BEST PRACTICES
Your photos should ultimately reflect your individual style, so please take my advice with a grain of salt. Here are a few universal rules (or best practices) I encourage you to consider when picking out outfits and getting ready. You are always welcome to email or text me pictures of your outfits if you want my opinion on which items to wear.
NEUTRAL COLORS PHOTOGRAPH REALLY WELL
I personally prefer a more neutral color palette for portrait sessions. I think wearing clothes that complement the environment keeps the focus on you and not your wardrobe. That said, many people express themselves with color and patterns, and it’s really up to you how bold or curated you want to be. Pastels, earth tones, and jewel tones offer many great color palettes.
LOOK FOR TEXTURE.
Mix and match different solid color fabrics and textured cottons to add character and dimension to your wardrobe. I love linen, flannel, and denim too. Layers are also a great way to add texture and little pops of color or pattern without being too distracting.
AVOID NEON COLORS.
Hot pinks, lime greens, and other neon colors often reflect too much light and create an unflattering colorcast on your skin. Unless they're part of your brand, best to avoid them.
AVOID BRANDED CLOTHING.
Try to avoid using polos, pullovers, and sweaters that have company logos or graphics on them unless your company requests them.
PRE-SESSION CHECKLIST
If your session is outside, please wear non-transition glasses.
If you wear transition lenses (or photochromic lenses) on a sunny day, it's going to look like you're wearing sunglasses in your photos. So bring a non-transitional pair or consider taking them off during your session.
-
Avoid clothing that is piling a lot.
If your shirt easily wrinkles, keep it on a hanger until right before your session.
-
If you plan on using these photos at your place of employment, make sure you check with your employer about standards for what to wear, how to style your hair, etc.
-
Moisturize.
Apply face lotion and chapstick. Especially if you are prone to dry skin or chapped lips.
Do not worry about zits!!! (I'll edit them out.)
-
Use gel, a hairspray wand, or wax stick to tame fine flyaway hairs around the face.
-
Use a lint roller (especially on dark clothes or if you have a pet that sheds).
-
Practice.
Take a minute to check yourself out in the mirror. Do you like to smile with teeth? No teeth? Is there a side of your face you like more? Knowing these little nuances ahead of time can help make the session go smoother and ensure you get a picture you’ll like! (That said, I know how to find your good side so don't sweat it if you're unsure how to pose yourself.)
WHAT TO BRING
Props are always optional, but I like using them to tell a story about who you are and what you do in the workplace. Ideas include: cell phone, smart watch, notebook or journal, laptop, headset, coffee mug, product, lab coat, books, etc.
Most sessions include a (brief) outfit change. If you want, you can bring a jacket or cardigan or a different set of accessories to quickly change your look. Switch out jewelry or do two different pairs of eyeglasses. That sort of thing.
