Couples
WHAT TO WEAR
Give yourself permission to dress up! As you and your fiancé pick out your outfits for the session, keep in mind that they will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palettes complement each other, not necessarily “match”.
FOR HER
Choose clothing that you are comfortable in, and expresses your sense of style! A light, flowy dress or skirt that is able to catch the breeze can bring extra movement to the photos.
Coordinating, simple jewelry, and colors that are muted (think soft pastels if you want that romantic, airy look) or go BOLD and get a bold red or yellow dress for that punch of color against a blue sky. As for your shoes, just keep the location in mind when deciding between heels, wedges, or sandals.
For him
vButton-down shirts and sweaters are perfect. They can be wrinkly dependent on the fabric, so it's a good idea to iron them before your session if you have noticeable wrinkles. For pants, I recommend dress pants, khakis or dark wash jeans.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR (EQUALLY IMPORTANT)
Avoid anything too matchy-matchy, noticeable logos, graphics, and bold prints. I recommend avoiding torn or light wash jeans, sweatshirts, shorts, t-shirts, and tank-tops as they tend to not photograph as seamlessly.
PLAN MULTIPLE OUTFITS
Feel free to plan multiple outfits for your engagement photos. Try picking a casual outfit and a dressy outfit. This is a great way to have variety, and show off your sense of style.
Most clients plan one to two outfits for their engagement session. I never limit the number of outfits, but remember that the more time you spend changing is less time we are able to be shooting.
CONSIDER THE ENVIRONMENT
When planning outfits make sure to consider the location of your engagement portraits. Choosing outfits with colors that clash with those of the existing environment will fail to make a cohesive looking portrait.
Think about the time of year. The light yellow-green of spring, deep greens of summer, and red-oranges of fall make for very different color pallets. Consider the season your engagement photo session is taking place when you are picking your outfits.
ACCESSORIZE
Plan your outfits down to your shoes, socks, jewelry, and a matching belt! This might mean you bring extras for each outfit, but details matter when it comes to engagement images!
In addition, switching out small accessories (i.e. jackets, hats/headbands, etc) is an easy way to add variety to your images within a portrait session.
EYEGLASSES
If you want to wear your glasses in your engagement portraits, think about popping out your lenses or borrowing empty frames from your optometrist. This is the best way to avoid glare or distortion that eyeglasses can cause in portraits.
HAIR & MAKEUP
Use a matte foundation and concealer. Shiny or shimmery foundations may make your skin look oily, so I recommend you avoid them!
Avoid products with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These cause makeup "flashback" that leaves a white powder residue in images with flash. Google "celebrity flashback photos" to see examples of what can happen, and why to avoid it!
Go natural when it comes to your makeup. While you may need to add a little extra mascara for the camera, don’t go too heavy!
I often recommend wearing your hair down with soft curls, waves, or even straightened as long as it has movement. I want you to be able to shake and flip your hair around!
Hiring a professional hair and makeup artist can help you look naturally glowing and your very best. If you need help finding one, I would be happy to give you a few recommendations.
BRINGING YOUR PUP
You’re more than welcome to bring your dogs to your engagement session! I love animals and am happy to have them there. This usually works best if you have a third person who is able to come along on the session to help your pup during images that don’t involve them. Another way is to arrange a pup pick up time about halfway through the session.
BEFORE YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION
Try on your outfits to make sure everything fits, you feel comfortable, and have everything you need ready to go. Make sure your bra straps aren’t showing with any of your chosen tops.
Iron and hang your clothes for the drive to your session. This will prevent wrinkles.
Don’t wear a hat or headband on the way to your engagement portraits. No one loves hat hair!
Hairspray the part of your hair to prevent flyaways. Sounds silly, but this simple trick makes a HUGE difference for longer hair.
Check your nail polish for chips, and do a last-minute touch-up.
OUTFIT INSPIRATION
Still sure where to start? When in doubt check out my What to Wear Pinterest board for inspiration!
