Styling guide
Welcome! I'm so excited to help you capture your most authentic and magnetic self. This guide is designed to empower you with all the information you need to prepare for a photography session that truly reflects who you are and how you want to be seen.
Visual Direction: Cultivating Your Image
Before we even think about outfits, let's get clear on the image you want to project. This is the foundation of our session. Take some time to reflect:
How do you want to be seen? Are you aiming for strong and confident, playful and approachable, grounded and serene, romantic and dreamy, or thoughtful and introspective?
Once you're clear on the feeling you want to evoke, your wardrobe and styling choices will naturally come into sharper focus.
To spark your inspiration, I encourage you to:
Browse my portfolio: See what resonates with you and what kind of images make you feel seen.
Explore fashion magazines or creative photo references: Notice the styles, moods, and aesthetics that speak to you. Gather images that inspire you – they'll be a fantastic starting point for our conversation.
Session Flow: Making the Most of Our Time
Our goal is to capture as many compelling looks as time allows, always focusing on the strongest combinations that align with your visual direction.
It's always a good idea to bring extra options to your session. We'll collaborate to choose the pieces that will photograph best and truly bring your vision to life. Don't worry if you're unsure; that's what I'm here for!
Suggestions below are for most personal branding type of sessions.
For high fashion or fantasy boudoir, we may veer towards more trendy, edgy or dramatic.
Hair: Simple, Polished, and Authentically You
For your photography session, the best approach to hair is often to keep it natural, flattering, and well-groomed. Most clients find that styling their own hair works perfectly, as it ensures you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin.
Here are a few tips to ensure your hair looks its best:
Tame the frizz: If your hair tends to react to humidity, consider using a smoothing product or even flat-ironing it for a polished look.
Bring your tools: Don't forget a brush or comb for quick touch-ups throughout the session.
Add a touch of shine: A subtle shine product can add beautiful dimension, but be sure to avoid anything heavy or greasy that might make your hair appear weighed down.
Stick to what you know: Your photography session is not the time to experiment with a drastically new hairstyle. Go with what you know works for you and makes you feel great.
Makeup: Clean, Subtle, and Expressive
The camera has a unique way of picking up on detail, which means subtlety is key when it comes to makeup. Our aim is to enhance your natural features, not transform them.
Focus on a fresh, luminous look:
Prioritize healthy, glowing skin: Start with a light foundation, concealer where needed, and a soft blush to give your complexion a natural flush.
Keep it natural: Avoid false lashes, heavy contouring, or dramatic eye looks. These can often overpower your natural features in-camera and might not translate well.
Accentuate one feature: The best approach is to choose either a strong lip or a defined eye, but not both. This creates a balanced and striking look. Polish all features but dramatize one or the other.
For inspiration: Search for "French girl makeup tutorials." The goal here is a timeless, effortless elegance, rather than anything overly trendy.
Clothing: Fit Matters Most
When it comes to clothing, the single most important factor is fit. Bring a few well-fitting wardrobe options that truly reflect how you want to be seen.
Consider these points when selecting your outfits:
Flatter your figure: Choose clothing that drapes and flatters your figure from all angles and poses.
Comfort and confidence: Avoid anything that clings in unflattering ways, digs in, or causes bulging when you sit or move. You want to feel comfortable and confident!
Structure and flow: Well-tailored pieces with interesting structure or graceful flow tend to photograph beautifully.
Keep it clean: Skip logos, neon colors, or pieces that require constant adjusting. These can be distracting and take away from the overall impact of your images.
Think sculptural and textural. Leading lines and the element of touch.
Layer for more options
Accessories & Layers: Adding Depth and Meaning
The right details can truly elevate your look and provide natural points of interest in your images.
Accessories and layers can also give your hands something purposeful to do on camera.
Bring pieces that are especially meaningful for you.
This is where you can get more playful.
Think about incorporating:
Scarves, jackets, wraps, or other layers: These can be added or removed to create different looks and add visual variety.
Intentional jewelry: Choose one or two pieces that complement your outfit without distracting from your face. Less is often more.
Personal objects or props (optional): If they add meaning or style to your story, feel free to bring small personal objects like books, sunglasses, notebooks, or even a favorite mug. These can make your images feel more authentic and personal.
Textural elements: Details like collars, open buttons, rolled sleeves, and layered textures create beautiful visual depth and interest in photographs.
Final Checklist for Your Session
To ensure you're fully prepared and feeling fantastic, here’s a quick checklist:
[ ] Hair styled and brush/comb on hand for touch-ups.
[ ] Light, intentional makeup that enhances your features.
[ ] 2–4 well-fitting outfit options that reflect your visual direction.
[ ] Accessories or props you connect with (optional, but highly recommended!).
[ ] Clarity on how you want to feel in these images – your "why."
I can't wait to create some truly magnetic images with you! Do you have a clear idea of the "feeling" you want to project for your session?
Feel free to reach out if you need help preparing.
