Feeling well prepared and choosing the right outfit for your session is super important!
A lot of you will ask “What should I wear?” “What colors go well together for photos?” No need to stress! I’m here to help you have the most easy going session! Below is this session guide for outfit ideas and recommendations, other do’s and don’ts before your session, and more! Courtesy of Almida Meyer Photography & yours truly.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out! I can be reached by email at kastlehphotography@gmail.com or via text at 425-638-3836. I will get back to you as soon as I can!
Clothing
Stick To The Neutrals Neutrals such as cream, brown, gray, olive, black, nude, etc. are a safe bet and look lovely in almost any location! Earthy neutrals can help bring warmth into your photos and can look so flattering!
Pick One Bright Color
If you’re looking to add something more vibrant to your outfit, stick to one piece of clothing that will pop. That way it’s not too overpowering in photos. Example – A red flowy dress, a mustard cardigan, etc. Just make sure to match this with some complimentary neutrals!
Look At Popular Color Palettes
Complimentary colors look amazing in photos! If you’re struggling with deciding what works best – take a peek at the color wheel to come up with colors that match and look good together. You can find a color wheel here – https://www.canva.com/colors/color-wheel/.
Keep in mind your location as well! For example – A burgundy dress against the sand at the beach, a mustard yellow top in the park at fall, etc. Jewel tones are a lovely addition as well as these combos –
Rust + Brown + Cream
Maroon + Black + Gray
Navy + Gray + White
Mustard + Blue + Brown
Blush + Slate + White
Olive + Brown + Cream
Gold + Navy + White
Match The Location With The Outfit
Make sure your clothing fits the setting of your photo session! If you’re up in the mountains or forest – Warm and earthy dark tones look so lovely! On the beach, stick to neutrals and pastels. Just make sure the colors don’t clash with the background you’ll be in.
Avoid Bold and Overpowering
Large, bold prints can seem like a fun option – but in truth they can be extremely distracting in photos, and a bit unflattering. If you’re going for patterns – I recommend small, dainty patterns – plaid, stripes, or polka dots. Just make sure it’s not too busy with too many colors involved!
Don’t Match, Coordinate!
Coordinate your outfit choices for complimentary colors that go well together – but don’t be too matchy-matchy! Choose 3 or 4 colors that look together and stick to those instead of everyone wearing the same colored shirt.
Add Texture And Unique Fabrics
Look at textures when you’re out shopping for outfits! Knits, lace, embroidered pieces, sequins, velvet – all of those help add some extra depth to your photos. Chiffon or other delicate fabrics can help add movement to your photos and can be so dreamy. Mixing fabrics can also help elevate your photos and make them a bit more interesting.
More Tips
• As a general rule, for summer and spring, wear pastels, cool hues, or neutral tones. Solid colors are best. It will show awesome in photos! For winter and fall, bundle up! Layer cozy knits, like a sweater or a cowl scarf, and a bright winter coat.
• Wear clothes that flatter your body type, and accentuate you the best!
• If you bring different outfits, choose a few different styles (casual, dressy, fashionable, etc.).
• Always bring a backup outfit just in case!
• Make sure your clothing is clean, unwrinkled, and ready to go.
• You can never have too many shoes as I always say so bring options.
Here’s my Pinterest board with more ideas for color combos – Mood Board
Different Outfits & Accessory Ideas
Include Layers & Accessories
Adding in hats, jewelry, jackets, vests, sweaters, cardigans, and more will give you lots of little things to play off in your photos! It is the best way to spice up any outfit for your session and add visual interest.
Casual and Cozy
A great first outfit to start in is something more free and loose, that’s not too restrictive and allows for a lot of playful movement. Jeans and a nice blouse or sweater will give you the freedom to run, jump, piggyback, cuddle up together, and be super goofy without worrying about something ripping or being out of place. This will help us achieve more dynamic and playful poses and photos!
Make Sure You’ll Be Comfy
Based on your setting – your clothing options will definitely differ! If it’s freezing cold and your session takes place in the mountains – bring some layers and bundle up! If we’re in the midst of summer and it’s hot as hell out – leave the thick sweaters at home and opt for something more light and breezy. Your discomfort will show and you don’t want that!
Dressy And Romantic
Another great outfit choice is something more formal and dressed up. A more formal dress with high heels, dress pants and a button up shirt. These are great for a more dressed up and classy vibe – perfect for dancing, twirling, dipping and carrying – Especially if there is movement in these pieces. One casual and one dressy outfit is my recommendation so you can get all the variety!
Be Yourself
Above all else- Make sure you still feel like yourself in these outfits! You don’t have to stick to these guidelines – you can dress however you want as long as you feel comfortable in your outfit. Even if it’s something totally unique, be YOU. Showing off your amazing and one-of-a-kind personality and character in your photos matters the most.
More Do’s & Dont’s For Your Session
Do Find Options For Layering And Accessorizing
Knits, lace kimonos, leather or denim jackets, chunky sweaters, jewelry, boho hats, flower crowns, etc. can all really help to pull an outfit together.