Senior Guys
WHAT NOT TO WEAR
Whenever possible avoid neon colors and multiple types of patterns in one outfit (i.e. plaid shorts with a striped shirt). Don’t wear clothing with logos or text as these can be distracting and difficult to read.
PLAN MULTIPLE OUTFITS
Plan multiple outfits for your senior pictures. Try picking a casual outfit, a dressy outfit, and a fun/hobby/sport-based outfit. This is a great way to have variety and show off your interests or sense of style.
Most clients plan one outfit for every 20 to 30 minutes of their senior session. I never limit outfits, but remember that the more time you spend changing your outfit is less time we are able to be shooting.
CONSIDER THE ENVIRONMENT
When planning outfits make sure to consider the location of your senior portraits. Choosing outfits with colors that clash with those of the existing environment will fail to make a cohesive looking portrait.
Think about the time of year. The light yellow-green of spring, deep greens of summer, and red-oranges of fall make for very different color pallets. Consider the season your senior portrait session is taking place when you are picking your outfits.
ACCESSORIZE
Plan your outfits down to your shoes, socks, jewelry, and a matching belt! This might mean you bring extras for each outfit, but details matter when it comes to senior photos!
In addition, switching out small accessories (i.e. jackets, hats, etc) is an easy way to add variety to your images within a portrait session. When in doubt bring a hat and pair of sunglasses to your session just in case.
EYEGLASSES
If you want to wear your glasses in your senior portraits, think about popping out your lenses or borrowing empty frames from your optometrist. This is the best way to avoid glare or distortion that eyeglasses can cause in portraits.
BRING PROPS
Bringing along props that illustrate your activities and interests is a great idea. Feel free to bring items such as sports equipment, uniforms, instruments, your favorite books, and outdoor hunting or fishing gear. We want to showcase what you love! So whether it is your favorite pet or your favorite car, bring 'em along! These photos are all about you!
BEFORE YOUR SENIOR SESSION
Try on your outfits to make sure everything fits, you feel comfortable, and have everything you need ready to go.
Iron and hang your clothes for the drive to your session. This will prevent wrinkles.
Don’t wear a hat on the way to your senior portraits to avoid hat hair.
OUTFIT INSPIRATION
Still not sure where to start? When in doubt check out my What to Wear Pinterest board for inspiration!
Senior Girls
What to wear
For one of your outfits, I highly recommend a light, flowy dress that is able to catch the breeze and bring extra movement to the photos. Shorter dresses and skirts have a similar effect on the camera, which means you cannot go wrong either way.
For all of your outfits, choosing clothing that fits you correctly is key! Clothing that is too tight is uncomfortable, doesn’t allow you to move, and rides up or bunches during your session. However, outfits that are too baggy won’t let us show off your figure and make you look wider than you actually are!
Coordinating, simple jewelry, and colors that are muted or go BOLD with red or yellow for that punch of color against a blue sky. As for your shoes, just keep the location in mind when deciding between heels, wedges, or sandals.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR
Whenever possible avoid neon colors and multiple types of patterns in one outfit (i.e. plaid shorts with a striped shirt). Don’t wear clothing with logos or text as these can be distracting and difficult to read.
PLAN MULTIPLE OUTFITS
Plan multiple outfits for your senior pictures. Try picking a casual outfit, a dressy outfit, and a fun/hobby/sport-based outfit. This is a great way to have variety and show off your interests or sense of style.
Most clients plan one outfit for every 20 to 30 minutes of their senior session. I never limit outfits, but remember that the more time you spend changing your outfit is less time we are able to be shooting.
CONSIDER THE ENVIRONMENT
When planning outfits make sure to consider the location of your senior portraits. Choosing outfits with colors that clash with those of the existing environment will fail to make a cohesive looking portrait.
Think about the time of year. The light yellow-green of spring, deep greens of summer, and red-oranges of fall make for very different color pallets. Consider the season your senior portrait session is taking place when you are picking your outfits.
