Investing in professional images means also investing into your outfit and styling choices. See some tips and tricks below!
WARDROBE
Color
The best way to understand how to combine colors to achieve various looks and moods is to read up on Color Theory. Here's a quick breakdown:
Analogous Colors
- Analogous colors are the combination of three colors that appear directly next to one another on the color wheel
- Most harmonious of color combinations
- Vary shade, tint, tone, etc so that these colors combined are not overpowering
- Within this color combination one color acts as the dominant hue while the others lend support
Complimentary Colors
- Complimentary colors are the combination of two colors directly across from one another on the color wheel
- This will create the most bold look with the highest contrast
- Start with a primary color as the base for your outfit and wear it's compliment as your accessory choice
Monochromatic Colors
- Monochromatic means sticking to one color combination
- Hardest to pull off
- Mix up your shades, tints, tones and saturation as well as design elements like the texture or structure of the fabric to successfully create this look
Split Complimentary Colors
- Split Complimentary is achieved by taking a base color then pairing it with colors directly next to it’s adjacent color.
- For example, a green-blue (teal) is paired with red and red-orange to create a split complementary.
- Similar effect of a complimentary color scheme, but usually more flattering and adds more dimension.
Triadic Colors
- Triadic colors are the combination of 3 colors that are all equidistant from one another on the color wheel
- This produces a very vibrant color combination
- Start with one color as the base for your outfit and wear the other two as your accessory pieces.
Stick to 2 - 3 colors for your wardrobe. Incorporating more than 3 colors might be distracting and take away from who we want to photograph, you!
Hue
Is a color in it’s purest form.
Tint, Tone, and Shade
Are all derivatives of Hue. Tint = hue + white, tone = hue + grey, shade = hue+ black. These four elements are used to create the color your eyes see.
Warm Colors
Are all derived from shades of Red Orange and Yellow. Warm colors look best on warmer skin tones and gold jewelry.
Cool Colors
Are all derived from shades of Blues, greens, violets and pale pinks. Cool colors look wonderful on pale skin with pink undertones and silver jewelry.
Layering
Layering when not overdone, adds depth, dimension and style to any wardrobe. Layer with jewelry, scarves, vests, and cardigans.
Patterns
Don't be afraid to incorporate pattern into your wardrobe. However if you do remember these simple rules:
Geometric Shapes with straight edges and pointed lines convey a powerful and assertive feeling
Organic shapes or patters with curved edges convey a calming meditative feeling
If you do decide to incorporate a pattern into your wardrobe only incorporate one pattern. Example: stripes, florals, polka dots etc.
MAKEUP
Unless you typically wear heavy makeup daily, your makeup should accentuate your features not change them.
If you do not typically wear makeup I would still recommend you apply at least the below items to even out your skin tone. If you do not typically wear lipstick I would avoid it, unless you are doing multiple looks and you would like one look to be more bold.
If you are going to a makeup artist to get your makeup professionally done, then the best way to explain what style makeup you want is a "daytime look" or "wedding makeup".
See some of my recommendations below:
Skin
You want your skin to look natural and healthy.
Skip the Spray Tan
I do not recommend airbrushing or spray tans before photoshoots! This can cause unevenness and might produce an orangish color effect in the camera.
Foundation
If you would like a heavier coverage, use a foundation that is non reflective and meant for photography. Anyone at your local Macy's will be able to advise on this.
Tinted Moisturizer
Origins VitaZing SPF 15 Energy-Boosting Moisturizer with Mangosteen 1.7 oz
This moisturizer is a bit of an investment, but I would recommend this product to anyone and a little goes a long way. Just one droplet size, per application plus it has built in SPF (15) and is tinted to even out your skin tone and reduce blotchiness. So you will be saving your skin from harsh UV rays throughout the day and looking radiant and glowing. What's best is if you don't like makeup this is the best product I have ever used! It does not appear as though you have makeup on once applied and is lightweight and breathable.
Tip #1: If you need to test out a moisturizer in a store you can usually do this for free with one of the tester bottles. Simply apply the foundation on the back of your hand in a circular motion. Utilize various parts of your hand and see which matches your skin tone the best.
Tip #2: Don't forget your neck! Oftentimes people might forget to apply makeup below their jawline. Graulending makeup down to your neck will help blend color into your skin.
Eyes
To appear more awake and lively go for a look that gives your eyes a subtle pop!
Mascara
Maybelline Great Lash Royal Blue Washable Mascara, 0.43 fl. oz.
A little mascara goes a long way and will help your eyes pop and make you look more awake for your photos! For the price this is a great find. I would go with the non waterproof version so you can easily remove if you make a mistake when applying.
Neutral Eye Shadow Palettes
I would stick to neutral beige colors or peaches depending on your skin tone. Below are suggestions if you would like to add a bit of dimension to your eyes.
Maybelline The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette
Hair
You want to make sure you wear your hair in a style that is more of an everyday look. If you always wear your hair curly, I would avoid straightening it for our shoot. You want your clients to recognize that person in the photograph!
Hair Mousse
Suave Professionals Mousse, Captivating Curls, Whipped Cream Mousse, 7 oz
I have curly hair and this is one of the best mousse products I have ever used! The price is unbeatable and it will not leave your hair stiff or sticky, but it will tame your fly aways and define your curls. Great buy!
BRANDING
"On Brand"
"You are so 'On Brand!'"
Have you ever heard this statement before? Essentially our goal is that your wardrobe represents you, your personality or product and therefore your brand, as often as possible!
First and foremost make sure you are recognizable to your client and incorporate something that is uniquely you, some flare into your shoot! You can do this with props or accessories, but we want these images to speak to your ideal client and the person who was meant to find you!
If you are an outgoing artistic person with a high energy brand that wants to rock your clients world, I would expect you to wear a color scheme that is made up of Complimentary Colors, Triadic Colors or Split Complimentary Colors.
If you are better at bringing a calmness or seeking to heal or ease anxiety or pain within your brand I would expect you wear a more Analogous or Monochromatic color scheme.
The way you dress and whether your color choices are saturated and contrasting or tonal and tinted should also match the mood you want your brand to embody to your client. You can use the section on color and shade tone and tint to decide on a color palette that is right for you.
MY PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE
I focus on Lifestyle and Branding Photography meaning I want to capture you doing what it is you do best! I want to recreate everyday moments of you in the thick of your joy, your passion project, hobby or career and I want to tell a story about you and the talent you poses!
Lifestyle
We will laugh a lot. Just sayin'! For lifestyle sessions, be prepared with props that depict your everyday! Are you a health coach and you work with clean eating, lets go to a market and capture just that. Feel free to be as creative as you want with this part right here.
Props
Do not be afraid to use props! In fact, please bring them. If you are an artist bring a paintbrush, paints and a canvas, if you are a musician bring your instrument, if you are a chef let's find a kitchen! Props help tell a story ad convey a message.
Details
Let's capture what you do up close and personal! If you are a chef, artist, dancer, writer, athlete, you name it, details tell a story and are also great for social media imagery!
