Outfit Style Guide



HELLO GORGEOUS

I’m SO excited about your upcoming senior session with Thistle Dew Photography. Thank you for filling out my questionnaire to help me learn a little more about you! This will assist me with choosing your locations, helping you put together your outfits, and making your session experience custom to you.


Below has a lot of information regarding hair and makeup, outfit selection, what to expect at your session, and more. Please read it thoroughly! Neglecting to read this guide can result in a poor portrait session experience, and the most frequently asked questions are answered right here in this guide!


Your session is going to begin at a pre-determined location based on your answers to the questionnaire. We will meet there approximately 15 minutes before we plan to start shooting so that I can help you finalize outfit choices! Please try your absolute best to arrive on time, if not a few minutes early. If you are more than 30 minutes late to your session, we will have to reschedule for my earliest available date. 


OUTFIT TIPS

Stuck on what to wear? I’m here to help! Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks to help you guide your outfit choices!

Choosing what you will wear for your photo shoot is a huge decision that can make or break any portrait session! I know that sounds dramatic... but, if you accidentally wear something that isn’t flattering on camera or something that you don’t feel confident in...it can ruin the experience for you! So, here are some of the best ways to choose what to wear.


1.BE COMFORTABLE

If you do not like fitted clothing (super tight dresses or pieces that fit awkwardly) then leave them at home! Personally, I try to steer clear of items that are fitted in the tummy area (don’t we all?) just because it makes me self-conscious and I’m constantly wondering if it looks bad. So, if there are pieces in your closet that make you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable, don’t include them in your portrait wardrobe! Additionally, we will most likely be sitting on the ground, laying down, walking, and doing other things that could be difficult if your clothing is uncomfortable!


2.BE BRIGHT + THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX

On camera, solid black + white can make skin tones look very washed out and unflattering. So, when choosing outfits for your session, try to choose colors that POP and that compliment your hair + skin colors! Primary colors like red, royal blue, and yellow photograph beautifully as well as emerald green, bright purples, pinks, oranges and any other colors that really POP! Sometimes, color combos that may seem odd in-person end up photographing BEAUTIFULLY on camera!


3.ADD LAYERS

In the cold months (fall + winter), adding layers to your outfits always looks STUNNING in portraits! A sweater with a flannel underneath paired with a vest + statement necklace or scarf adds so much dimension to your images and makes for super fun posing options! Even in the warmer months (spring + summer), you can add these layers + dimension by wearing a tank top with a cute sheer cardigan or by throwing a denim vest over a dress!


4.PLAY WITH TEXTURES

Sometimes textures like sequins, furs, and sparkles can be considered “daring” or “over the top” but, in portraits, they are the BEST! Adding texture to your outfit makes the biggest difference, and it prevents the images from looking dull! Combining textures that you may not normally use together like sequins + cable knit sweaters or leather + fur make GREAT pairs!


5.DON’T BE AFRAID TO ACCESSORIZE

During a portrait session or any photoshoot, the more the merrier!! When planning your outfits, don’t forget to plan accessories!! Stacks of bangles, long necklaces, statement pieces, scarves, hats, bright shoes, and other add-ons can make or break an outfit!


6.MIX IT UP

When planning your outfits, make sure that you have a VARIETY of looks! I tell

all of my seniors to choose from these categories: casual, cozy, dressy, school-related, sports-related, preppy, or edgy. I always recommend choosing 2-3 of those categories that can easily be interchanged and finding outfits accordingly. This provides a beautiful array of looks during your session, so each outfit looks dramatically different!


HAIR AND MAKEUP

Additionally, I highly recommend all of my clients invest in professional hair and makeup. If it is in your budget, hiring a professional for your hair and makeup will make a drastic difference in the quality of your photos especially for my senior portrait clients.


Seniors, you are already making a large investment in your senior portrait experience, so why not make it the best it can be?!

So, why exactly is it so important?


1.THEY ARE TRAINED PROFESSIONALS

When you are investing in a professional photographer, you want to make sure that the images look their absolute best. They will conceal spots you don’t like, contour your face so it looks the best in every light, use colors that compliment your skin to make it look flawless, make your eyes POP with false lashes + shadows, manicure your eyebrows to perfection, and more!


2.LESS STRESS

Preparing for a senior portrait session is stressful in and of itself. Trying to do your hair + makeup by yourself can make things even harder.


3.WHO DOESN’T LIKE BEING PAMPERED!?

I don’t ever want my seniors to feel like their portrait session is just simply “taking pictures”, I want it to be an EXPERIENCE. So, if my seniors arrive after being pampered + beautified, the entire experience has already started on a good note! If a senior arrives frustrated or stressed, it can affect the entire experience, including the way you look in photographs!


If this is not in your budget, plan to wear slightly heavier makeup than normal, including blush and lipstick/gloss that is at least slightly darker than your lip color. I also highly recommend false eyelashes. These can be purchased for very affordable prices at CVS or any pharmacy in the area.


DON’T NEGLECT THE NAILS!

And, one last tip!! In all of the chaos of senior session prep...don’t forget to pamper your nails! During your shoot, a lot of the poses we do will have your hands close to your face and in the frame, so make sure that your nails look just how you want! Try to avoid any chipped polish or crazy patterns. French manicures, light/natural colors, and even nails with no color at all photograph best!!


Feel free to email me if you have any additional questions atkatarinathistledewphotography@gmail.com. I am SO excited to work together!!!


Katarina Rau

Thistle Dew Photography