"What type of clothes should I wear for my session?"

While we want you to look like yourself and feel comfortable for your session, this is your opportunity to dress your best and have some fun with clothes! There is nothing wrong with sweatpants and sweatshirts most days, but we do have a few helpful hints to offer for your session outfits:

-- Consider different "lengths and layers". For example: Don't do ALL crewneck t-shirts and jeans if you have selected a session type with outfit changes. Consider adding in a jacket or button-down shirt... or some shorts! Think about different lengths, layers, and how you can bring variety to your session looks... and what proportions are most flattering on your frame.

-- Can you both SIT and STAND in the outfit? If so, we call that a winner! If you choose outfits that you can only stand in, you will limit your posing potential. It's okay to have one of your looks be a "standing only" style, but try to avoid that for most.

-- Whatever you do, ANTICIPATE THE WEATHER. If you're someone who sweats easily and your session is booked for an evening in July, you're going to want breathable fabrics that don't show sweat marks. If you are someone who is always cold, but you're looking forward to wearing a cute sundress on the beach at sunrise, please make sure you bring a cardigan or jacket to layer on top (at least until we start shooting). It's important that you are comfortable so you can smile naturally and just focus on having fun rather than worrying about your wardrobe!

-- Oh, and one last silly one (but it's in here for a reason!) ... TRY ON YOUR OUTFITS BEFORE YOUR SESSION DATE! :-)

"What colors look best?"

We LOVE a classic black or white top, and neutrals never go out of style... but, now that we've said that...

Think about colors that you have been complimented on in the past. Did someone tell you your eyes really POP when you wear teal? Or maybe your skin always looks tan when you're rocking hot pink? Don't be afraid to bring in some vibrant color -- we love to see it! If you have ever considered "having your colors done" by a coloring expert, this would be the perfect time to look into it! (or find an app on your phone that can lead you in the right direction).

You can never go wrong with the following staples:

• Denim
• White, Black, Gray or Cream
• Soft Blues/Greens/Earth Tones

We would also invite you to consider patterns and textures. We LOVE a classic linen look (as long as it's ironed!) and chunky textured sweaters are always winners on cooler days. Don't be afraid to bring in texture with your fabrics! That said, this little hint is more of a what NOT to wear... If the super trendy pattern this summer is a checkerboard print? Maybe make sure you're only incorporating it into ONE look and not all of them. Otherwise, in 5 years, you'll be looking back on your images with the same eye roll that millennials do whenever they see their old chevron patterned skirts.

We encourage you to have some fun with colors and patterns, but just make sure you work in a classic look or two, as well!

"What about accessories?"

Accessories are such an awesome opportunity to bring some extra personality into your looks! Are you a hat person? Do you have a favorite vintage jacket that you'll be wearing everywhere this fall? Do you like to wear 6+ rings on your fingers every day? We love to see Seniors bringing in lots of options for accessories! We can always add and subtract them from the outfits as we're moving along through the session.

HELPFUL HINT: Consider grabbing a (new!) fishing tackle box to keep all jewelry in for your session. It is an easy way to keep everything organized and accessible at your fingertips!

Also considered an "accessory" would be anything that you might want to incorporate into your sports photos! Are you a football player who wants to have photos done on the field? Touch base with your coach in advance to make sure you'll have access to a clean jersey, helmet, shoulder pads (if you want them), a ball... anything else that you might need to complete your look.

DON'T FORGET THE SHOES!

Most of our Seniors will bring a few pairs of shoes to their sessions. Typically a cute pair of (clean!) sneakers, maybe a dressier shoe, and a pair of sandals. Even if you don't want to wear an open-toed sandal for photos, we would recommend bringing some along (as well as a beach towel!) if you are planning to take any photos by water. We'll likely have you kick off your shoes if you're near the water and we definitely want you to have an easy way to transition back out of the water afterwards.