Style Guide

Get the Most Out of Your Professional Photo Shoot!

Time of Your Day!

The ideal time of day for outdoor wedding portraits, engagement photos, or family photography is the two hours before the scheduled sunset, during “the golden hour”.

At this time the light is the dreamiest & the sun’s reflections allow for gorgeous colour & so many lighting options.

That said, I am an all natural-light fan so even though the weather has a mind of its own, we can still take advantage of every minute we have together before the sun goes down no matter if there are clouds, or even a bit of rain!

Wild City Lights!

I also love the city at sundown, with its cool romantic vibe!

With some good planning & timing, we can make sure your photos are in amazing places.

Again don’t let the weather, or city shadows, put you off because wet streets, long shadows & even umbrellas can all be used to create great photographic effects!

Location, Location, Location!

The location of your shoot is important, so if you have a special place then let’s find a way to do it.

For most of my couples outdoor & open-air environments are our first choice as natural light always works well.

Don’t worry about “bad” weather, a cloudy sky makes for a dramatic backdrop!

Outside The Location Box!

Brainstorm locations that you might have special access to, that most people don’t.

For example you, or someone in your network, may be able to secure permission to a location that is normally be off-limits like a beautiful private estate, country club or resort.

Maybe it’s a family ranch, upscale hotel or even a boat, airplane hangar or a rooftop view.

The sky is literally the limit. If somewhere seems out of reach just remember, you never know until you ask!

Use Your Time Widely!

Your portrait session includes one-hour FREE car travel so be sure to use it.

If you have a great location, then I’m available for your adventure!

If your location is further than one hour’s drive, we simply create a custom quote.

Contact me to ask about your special location!

Style Tips For Her

Rock & Romance!

Have you thought about rocking a romantic gown, tulle skirt or flower crown, but just never had an occasion for it? This is your chance to do it.

When it comes to a portrait session there is no such thing as “too dressed up”, so don’t be afraid to have some fun.

If you don’t want to add a new permanent piece to your wardrobe, consider hiring for your session, it’s an affordable way to feel a million bucks!

Say Yes To A Dress!

Dresses & skirts look stunning because they flatter every female body, especially on camera.

Long full-length, flowing dresses & skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos. Especially when juxtaposed with nature, like the desert, forest, plains or beach.

Consider softer fabrics like chiffon or tulle to add beautiful movement to your images!

Soft Colours, Bright Eyes!

When choosing the colour for your outfit, I recommend selecting softer, lighter tones & more muted shades.

By avoiding ultra-bright, bold colours, it will help bring all the attention to your faces & let the eye focus on the way you feel about each other.

The camera loves shades of soft pink & muted blues mixed with sophisticated neutrals like heather grey, cream, leather brown & white.

That softer colour palette also fits beautifully in to almost all natural outdoor environments!

Flattering Your Features!

Every woman, regardless of her shape, has an area of her body that she’s self-conscious about, so choosing flattering styles & colours that complement your natural features is the best way to ensure you’ll love the way you look in your photos.

Three-quarter length sleeves create an awesome slimming effect on all arms, so you can bring a cute jacket, blazer or cardigan along. Skinny straps or strapless dresses have the opposite effect on camera, I recommend avoiding them if your goal is a set of slimmer-looking arms.

Heels elongate women’s legs, making them look fabulous. Closed-toed heels in particular look great on camera because they carry the line of your leg all the way down to your toe!

Make An Accessory Statement!

Pairing an accessory, or two, with your outfit can really help bring some extra dimension to your images, and be a nice tie-in when you’re coordinating with a group.

Big statement necklaces bring a lot of “pop” to the photos, while the small delicate ones are not as noticeable on camera.

Belts, bracelets & earrings bring great visual interest so choose one, or two, that don’t compete for attention.

Fresh flowers in a crown can be a really romantic touch for you, or your bridesmaids, as well!

Hair & Makeup? Go Pro!

Professional hair & makeup is on the top of most of my clients’ checklists because it looks amazing on camera & removes the stress of getting ready on your own.

This is the time to treat yourself. Whether it’s lash extensions or blown-out hair, professional hair & makeup will give you an extra boost of confidence in front of the camera, and it always photographs like a dream.

However, if lots of make-up isn’t your thing then confidence always make for the best accessory!

Skip The Spray Tan!

Although it might seem counter intuitive I recommend that you do not get a professional, or DIY, spray tan before your session.

Even if applied a few days prior, spray tan tends to photograph orange even when it’s applied subtly by a professional.

