As a photographer, I strive to capture authentic moments of joy in my photographs. As opposed to posed and perfect images, I believe that the strongest ones are those that convey a story. Depending on what you are booking, those storylines may look different. Maybe you just had your first child after years of trying with your partner–your images should reflect that carefree, “flowy” feeling of joy. Maybe you finally graduated and are excited to celebrate–your images should reflect that sense of pride and anticipation. Part of creating an atmosphere of joy in photographs is caused by the outfits and accessories you wear to the session. For that reason, I chose to highlight styling tips in this blog post as you sculpt a flowy outfit that conveys movement.
Wear THE dress
Dresses are by far the most flattering outfit, plus they double up as a prop! For anyone who feels awkward with their hands during photos, simply swirl your dress and use it to create movement. This is a fun, carefree way to enjoy yourself during a session. In addition, I recommend staying away from bold floral prints, and rather sticking to natural colors. Some examples are: mustard, pine green, sky blue, rose blush, and grays. In addition, experiment with textured or teared dresses that add a point of interest and romantic vibe to your images. As for the shape of the dress, steer clear of body con, tight dresses. You can look amazing in real life, but these types of dresses rarely photograph well. As a rule of thumb, I like dresses that are tight in the bodice and nice and flowy in the skirt.
Bring a blanket
Blankets are great for couples and family photo shoots as they create a warm and cozy vibe during the session. Blankets are an amazing way to create movement in the images as well. They serve as a prop and a way to stay warm during the fall sessions. You can play hide and seek, wrap your family in it, or hold it behind you while you run through the Pennsylvanian wilderness.
Wear a scarf
Scarfs are a great prop that add a point of interest to the photograph. In addition to keeping you warm and cozy, they are a great layer that you can take on and off during the shoot to add variation to the image collection.
Leave your hair long and wavy
I recommend that female clients get their hair done before a session, because it truly does elevate the experience. Adding loose, curly waves to an outdoor session is a perfect way to feel more at ease and to convey movement. In the word’s of a high school senior I photographed, “I felt like an Irish princess!” In the windy fields, she felt comfortable and carefree with her hair down and flowing.
Wear something with fringe or tassels
This is a personal preference of mine, as I feel that these extra accents make your images more unique and reflective of your individual style. In addition, it adds a more flowy look to your photos and creates a romantic vibe. A robe, dress, jacket, or even a blanket with fringe all fall into this category.
Hire a photographer
Last step!! Now that you feel prepared to curate a stunning, flowy outfit that will create movement for your photography session, be sure to book! Consider which season is best, what location you’d feel the most comfortable at, and who you want to be in your photos with you. The number one rule of thumb as you determine your outfit is to choose what makes you feel beautiful and confident.
Looking for inspiration for your upcoming photo shoot? Check out more tips on the blog 🙂
