
Ahhhhh yay! You’ve officially booked your photography session with JNP. I am *so* excited to be working with you! Since you’ve already invested in these fresh new photos, let’s make sure YOU are looking fresh too! Whether you are choosing outfits for your whole family or for a couples session read below on some tips of how to best dress for your session.

A few basic things to keep in mind when choosing outfits for your session:
Where are these photos going to be used? If you’re putting large prints/canvases on the walls of your home, think about the colors in your house. What will match best with your decor? Earth-tones, creams, blues, pastels?
A little goes a long way! Dressing just a tad bit fancier then you usually do will take your photos to the next level. You’ve already invested in your photos, so you might as well invest some time to plan what you’ll wear! Odds are, you probably won’t even need to shop for new clothes (but also, if you love a good shopping trip, then treat-yo-self!).
Props, accessories, & pets can add so much personality & fun to a session. Hats, sunglasses, bikes, picnics, drinks, footballs, guitars, etc. Let me photograph you doing real-life things!

Neutrals & Earthen Tones: If you’ve worked with me before, you know that neutrals and earth tones. are. it. The cream of the crop, flower of the flock, tipity top. Seriously the best. They look fantastic with every skin tone, every eye color, and every body type. They also remain classic overtime, essentially making your photos timeless.
If you have a color scheme that your heart is set on, mix in some neutrals with your chosen color scheme. Rather than having everyone in color, break it up with khaki, whites, and browns. For family photo’s, I’ll often have couples or mom & dad standing next to each-other with kids surrounding, so try not to wear a color super similar to your significant other.

Patterns: A little bit of pattern goes a long way! Try to limit them to no more than 1/3 of your group(or 1/3 of your outfit if it’s just the 2 of you) so that the main focus can be on you and not your clothing.

SHOES & SOCKY SOCKS!! You guys, I have to emphasize this one… I cry a little bit inside when I see everyone’s outfits come together perfectly, and shazam! I look down and see crocks, dirty sneakers, or neon pink socks. Because shoes/socks make their debut into photos too! They are often the most overlooked thing.
If wearing socks, go simple. Either wear clean white socks or socks in a neutral color. Be sure your shoes are squeaky clean and scuff free, and preferably children’s shoes would be free of characters(Elsa and Buzz Lightyear I’m looking at you).
Dudes, if you are wearing dress clothes, I’d highly recommend you either throw on a pair of the “good” dress shoes for your session, or just go barefoot if seasonally appropriate (personally I love the barefoot vibe!).

Accessories are an awesome way to add pops of color. For earthen-toned outfits, explore wood, stone, and metal options. For hat’s, I’d recommend neutrals so they don’t altar your skin-tone.

Hair & Makeup: Use this session as an excuse to get all dolled up! Make a day of it by planning to go out on a date after your session. I can recommend some awesome hair & makeup artists locally(Fade salon is literally next door to us), or just do it yourself! Either way, wearing a little extra makeup & styling your hair makes you look polished and often times, more comfortable in-front of the camera.
For hair, ladies keep it down. If you feel like styling, go for a loose curl or messy braid for a more natural look, no tight ponies. Guys, visit the barber the week of your session for a clean cut. 5 o’clock shadows and burly beards are welcome, just touch them up prior to the session for a clean seamless look.
And if you plan on hopping into the creek/reservoir at the end of your session, wear waterproof mascara & remember to bring towels.

Last but NOT LEAST: Flowy dresses! They are romantic. They are flattering. The way the wind hits them is MAGIC. They make you want to dance. They are the best thing. Literally the perfect occasion to whip out your flowy dress. When in doubt, wear a flowy dress. Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.
