The Portrait Session Style Guide
What Every Client Needs to Know
I am so excited for your portrait session! Whether I’m capturing your child, sweet family, or celebrating a special moment in your life, I’m thrilled to help you create memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Graduation, new babies, engagements, pregnancies… I can’t wait to document them! I’ve created this guide to help you get the most out of your photos, and by the time you’ve read through this article, you’ll have all your questions answered and feel more than ready and prepared for your session. Then I’ll take care of the rest! Your only job is to be yourself, laugh a lot and let me create photos you’ll love forever. I can’t wait to get you in front of my camera!
Choosing Time & Date
I’m a natural light photographer because I believe that natural light, from the sun create photographs that feel fresh, timeless and dreamy. I begin all portrait sessions one hour before the scheduled sunset during “the golden hour,” when the light is the dreamiest. Remember, the sun sets much earlier during the colder months of the year and much later during the warmer months, make sure to factor that in when choosing your portrait session date, especially if you’re taking off work or have evening plans afterward. To get the most out of your session, please plan a buffer when getting ready so you can arrive a few minutes early to your session and be ready to start on time. We’re only able to shoot when natural light is still in the sky, so we’ll want to take advantage of every minute we have together before the sun goes down. Being late will cut into your shooting time. If you’re wearing two outfits, save your favorite one for the second half, and if you’re wearing one, arrive in that.
QUICK TIP: My Saturdays fill up fast and far in advance, as does my fall season. So please plan on scheduling at least 2 months in advance.
Selecting the Right Location
The location of your portrait session is up to you! Luckily Utah has SO many beautiful and diverse options. Mountains, feilds, lakes, beaches, hills, trees, flowers… you name it! Most of my clients choose a location to showcase the natural beauty of our home state. There are also some great Urban options such as old buildings or farms, downtown areas in cities or historical sites that are great! For most of my sessions, outdoor, open-air environments are always my first choice. I love shooting in wide-open outdoor spaces because the light is divine, especially during golden hour. There are great options all around the state, so even if you’ve never seen me photograph in a specific spot before, I am always up for exploring a new spot together! Especially if it is somewhere special or meaningful to you. If you don’t have an idea of what location you’d like to do, I am more than happy to take over and help plan a spot. I have a huge arsenal of favorite go-to spots I love and know photograph beautifully. If I am picking, I always like to get a picture of your outfits before planning a location. I like to have an idea of your style and color scheme. Afterwards, I can suggest a great place to compliment your look!
Think Outside the Box
This is the time to think outside the box! I encourage you to brainstorm unique locations that you might have special access to that most people don’t. For example, maybe you, or someone in your personal or professional network, can secure permission to a location that would otherwise be off-limits, like a beautiful private estate, beautiful farm, private land or resort. Maybe it’s a family ranch, upscale hotel or even a boat, airplane hangar or a rooftop view. The sky is literally the limit! Spend a few minutes thinking about it and checking around. You’ll be surprised with what you come up with. Plus, if something seems out of reach, just remember: you never know until you ask! Between me and my clients, we have secured permission to some pretty amazing places and props in the past. If you get stuck or need inspiration, check out my Facebook albums or Pinterest, and see what catches your eye! I have some great go-to locations around town that we can always hit, too. Just let me know which type of location you’d love and we’ll go from there! Easy. Peasy.
Destination Portrait Session
Your portrait session includes travel time anywhere within 20 miles of my home in Brigham City, UT. If you’d like to go somewhere outside the city, I’m up for the adventure! A travel fee will be applied to your session cost for locations outside of my hometown area. Let me know if you want to travel to an amazing spot, and I will get you a price quote for the location. I am also a huge travel bug, and am always up to for a trip! If you are interested in having me travel to a different state… (or Paris, or whatever!) I will put together a destination shoot package just for you!
Styling your Session
Want your photos to look more editorial? Bring a little extra something with you! Fresh flowers bring an extra “wow” factor to just about everything, especially when they’re attached to something else, like a bicycle basket, tree swing, tent, picnic basket, balloons or car bumper. Whether you want to incorporate larger items like classic cars, vintage furniture or bikes, or smaller ones like blankets, vintage toys, or hats, even planning for just one extra styled item could be a fun way to make your session more unique. If you don’t personally own the dream prop you have in your head that you want to include in your shoot, don’t be afraid to ask me! I own so many fun props, furniture and things I’ve collected through the years. I might already own what you’re envisioning! If not, I am more than happy to help you hunt for something, or maybe even be able to make something!