Your own skin tone will photograph the most beautifully & naturally!

Style Tips For Him

The Best Fit!

Long fitted trousers & closed-toed shoes are the most sophisticated & masculine look for men & work best on camera.

They draw attention away from your legs & feet & place it where you want it, on your handsome face.

For your photo shoot it’s best to leave the shorts, sandals & jeans at home, as well as, any baggy tourers & over-sized shirts.

Dapper & debonaire never go out of style!

Shades Not Stripes!

Solid colours are better than patterns, plaids, checks & pinstripes which all tend to distract the eye.

Remember the camera loves paler shades over electric, neon or bold hues, so beige, cream, grey, pastel blue, soft pink, leather brown & white are all good complimentary colours to most women’s outfits.

I also recommend staying away from graphics & logos!

Layer Your Look!

Layers on men look great on camera, so even when it’s hot outside, trust me when I say it’s worth an hour, or two, of discomfort for photos that will last a lifetime.

Adding another layer will bring extra dimension & visual interest to your photos. Blazers, vests & hats will “up” the level of any look.

If the temperature permits, you could even consider adding a v-neck sweater with a pop of colour from a collared shirt & tie underneath.

Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers!

Mix It Up!

Many of my guys love to mix a suit coat, blazer or sports coat with a different trouser colour.

It adds some extra visual interest & breaks up the colour tones.

I’m a big fan of this timeless classic!

It’s All In The Detail!

Ties, bowties, pocket squares, coloured socks, belts, tie clips, suspenders, vests & watches are sharp compliments to any outfit for men & boys alike.

Pairing an accessory, or two, with your outfit can really help bring some extra dimension to your images, & be a nice tie-in when you’re coordinating with a group.

Brown-leather dress shoes also compliment almost every look, whether you’re wearing a full-colour suit, colour blazer or coloured trousers.

Style Tips For Groups & Families

Coordinate Your Crew!

Keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the colour palette & wardrobe pieces coordinate, but don’t actually “match.”

In fact, I recommend that you avoid “matching,” & instead think about what “fits” together.

Slightly varying the outfit styles, or colours, while still keeping them coordinated, creates more visual interest & allows each personality to shine through!

Accents & Other Colours!

The goal for coordinating a family is to visually break up the colours & shades so that you’re not all wearing the same colour on top & bottom.

I encourage you to plan each outfit with one dominant colour (the colour you will see the most of), & up to five accent colours (smaller pieces of visual real estate).

When you’re planning each family member’s outfit, aim for each person to have a different dominant colour & then coordinate your outfits by using hints of the other family member’s dominant colour as your accent colours & vice versa.

All together it will look great!

Colours Continued…

For example, if you are wearing a soft blush dress, soft blue earrings & grey heels (blush is your dominant colour), then your partner wears a grey coat, white shirt, beige trousers & a blush pocket square (grey is his dominant colour).

Your daughter wears a soft blue top, white tulle skirt (soft blue is her dominant colour), while your son wears grey trousers, blue suspenders & a white shirt (white is his dominant colour).

Each person has their own dominant colour while incorporating touches of all the others as accent colours.

This creates visual interests & highlight each personality!

A Natural Fit!

Most of my mums choose their dress first & then build the rest of the family’s outfits based around it.

Remember, I recommend selecting those softer, lighter tones & avoiding ultra-bright, bold colours.

The camera loves shades of soft pink & muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light neutrals like heather grey, creams, leather brown & white.

This softer colour palette also fits beautifully in to a natural environment!

The Big Mix!

If you have multiple children, don’t feel like you need to put them all in the same type of outfit.

For example, one of your daughters could wear a dress & flats, while the other wears a skirt & boots.

One of your sons could wear a bowtie, while the other one wears suspenders.

Mixing up the wardrobe pieces will bring a great visual interest to the photos!

And Finally…

For The Camera Shy!

Most blokes aren’t overly excited to take photos, ya know?!

But capturing your love, your family & your life’s work is important.

Kids are awesome participants & get it bang on, it’s we adults that hold back. So channel your inner child & allow your own self expression to shine.

I ask my couples to suspend their (perceived) awkwardness & just be with each other, & just be in love.

You will be amazed how good you look!

Of Note!

I just gave you a lot to think about!

While I created this guide to give you ideas, at the end of the day the shoot is yours to create, your way, so however you are is perfect!

I can’t wait to get you in front of the camera, hear your story & capture you at your best.

Let’s have fun & create magical images!

“A portrait is not made in the camera, but on either side of it.” – Edward Steichen