Are you ready? Camera ready?
Styling Advice for Your Upcoming Photography Session
Once you’ve chosen a professional photographer for your photography session, the real work begins. What should you wear for your photos? How should you style your hair? What makeup is right for the weather, lighting, and background? If you have questions swirling through your head, here’s some photo shoot styling advice.
Hiring a Professional Photography Stylist.
Whether you’re one of my clients seeking photography in Las Vegas or you’re located elsewhere, my goal is to help your photo session be its best. These photos are going to last you a lifetime, so it’s important to pay attention to every detail to ensure you get pictures you’ll treasure for years to come.
I’m often asked whether I recommend hiring a stylist for photo shoots. While this is entirely dependent on your comfort level, expectations, and goals, I do think professional stylists can offer a great deal of positive feedback to a photo shoot. Stylists can give wardrobe suggestions, help with hair styles, and apply makeup on the day of the session if desired.
Clients who book a session with me will have a professional hair and makeup stylist available at no additional charge. Photography stylists know how to style your hair and apply makeup that looks great on camera. Even if you’re confident in your abilities, you want to be sure your features stand out on film. If you’re working with another photographer, he or she should be able to give you recommendations for professional stylists in your area who can make you look camera-ready on photo shoot day.
What to Wear for Family Pictures or Individual Portraits.
It’s perhaps the number one question I get asked: “What should I wear?” The answer depends on the message you’re trying to convey through your photos. Photography in Las Vegas is filled with a variety of clientele: weddings, portraits, family photos, senior photos, individuals, boudoir, engagement portraits – just about anything goes. The wardrobe should match the tone of the photograph.
My clients who are working with me here in Las Vegas receive professional styling and wardrobe consultation before the shoot. I recommend purchasing new clothing specifically for the photography session: something sexy, sleek, or stylish, depending on the look you’re after. Brand-new clothing will add something extra special to your photographs, giving them a touch of crisp, clean style. Clothing should be comfortable, yet classy. Nothing oversized or too casual, and something that fits your style and personality. You’re already investing in these memories by hiring a professional photographer, so why not make sure everything is flawless and invest in a picture-perfect wardrobe as well?
If you’re taking family or couples photos, it’s best not to try to match exactly. Instead, choose a color palette that can be integrated throughout your wardrobe – something that coordinates without looking identical. My clients doing photography sessions in Las Vegas and the surrounding areas will also want to keep the climate in mind: dress comfortably and wear something that will keep you cool in the desert heat.
Finally, steer clear of busy patterns, bold stripes, words or phrases, or neon colors. Keep in mind; you want the focus of the photos to be on the people and not the clothing.
Hair and Makeup
Just like your wardrobe choice, hair and makeup choices are something you should plan well in advance of your shoot. Play around with several options, have a plan ready, and consider hiring a professional photography stylist to help you look your best on picture day. As mentioned above, stylists know tips and tricks for making you look extra fabulous on camera.
For men, hair should be freshly cut, neatly groomed and styled. I recommend women consider wearing their hair down rather than pulled back. Flowing hairstyles provide more dramatic photographs. Of course, if you’re shooting on location in the Las Vegas desert breeze, it might be necessary to have hair pinned back a bit to keep strands from blowing in your face during your session.
Once again, clients who hire me as their Las Vegas Photographer receive hair, makeup, and wardrobe styling at no additional charge to ensure your pictures are perfect.
Other Photoshoot Styling Considerations
As your photography session draws nearer, you may want to start making a list of items to bring with you to the studio or location. Bring extra hair product and makeup if you’re planning on doing your own styling (if you’re working with me or have hired your own professional, they’ll have everything available for you). Infants and small children may need a change of clothes, so when you’re out shopping for those new outfits, consider buying duplicates for the smallest members of your group. Ask your photographer if she needs you to bring anything in particular to your session.
Paying attention to details can transform your portraits into amazing memories you’ll cherish forever. If you have questions along the way, reach out to your photographer. We’d be happy to answer your questions ahead of time to make sure everything runs smoothly on the day of your session. When everything comes together in that perfect picture, it will be worth the effort.