Style Tips: For Her
Don’t Be Afraid to Dress It Up
Have you thought about rocking a dramatic or romantic gown, tulle skirt or flower crown but just never had an occasion for it? This is your chance to do it up! Remember: There is no such thing as “too dressed up” when it comes to your portrait session, so don’t be afraid to have some fun! If you don’t want to add a new permanent piece to your collection, a lot of my clients love to rent amazing, couture items from Rent the Runway for (adult clothing), or The Borrowed Boutique (for kids clothing) for their session because it’s such an affordable way to feel and look like a million bucks. Other clients love having a great excuse to bring a new permanent piece (or two!) into their closet!
Quick Tip: There’s no such thing as too dressed up.
Say Yes to the Dress
Dresses and skirts look most stunning because they really flatter every female body, especially on camera. I recommend avoiding pants and shorts for your session, and saying yes to a dress instead.
Long, full-length, flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos. Especially when paired with nature, like the desert, forest, mountains or beach. Consider softer fabrics like chiffon or tulle which allow for beautiful movement in the images.
When considering the length of your dresses or skirts, it’s also a good idea to factor in whether or not there will be little ones in your photos. If you have smaller children, I’ll likely have you sitting or crouching on the ground to interact up-close with them. Cute, shorter cocktail-length dresses photograph beautifully, but if you have little ones in your photos, a floor-length dress or skirt, or perhaps a cute midi-skirt, will make moving around with your kids much easier, and look perfect on camera, too.
If you do decide to forgo a beautiful dress, I suggest long and fitted pants or leggings, and a flowy, feminine top with some sort of beautiful, textured details to add some visual interest. But I promise you, you won’t regret wearing a killer dress!
If you’re an expecting mother, I always recommend floor-length gowns or maxi dresses. These dresses create the best silhouettes to flatter your figure and really highlight your bump. A lot of our expecting mothers love to incorporate flower crowns or headpieces as well.
Choosing Colors
When choosing colors for your outfits, selecting softer, lighter tones and more muted shades is always a safe, great option. It helps bring all the attention to your faces and lets the eye focus on the way you feel about each other. The camera loves shades of soft blush pinks and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light neutrals like heather gray, creams, leather brown and white. That softer color palette fits beautifully into almost all natural outdoor environments.
If you are feeling more bold, I also love jewel tones on camera. Royal blues, emerald greens, deep rich purples… all look so beautiful in pictures! And definitely don’t be afraid to do a punch of bold color such as red. I just suggest mixing it with some softer neutrals with your partner, or the others in your family so it’s not to overpowering.
Flattering Your Features
In my experience, every woman, regardless of her shape has an area of her body that she’s self-conscious about, recognizing what area that is in advance is key. Choosing flattering silhouettes and colors that complement your natural features is the best way to ensure you’ll love the way you look in your photos. If you try something on, and it feels uncomfortable or too tight, DON’T WEAR IT. If you aren’t comfortable in what you’re wearing. It will absolutely show in your pictures.
Heels elongate women’s legs, making them look fabulous. Closed-toed heels in particular look great on camera because they carry out the line of your leg all the way down to your toe. If your toes are showing in a peep-toe heel, or sandals you might want to schedule a pedicure before your session so you don’t regret letting your feet show. These little tricks make all the difference! A fabulous pair of boots are another great option if you are doing a Fall or Winter session. And I also am a huge fan of some cute ballet flats or strappy, fun sandals if your dress or outfit is more on the casual side.
Quick Tip: Make sure your shoes are squeaky clean, and not to worn! It makes a big difference. Leave your flip flops and tennies at home.
Make a Statement
Pairing an accessory or two with your outfit can really help bring some extra dimension to your images, and be a nice tie-in when you’re coordinating with a group. Big statement necklaces bring a lot of pop to the photos, while the smaller, delicate ones are hardly noticeable on camera.
Belts, bracelets and earrings bring great visual interest, choose one or two that don’t compete for attention. Fresh florals in a crown can be a really romantic touch for you or your girls as well. Make sure to leave any distracting or junky plastic wrist bands, watches, and hairties off yours and your families wrists!
Go Pro: Hair & Makeup
Professional hair and makeup is on the top of most of my clients checklists, because it looks amazing on camera and removes the stress of getting ready on your own. This is the time to treat yourself! Professional hair and makeup will give you an extra boost of confidence in front of the camera, and it always photographs like a dream. Some of our clients feel like their professional makeup is “too much” at first, since it’s more than you would wear on a normal day. So if you feel that way at the beginning, don’t worry! Good makeup artists know how to get it all just right for the camera. Trust them! — and my clients always love the final result. If you need a recommendation for hair and makeup, I work with the best in the business and have a fabulous go-to team! They’re sweet as pie, talented as heck, unbelievable professionals and wonderful people. You’ll LOVE them! Just let me know and I’ll send you their information. I know they’ll take great care of you!
