A Style Guide
I always believe clients should come dressed in what they feel comfortable in and the clothing that makes them look and feel their best. However, after years of photoshoots, I do have a few tips when deciding what to wear. But there are no rules of course, just a few suggestions and ideas!
Mix and Match
The lovely pattern of Melissa's dress pairs perfectly with Nicholas' solid-color shirt and pants. Don't worry, you don't need to match up colors as well as they did! But wearing some similar shades will create a more cohesive image that puts the emphasis on the clients themselves rather having any clothing distract.
For family photos, you may want to aim for no more than one third of the people to have prints.
Melissa & Nicholas
PEAKS OF OTTER, VIrginia
Think About Textures
Emeth's fringed skirt added so much personality to this photoshoot! For families and couples wanting a more monochromatic color scheme, texture is also a wonderful way for each family member to show off more of their style.
EMETH
MILL MOUNTAIN, ROANOKE, VIrginia
Bring an Extra Layer
Maybe it's a jacket, button-up, or a trench coat - whichever you choose, an extra layer can be an excellent way to add variety to your photos! It's almost like having a second outfit, but without having to fully change.
BRIDGET
GeORGETOWN, DC
Create Contrast
For couples, wearing white and black guarantees contrast. But even within the same color hue, have one person wear a darker shade and the other a lighter tint to create contrast. You may also want to consider what will contrast well within the environment of your photoshoot. For example, if there will be lots of green from the trees and grass in a summer shoot, then you may want to steer clear of any green clothing. But if it's fall, green attire looks lovely against reds and golds. Wearing clothing that matches the scenery can also make for a great monochromatic color scheme, just try to wear a darker or lighter shade to stand out.
OLIVIA & CORBIN
VIRGINIA CREEPER TRAIL, ABINGDON, VA
Dress for Movement
I love to use movement in photoshoots as it often allows for the best candid moments. Wear what you would feel comfortable to move around in, not just what would look nice in a few static poses. If you feel like it, flowy dresses and skirts always photograph beautifully!
BRITTANY & THOMAS
ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND
Accessorize!
Don't forget about accessories! Hats, jewelry, belts, watches, hair accessories - all of these can add a lot of style to your shots. With some accessories like hats, they're also easy to take on and off for more variation and can be used as props too!
JEN, NATALIE & BLAKELY
FISHBURN PARK, ROANOKE, VIrginia
Wear Something Meaningful
Jasmine crocheted two outfits for her graduate school senior photos! This personal touch will make the images more special to look back on in the years to come.
Incorporating meaningful clothing or an accessory could also look like wearing the necklace your grandmother gave you or the stylish thrifted boots you found on a date with your partner.
JASMINE
DOWNTOWN ROanoke, VIrginiA
Embrace a Theme
Tyler proposed to Clara after horseback riding near Grayson Highlands State Park. They dressed up western-style for the horseback riding, which worked out perfectly for the surprise proposal photoshoot later. If choosing a theme, I would caution to consider the location. Grayson Highland's rugged terrain complemented their outfits, but a photoshoot in a local park might feel more out of place.