ACCESSORIZE
Plan your outfits down to your shoes, socks, jewelry, and a matching belt! This might mean you bring extras for each outfit, but details matter when it comes to senior photos!
In addition, switching out small accessories (i.e. jackets, hats/headbands, etc) is an easy way to add variety to your images within a portrait session. When in doubt bring a hat and pair of sunglasses to your session just in case.
EYEGLASSES
If you want to wear your glasses in your senior portraits, think about popping out your lenses or borrowing empty frames from your optometrist. This is the best way to avoid glare or distortion that eyeglasses can cause in portraits.
HAIR & MAKEUP
I highly recommend hiring a professional hair and makeup artist for your senior photos. They will help you look naturally glowing and your very best. But if you are planning on doing your own hair and makeup here are a few tips.
Use a matte foundation and concealer. Shiny or shimmery foundations may make your skin look oily, so I recommend you avoid them!
Avoid products with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These cause makeup "flashback" that leaves a white powder residue in images with flash.
Avoid self-tanners. They often leave you looking unnaturally orange and streaky, and cameras pick up even the tiniest unevenness.
Go natural with your makeup. Add a little extra mascara, but don’t go too heavy.
I recommend wearing your hair down with soft curls, waves, or straightened with movement. I want you to be able to touch, shake, and flip your hair around!
BRING PROPS
Bringing along props that illustrate your activities and interests is a great idea. Feel free to bring items such as sports equipment, uniforms, instruments, your favorite books, and outdoor hunting or fishing gear. We want to showcase what you love! So whether it is your favorite pet or your favorite car, bring 'em along! These photos are all about you!
BEFORE YOUR SENIOR SESSION
Try on your outfits to make sure everything fits, you feel comfortable, and have everything you need ready to go. Make sure your bra straps aren’t showing with any of your chosen tops.
Iron and hang your clothes for the drive to your session. This will prevent wrinkles.
Don’t wear a hat or headband on the way to your senior portraits. No one loves hat hair!
Hairspray the part of your hair to prevent flyaways. This simple trick makes a HUGE difference for longer hair.
Check your nail polish for chips, and do a last-minute touch-up.
OUTFIT INSPIRATION
Still not sure where to start? When in doubt check out my What to Wear Pinterest board for inspiration!
Families
What To Wear For Mom
Start with Mom’s outfit first! A light, flowy dress that is able to catch the breeze can bring extra movement to the photos. Wearing layers and textured clothing such as knits photograph beautifully.
Choosing clothing that fits you correctly is key! Clothing that is too tight is uncomfortable, doesn’t allow you to move, and rides up or bunches during your session. However, outfits that are too baggy won’t let us show off your figure, and make you look wider than you actually are!
Coordinating, simple jewelry and colors that are muted (think soft pastels if you want that romantic, airy look), or go BOLD and get a bold red or yellow dress for that punch of color against a blue sky. As for your shoes, just keep the location in mind when deciding between heels, wedges, or sandals.
What To Wear For Dad
Move on to Dad next! Men look best wearing a complementary solid colored top. Button-down shirts and sweaters are perfect. If you want to buy a new shirt, just make sure that it’s all ironed or steamed to get out all those wrinkles. For pants, go for some chinos/dressy slacks/dark jeans. For shoes, a pair of brown dress shoes (unless the outfit is black).
What To Wear For Kids
Children’s outfits are a great way to bring in a pop of color. I recommend choosing at most three colors. So it’s easiest to pull a color from the outfits you already have picked for you and your spouse. That way your kids will coordinate!
Also, make sure your younger kids are comfortable in their outfits. If you chose something they absolutely hate, this will show in your family pictures.