Do Look For Small Patterns
You don’t have to stick to just solid colors. there are lots of fashionable small prints out there that photograph well. Just make sure they aren’t too busy with too many colors involved – and please refrain from having large logos!
Do Pamper Yourself With Clothes + Professional Hair & Makeup
You don’t get the opportunity to get glammed up and get photos like these done too often! Take this as an opportunity to treat your self so you feel and look your best! You deserve it! 🙂
Do Wear An Outfit You Feel Comfortable & Like Yourself In
Make sure you are comfortable! If you’re uncomfortable it will show in the photos and it will sour your whole session! Comfort above all else.
Do Avoid All Black On The Beach
All black won’t look that amazing if you’re in a neutral location like the beach, unless you’re going for a super edgy vibe and that’s your jam!
Don’t Wear Overly Bright And Neon Colors
Bright and neon colors such as reds, oranges, pinks, etc. can cast colors onto the skin and create some unflattering images.
Don’t Pair White And Bright Colors
Specifically, matching a bright white shirt with a bright red dress can cast unflattering colors, such as red, onto the shirt and create some odd looking images!
Don’t Forget To Think Of The Little Things
Make sure hair ties are removed from wrists, wear comfortable and proper underwear, have your hair and makeup done well, and nails done too. While I do skin adjustments and editing, removing hair ties and bra straps, plus fixing makeup or adjusting clothing that doesn’t fit well or fixing chipped nails is not something that i offer in my sessions.
Don’t Wear Casual Shoes
You may think that your shoe choices don’t make that much of a difference. but on the contrary they do! Casual shoes like sneakers, crocs, cheap flip flops, etc. can make your photos look a bit funky. I recommend some nice sandals, heels, wedges, cute little fall booties, oxford style shoes or nice boots. If we’re out on a strenuous hike for your session – hiking boots are a perfect fit, but they might look funny on a beach. Just use your judgement when deciding!
Don’t Forget To Dress Others In A Complimentary Style
If you’re in an elegant dress or formal wear, don’t have your partner in a t-shirt and cargo shorts. instead try some chino pants and a button down. and again, please skip the casual t-shirts with graphic prints or logos on them as it can be quite distracting.
Hair & Makeup
Having your hair + makeup professionally done is highly recommended; even if done extremely natural it still adds that perfect touch before getting your photos professionally taken.
If you’re going to do your own makeup for your session make sure it is well done (it really does make a huge difference).
If you have a bad breakout or bad acne, don’t worry about that at all! It’s very easy to retouch. Lipsticks can also be a lot of fun so don’t be afraid to bring along your favorite color. The camera loves the color.
Book Professional Hair & Makeup
Professional HMUAs know that the right amount of makeup is key for your photos and making them pop! It helps you feel amazing and taken care, plus sets the mood for the day! I recommend scheduling your HMUA trial (if you have one for your wedding) on this day – that way you get your trial done, and professional photos to go alongside it!
Makeup Choices
My recommendation is to keep makeup on the natural side! Dark or red lipstick can bleed very quickly and fade, leaving a fun outline that you will probably despise! Bright eyeshadow may be a tad bit overpowering, and glitter gets absolutely everywhere! If you’re getting false eyelashes – make sure they fit your eye shape well and aren’t too outrageous! It can create shadows underneath your eyes that can be quite unflattering.
Eyebrows
Always make sure your eyebrows are groomed and looking their best.
Lips
Either wear chapstick/lip gloss/lipstick or bring some chapstick along to apply if your lips get dry easily.
Nails
Your hands and toes might be seen in these photos, especially close-ups of fingers/hands if this is an engagement session. Short nails with neutral polish looks gorgeous in photos, while long nails/bright nails (especially neons) can take a bit of attention away. Clean and bare nails are ok too! When getting your nails done – I recommend sticking to gel or shellac, since it has less risk of chipping. Another great option is press on nails for right before your session! You can find some lovely options at your local drug store, or find fancier options online.
Hair Styles
Braids or twists are quite lovely in your hair and helps add an extra element to your photos and some lovely variety. Please be mindful of your hair texture when choosing what you want! If your hair cannot hold curls – it will probably start to fall flat when it’s time for your session. I cannot work magic (contrary to popular belief) and add curls or straighten hair post processing. This is one of the reasons why I recommend a professional! I would also suggest not making drastic changes to your hair right before your session so that you know you will like the way it looks in photos. Make sure your hair is brushes, combed, or styled exactly the way you want it to appear in photos.
