What to wear for the Mini Valentines Day Sessions

I have had a couple of people ask me what to wear for the photography sessions I am offering on Jan. 14th 2012 at the Market Playce. They will be held at the Community Center onboard NSA Naples Support Site.

I was referred to a photographer that offers up these great templates by my friend Shakyra Canchaney who is also a photographer down at NSA Sigonella, Sicily.
I know the photo says November but I think it would work great for the Valentine photos here in Naples now that it is starting to get colder. Hopefully this gives you a few ideas and you can put your on twist on these. I would be happy to offer my opinion  as well.

Over View of what to wear for any session

All in all you should Coordinate outfits. That does not mean everyone in white shirts and khaki pants or black shirts with jeans for casual portraits. You want everyone to pop in the photo, not blend together like a blob with a few heads.

Colors and Patterns are a natural part of life. So use them to your advantage, but do not use every color of the rainbow. Again you want to make sure that you coordinate the colors together. Patterns are ok as long as they are not distracting and taking the attention away from YOU the SUBJECT. That would mean smaller ones and only use them sparingly. Just like with the colors, don't use competing patterns, it will only distract the viewer. Avoid large logos and graphics again too distracting. The best way to do this would be pick someones outfit first, usually the patterned person and then play off of it. Find everyone elses clothing by matching up the color schemes to the pattern. Just make sure that the color you choose for each person goes well with their complexion.

Layering is a great way to change up similar portraits. It provide a more visual interest, and it will allow a lot more variety in your shots and poses. Great ideas would be a scarf, hat, sweater, tie, belt etc.. The ideas are limitless.

At Breezy Cranford Photography I want your portraits to speak volumes about you and your family. Have a family meeting and discuss props that represent your family. It could be anything, I just want to capture YOUR family or childs personality in the portraits I take. Bring collective props for the family and also individuals for each family member. If you all enjoy your time at the beach or lake why not hold your session there? What about the snow and skiing? We can do that too.

MakeupLadies if you normally wear makeup then apply just a tad darker than you normally would. It will enhance your photo. Do not go overboard, don't apply it heavy like the models on the run way do. Just bump it up a notch. If you don't normally wear makeup then at least apply a little mascara, blush and lip gloss. A little goes a long way. And another tip for you ladies who don't wear much makeup, the ladies at the NEX makeup counters will gladly give you a "mini" makeover for Free! And then you don't have to worry about the makeup.

Changes of Clothing are allowed for all sessions minus the "mini" specials that I offer from time to time. And that is just because of time constraints. But normal family, newborn, boudoir, bridal sessions etc... all allow for clothing changes.

Plan accordingly. Give ample time to have everything in line before the session. You don't want to be rushing around last minute trying to get haircuts or coordinating outfits etc...

Most importantly is BE YOURSELF! Don't wear something just because someone else said to. Don't put your kids in uncomfortable clothes. If they are uncomfortable the portraits will not be as memorable as you had hoped. You want the express your personality or your families personality, not someone you aren't.

Remember what your home Decor is like. If it is very casual and "liveable" then you normally want that to be the style of your photos. If your house is very elegant and everything is in its rightful place then you may very well prefer a more elegant and glamorous session. On this note also think about where you have bare walls or where you want to hang your portraits. We can incorporate that into your session. Especially knowing you want a landscape orientation style portrait over a portrait orientation to fill the spot above the mantel etc... is very helpful.

Also for those of you who are interested in the boudoir sessions I am holding in a private location on Jan. 15th 2012 you can search boudoir here on my blog and I have a HUGE list of ideas for clothing and props!

These outfit ideas come from http://corinanielsen.com . Thanks for sharing your talent with fellow photographers!