What Not To Wear
Avoid anything too matchy-matchy, noticeable logos, graphics, neon colors, and bold prints. Don’t plan more than one pattern across multiple family members (ie. Dad wears a plaid shirt, while Mom wears a floral top and kids were striped polos). I also recommend avoiding light-colored or ripped jeans, sweatshirts, shorts, t-shirts, and tank-tops as they tend to not photograph as seamlessly.
Plan One Amazing Outfit
Most families choose to only have one outfit planned for their family photos. You are more than welcome to plan additional, and I never limit the number of outfits. However, please remember that the more time you spend changing is less time we are able to be shooting.
Consider The Environment
When planning outfits make sure to consider the location of your family portraits. Choosing outfits with colors that clash with those of the existing environment will fail to make a cohesive looking portrait.
Think about the time of year. The light yellow-green of spring, deep greens of summer, and red-oranges of fall make for very different color pallets. Consider the season your family session is taking place when you are picking your outfits.
Accessorize
Plan your outfits down to your shoes, socks, jewelry, and matching belt. Details matter when it comes to family pictures!
In addition, switching out small accessories (i.e. jackets, hats/headbands, etc) is an easy way to add variety to your images within a portrait session.
Eyeglasses
If you want to wear your glasses in your family portraits, think about popping out your lenses or borrowing empty frames from your optometrist. This is the best way to avoid glare or distortion that eyeglasses can cause in portraits.
Hair and Makeup
Use a matte foundation and concealer. Shiny or shimmery foundations may make your skin look oily, so I recommend you avoid them!
Avoid products with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These cause makeup "flashback" that leaves a white powder residue in images with flash. Google "celebrity flashback photos" to see examples of what can happen, and why to avoid it!
Go natural when it comes to your makeup. While you may need to add a little extra mascara for the camera, don’t go too heavy!
I often recommend wearing your hair down with soft curls, waves, or even straightened as long as it has movement. I want your hair to be able to move around!
Hiring a professional hair and makeup artist can help you look naturally glowing and your very best. If you need help finding one, I would be happy to give you a few recommendations.
Bringing Your Pup
You’re more than welcome to bring your dogs to your family photo session! I love animals and am happy to have them there. This usually works best if you have an additional person who is able to come along on the session to help your pup during images that don’t involve them. Another way is to arrange a pup pick up time about halfway through the session or pick a location and time of year where your dog will be okay to sit in the car for 20-30 minutes.
Before Your Session
Try on your outfits to make sure everything fits, you feel comfortable, and have everything you need ready to go. Make sure your bra straps aren’t showing with any of your chosen tops.
Iron and hang your clothes to prevent wrinkles.
Don’t wear a hat or headband on the way to your family portraits. No one loves hat hair!
Hairspray the part of your hair to prevent flyaways. Sounds silly, but this simple trick makes a HUGE difference for longer hair.
Check your nail polish for chips, and do a last-minute touch-up.
Outfit Inspiration
Still sure where to start? When in doubt check out my What to Wear Pinterest board for inspiration!
Headshots
Style tips
+ For a classic professional look, muted or dark tones and black-and-white combos photograph beautifully.
+ A subtle pop of color can be a fun and refreshing way to add personality. A standout accessory, or an accent layer that enhances your look.
+ Avoid distracting logos, neon colors, and small patterns like polka dots or tweed.
+ Solid colors generally photograph better than busy prints.
+ Long or three-quarter sleeves and structured layers (like blazers) work great.
+ Choose pieces that align with your industry and feel true to your personal style.
+ Consider your neckline. V-necks, crews, and collared shirts tend to photograph well.
+ Keep jewelry minimal and intentional so the focus stays on your face.
+ Make sure clothing is wrinkle-free, well-fitted, and lint-free.
+ Bring a backup outfit if you want options or a quick change.
+ Reflective glasses may cause glare—consider contacts or glare-free lenses.
+ Natural, clean makeup and neatly styled hair work best.
+ Bring a brush, hair product, or touch up items if needed.
+ Most importantly, wear something comfortable that feels like you. Confidence always comes through in your photos.
