how to prepare for your session
Preparing for your session is just as important as the session itself. Below, I explain some tips for helping you create the best possible images. From clothing, to location, to props, you'll be better able to decide exactly what kind of image you want. Styling can make all the difference between a good and a great image! If you need help, Colette offers personalized styling assistance.
Clothing speaks to who you are. Choose solid colors and wardrobe items that make you feel beautiful!
Clothing
Clothing will say at least as much about you as your face. Most importantly, wear what makes you feel BOTH comfortable and beautiful. If that's your favorite pair of hole-y jeans, a formal gown, a t-shirt & sweats... it doesn't matter as long as you feel good! If you feel good, you'll feel confident & you'll look great, too!
Clothing Rules of thumb:
- solid colors with subtle details photograph best and allow attention to the subject not to fashion.
- coordinate a unified color scheme among participants
- stay away from bold patterns, logo-wear, and sports shirts (unless that's specifically what you're going for)
- wear what makes you feel BEAUTIFUL, no matter what it is
- contrasting styles can be gorgeous
- in doubt? use our styling services!
Props
In most sessions, props are not absolutely necessary, as what I really work to capture are the moments that happen between people. However, well-chosen and carefully placed props almost always add to the picture. It's easy, though, for props to become the center of attention rather than an accent to the photo. Thus, choose props that help create the action you want to capture.
Props Rules of Thumb
- choose classic items in neutral colors or colors that match your selected scheme
- choose things that speak to who you are as a family
- select items that will help generate the actions you're hoping to capture
- some great props: flowers, metal buckets, wooden toys, bubbles
- simplicity is elegance; plastic tends to dominate images visually
- try to leave pacifiers, lovies, etc. at home or at least out of the image-- unless you want to preserve that as part of your visual memories
- in doubt? try our styling services!
Choose props that speak to who you are. For example, if you never, ever play with bubbles, they're probably not the best prop choice. But if your kids love them, they will make an adorable image AND help capture who you are as a family unit.
Location, location, location! Think about who you are and where you most love to be. Maybe it's a local park, a nearby downtown, or even your own backyard. Your favorite places will make some of the best photographs because when you feel comfortable, I will capture your comfort.
Location
Your location will dramatically impact the images you're able to create. The best locations are ones where you feel comfortable. We work outdoors, in the elements. While this can present some scheduling problems in the event of bad weather, it makes for gorgeous images that can feel sleek and urban, homey and rustic, or organic and natural. I can help you select a location.
Location Rules of Thumb
- choose a place that feels like it represents who you are. if you're city folk, we'll do town images. If you're farm folk, then we'll choose something pastoral. If you're outdoorsy, we'll choose a natural setting
- be aware that we work outdoors, and that this can impact scheduling. I won't hold a session on a day that doesn't have enough light for excellent shots
- be willing to try sun & shade, and be prepared to walk
- in doubt? try our styling services!