Style Guide | Lincoln Gap Photogra

The Style Guide

"What do I wear for my photography session?"

It's the number one question that clients (especially moms!) agonize over, and I'm here to offer you some guidance to make putting your photo day wardrobe together EASY and FUN!

By following my style advice, you will show up to your session looking beautiful, feeling confident, and ready to make some gorgeous, memorable images.

Your style will Elevate your pictures!

Everyone has their own style. While these are your photos and you can absolutely wear whatever you want, I also want you to LOVE your images and feel good about the way you look in them. I can guarantee you that there is already something in your closet that will work perfectly! While I do not suggest clients shop for their session, it is definitely an opportunity to freshen up your closet if you are feeling it.

I have found that clients are happier with their images if they dress up

A photo shoot should make you feel special, alive and excited! I'm not talking about wearing gowns and tuxedos here, but wear something that is more special than your everyday clothing. I will work with you to select the best outfits for your session based on your chosen location.

Outfits are dependent on your location!

The colors and textures at your location will help determine what you wear. To see some of my favorite locations, click here.

After we select the location for your session, I will send you some clothing ideas in a mood board. The reason I love to help clients with styling is from my experience as an artist, I know what will edit well in different environments. The tones of your clothing should be cohesive and complement the environment so that the viewer can focus on your family's connection. I want you to love your images, and the ultimate goal is to display your images in your home as art.

I also want you to be comfortable at your session. For example, I know that short dresses on women are not the most comfortable, as they restrict your movement and make you feel self conscious when they ride up. I want you to be comfortable standing, sitting, laying down, and walking, and playing with your children.

Let's start with the

Dont's!

No large wording or characters on clothing. It's very distracting and will be the first thing your eye goes to in the photograph.
No Fluorescent colors! They photograph terribly.
No dirty sneakers or crocs.
No baseball caps, watches, hair ties on wrists .
No overly frilly, starchy outfits or jeans for babies. They aren't comfortable, don't fit well, and babies just drown in these outfits and we lose being able to see them in the photographs.
Say No to being Matchy-Matchy! Everyone wearing white t-shirts and jeans used to be popular, but this will make your images look dated. You will be much happier with your images if everyone coordinates so they can be themselves yet look cohesive.

Then what Do we wear?

Pick your location first! The environment and season will guide your color palette, styles, and overall feel of the session.
Begin by selecting mom's (or most fashion-conscious person if you are a couple) outfit, then build the rest of the family around that person. Long dresses, skirts, and kimonos are perfect for adding movement to your images.
Use complimentary color families to keep outfits cohesive.
Turn up the texture- varying textures such as lace, tulle, tweed and fur add dimension and visual interest.
Layers can easily elevate and add interest to your outfit.
Shoes matter! Leave Crocs and trainers at home. Barefoot is a great option for in home sessions, as well as open grass and the river.
Make sure your clothes fit well! If your clothes are too tight, or look really baggy, this will show in your photos.
Hair & Makeup: Your hair should be the best version of your natural hair style. If you have long hair, let it down to create movement in your images. Your makeup should be kept on the natural side as well- no dark eyeshadow!
Add accessories, such as hats, belts, scarves, and jewelry to tie your outfit together.

Ideas to get you started

natural Neutrals

Neutral colors, such as grays, tans, and creams, can be mixed together, or with colors. Virtually every closet has neutral pieces, and they look great on everyone. Muted tones of blush, blues, and khaki are also included in the neutral palette.

long Dresses

Dresses and skirts look gorgeous in photographs. They add dimension and movement, and are also flatter every body type. Going with something long, midi, or hi-low is beautiful, but please avoid short dresses and skirts. You will want to move freely for the most natural photographs (see above), and a short dress you have to keep fixing will not allow that.

but what if i Hate dresses?

You have options! There are ways to bring movement and texture into your images without a dress, such as wearing flowy linen pants, or jeans with layers and accessories. Adding a flowy kimono over jeans or pants gives the illusion of a dress. You can still spin and create the same movement!