudes work best. You never know when your hands may be seen close up.