To Start
Ladies, you can’t go wrong with sophisticated neutrals like a blush, heather gray, creams, and leather browns – with pops of color to compliment. Having a good foundation to work from will start you off on the right track.
Don’t Be Afraid to Dress Up
Have you thought about rocking that gown, tulle skirt, or flowy dress but never had an occasion for which to show it off? This is your chance to do it up! Remember: there is no such thing as too dressed up when it comes to your session, so don’t be afraid to have some fun.
Say Yes to the Dress
Dresses and skirts look stunning because they really flatter every female body especially on camera which is probably why the red carpet is always full of so many dresses and not many pantsuits!
Long, full-length, flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the images. This is especially true when juxtaposed with the outdoors like the desert, forest, or cityscape.
If you’re an expecting mother, I love full-length gowns and maxi-dresses. These dresses create the best silhouettes to flatter your figure and really highlight your bump.
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Michelle, you’re crazy! I just don’t do dresses,” that’s OK too. If you’re 100% sure you don’t want to wear anything with a skirt, just think feminine with whatever makes you feel your best and your loveliest.
Whatever you choose, ladies, I want you to feel fantastic in it. I want it to fit you just right. I want it to be special. I want you to look back on your session day and say, “Man! I love that outfit!” If you feel confident in your clothes, that is going to shine through in your images.
Flattering Your Features
Let’s be real here, every woman, regardless of her shape, probably has an area of her body that she’s self-conscious about, so recognizing what area that is in advance is key. Choosing flattering silhouettes and colors that complement your natural features is the best way to ensure you’ll love the way you look in your photos.
Selecting clothing that is the right size may sound like a no-brainer, but really has a huge impact on how you look and feel in your ensembles. Baggy or too-big blouses can make a woman look slightly larger than she really is; and too-tight tops or dresses tend to hug or pinch in places we might not want to draw attention to. Remember, I want you to feel great and also be able to interact naturally during your session.
Three-quarter length sleeves create an awesome slimming effect on all arms, so be on the lookout for an option with a longer length sleeve if this is a goal for you. You could also bring a cute jacket, blazer or cardigan along. Skinny shoulder straps or strapless dresses have the opposite effect on arms in-camera, so I recommend avoiding those if your photo goal is slimmer-looking arms.
High heels elongate women’s legs, making them look fabulous. Closed-toed heels in particular look great on camera because they carry the line of your leg all the way down to your toe. If your toes are showing in a peep-toe heel, you might want to schedule a pedicure before your session so you don’t regret letting your toes show. These little tricks make all the difference!
Quick Tip: Feel free to bring a pair of easy-to-kick-off flats to wear for when we move from place to place in between photos. Your feet will thank you later!
Make a Statement
Pairing an accessory or two with your outfit can really help bring some extra dimension to your images. Belts, bracelets, and earrings bring great visual interest, so choose one or two that don’t compete for attention. Accessories can also make one outfit look like several, so bring a few per outfit and we will spend a small amount of time exploring them.
Above all, the location you choose and the outfits you select won’t matter nearly as much as the memories you make. Preserving your memories is the most important thing to me, and I want your session to be a time for you to be yourself and enjoy it. Have fun, laugh a lot, and I’ll take care of the rest! Can’t wait!