Vendors
Hair & Makeup
GlAM BY JAZLENE – Marysville, WA
ASHLEY HOLLAND – Bellingham, WA
MICHELLE WIGHT – Seattle, WA
ELIZABETH WHITE ARTISTRY – Seattle, WA
ANNE TIMSS – Seattle, WA
SHALONDA PEGUERO – Tacoma/Renton WA
ZO AND CO STYLING – Seattle, WA
KATIE VIGIL HMUA – Seattle, WA
Favorite Shops
LULUS
SHOW ME YOUR MUMU
REFORMATION
FAME & PARTNERS
BALTIC BORN
FLUTTER DRESSES
NORDSTROM
ASOS
FREE PEOPLE
Posing
Everybody wants to feel comfortable in front of the camera so I’d suggest practicing your photoshoot preparation posing before your shoot even if it sounds silly. It will be a lot more fun if you can open up and just be yourself. Practice some different poses and even some faces in the mirror; it will help you feel more confident and ready for your shoot. Of course, I will help guide you in any way necessary while we are shooting so don’t worry too much. The most important thing is to have fun, relax, and be YOU! If you do those 3 things, we can’t go wrong! You can also see how I became a photographer.
Locations (In Seattle Area)
Mountains
*Potential travel fees*
MT BAKER NATIONAL PARK
NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK
MT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
SNOQUALMIE SUMMIT
ARTIST POINT
RATTLESNAKE RIDGE
HEYBROOK RIDGE
Beaches
*Potential travel fees*
DISCOVERY PARK
RUBY BEACH
SECOND BEACH
KALALOCH
ALKI BEACH
GOLDEN GARDENS
MUKILTEO BEACH
EBEY’S LANDING
BIRCH BAY
SEMIAHMOO
DECEPTION PASS
Parks
*Potential travel fees*
DISCOVERY PARK
KERRY PARK
WASHINGTON ARBORETUM
VOLUNTEER PARK
LINCOLN PARK
NORTH CREEK PARK
LOWELL RIVERFRONT PARK
HOWARTH PARK
SPENCER ISLAND PARK
LANGUES RIVERFRONT PARK
EBEY’S LANDING
LUTHER BURBANK PARK
GASWORKS PARK
City
*Potential travel fees*
PIONEER SQUARE
GARAGE ROOFTOPS
KERRY PARK
CAPITOL HILL
SOUTH LAKE UNION
CHOPHOUSE ROW
Waterfalls
*Potential travel fees*
EAGLE FALLS
TWIN FALLS
FRANKLIN FALLS
SNOQUALMIE FALLS
BRIDAL VEIL FALLS
WHATCOM FALLS
FALL CREEK FALLS
LOWER LEWIS FALLS
Lakes
*Potential travel fees*
GOLD CREEK POND
LAKE KACHESS
KEECHELUS LAKE
PICTURE LAKE
RATTLESNAKE LAKE
LAKE WENATCHEE
LAKE SAMMAMISH
LAKE UNION
LAKE WASHINGTON
Studios
ENTER THE STUDIO
NEU HAS
OLIVE
LITTLE WHITE HOUSE
THAT BRICK LOFT
THE BANANA STAND
ELEMENTS STUDIO
TINY HAUS
OUTDOOR BOHO OASIS
UNIQUE HOME
Session Tips: Maternity & Family
Coordinate – Don’t Match!
Pick outfits for every one that can compliment each other but don’t match perfectly! I recommend getting one statement piece and picking outfits that compliment the statement piece! Have 3-4 main colors that flow well together and add some neutrals to bring everything together! Pick a vibe for your session and commit to it while keeping details in mind.
Alternative Options
If you can’t seem to find any maternity dresses that you like and think will look good – you don’t have to just search for maternity! A lot of non-maternity marketed dresses have lots of flow and extra fabric to play with and fit perfectly. On another note – you don’t have to stick to a dress if you don’t feel comfortable in it! A bare bump is also so beautiful – in jeans or shorts and a cute little bralette or tied up t-shirt with a chunky cardigan on top is a great example. Jumpsuits can also be a great addition or jumpsuit adjacent – overalls! Feel free to play around with it and don’t feel that you have to stick to only dresses.
No Costume Dresses
I recommend to find dresses or outfits that have more movement, and unfortunately frilly tutu dresses can appear to look quite stiff and odd!
Flowy Dresses
It may seem like quite a bit of fabric or feel odd – but long flowy dresses with lots of fabric are perfect for emphasizing your baby bump! The flow and extra fabric helps add movement into the photos and can look so delicate and soft. Form fitting/body con dresses can sometimes highlight the things we don’t want highlighted! Flowy material helps cover up quite a bit!
Look Out For These Things
Patterns, neutrals, movement, and textures! Patterns such as stripes, plaids, polka dots. Neutrals are usually simple, solid, and natural appearing. Fabric with movement that is flowy, ruffles and light fabric. Textures like lace, crochet or velvet. Break it up! Have at least one solid for every pattern/print.
Accessories
Little details can make a huge difference in your photos! Knit sweaters, stockings or leggings, bows in hair or dainty jewelry, plus hats can help add variety!
Avoid Black (Mostly)
Black colors are normally best for appearing to be more slimming! If you’re wearing black during your maternity session, your bump may look almost non-existent and we want to showcase it as much as possible!
Here’s my Pinterest board with more ideas for color combos for families – Mood Board