Quick Tip: Confidence. It’s always the best accessory.
Skip the Spray Tan
Although it might seem counter-intuitive, I recommend that you do not get a spray tan before your session, even a few days prior, because it tends to photograph orange even when it’s applied subtly and by a professional. Your actual skin tone will photograph the most beautifully and naturally.
Fashion Tips: For Him
Because dapper and debonair never go out of style.
The Best Fit
Long, fitted pants and closed-toed shoes are the most sophisticated and masculine looks for men. They draw attention away from his legs and feet and place it where you want it: on his handsome face. For your session, it’s best to leave the shorts, sandals and worn jeans at home. As well as any pants that are loose or baggy. Fitted dress pants or fitted colored pants work best on camera. A great pair of dark, tighter fitting, high end jeans can also work well.
Button up dress shirts with a collar are a great go-to for pictures. You can do a classic, solid color, or even pull in a nice print such as plaid or stripes. If it is warm out, or you want more of an edgy look, you can always roll up the sleeves for a fun touch! I also STRONGLY recommend staying away from any T-shirts, graphics or logos.
Layered Looks
Next time you walk by a store like J. Crew, you’ll notice the male mannequins and models are always wearing several layers at once. Layers on men look great on camera. So even when it’s hot outside, trust me when I say that it’s worth an hour of discomfort for photos that will last you both a lifetime. Adding another layer will bring extra dimension and visual interest to your photos. Blazers, vests and coats up the level of any look. If the temperature permits, he could even consider adding a v-neck sweater with a pop of color from a long-sleeved collared shirt and tie underneath. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers!
Mix It Up
Many of our guys love to mix a suit coat, blazer, vest or sport coat with a different pant color. It adds some extra visual interest, and breaks up the color tones. We’re big fans of this fresh take on a timeless classic.
It’s All in the Details
Brown leather dress shoes compliment almost every look, whether he’s wearing a full suit or a blazer and colored pants. Ties, bowties, pocket squares, colored socks, belts, tie clips, suspenders, vests and watches are sharp compliments to any outfit for men and little boys alike.
How to Prep Your Man
Most men aren’t overly excited to take photos, because they don’t have an expectation of what’s to come and why it’s so important to you. Take fifteen minutes to educate and empower your guy. Tell him why you chose Wolf Photography and my style of photography. Show him your Pinterest board, or your three favorite sessions that I’ve done, explain why you love them and express to him how much it means to you. Trust me, once he knows it’s important, he’ll light up the camera for you! The most common thing I hear from guys before photo sessions is this: because of a bad experience in the past, they don’t like taking photos or don’t think they’ll be good at it. By the time we’re done, though, they can’t believe how fast it went and just how much fun they had!
Prepping Your Family
Because they won’t be little forever.
Coordinating the Crew
As you’re coordinating your outfit with your family, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palette and wardrobe pieces coordinate, but don’t actually “match.” In fact, we recommend that you avoid thinking about “matching,” and instead think about what “fits” together. This will create more visual interest, and allow each personality to shine through.
How to Mix Colors
The goal for coordinating a family is to visually break up the colors and shades so that you’re not all wearing the same color on top and bottom. The more we can mix that up, the better. I encourage you to think about planning each outfit with “dominant colors” and “accent colors” in mind. A dominant color is the color that you see the most in an outfit, while an accent has a smaller piece of visual real estate. When you’re planning each family member’s outfit, if you can aim for each person to have a different dominant color, and then tie in and vary the accent colors, it’s going to look great all together. I usually suggest picking 3 colors for your color scheme. And playing off those 3 colors to coordinate into each family members outfit differently using patterns, accessories, and layers. Don’t be afraid to throw in some nuetrals.
Mixing Up the Pieces
If you have multiple children, don’t feel like you need to put them all in the same type of outfit. For example, one of your daughters could wear a dress and flats, while the other wears a skirt and boots. One of your sons could wear a bowtie, while the other one wears suspenders. Mixing up the wardrobe pieces will bring a great visual interest to the photos. I love hair accessories for young girls! They are a great way to tie in your color scheme. So bring on the bows!
Prepping Your Little Ones
Before your session, pack a bag with snacks, water and any small objects (like toys) that might help me get their attention when it’s time for them to look at the camera. If they are old enough to understand you, it’s a good idea to prepare them for what’s to come before the session starts. Explain how much the photos mean to you so they know to be on their best behavior. A lot of families discuss and pick something fun in advance as a treat after the session if they’re good listeners, like an ice cream cone, for example. It also helps if they’re bellies are full and they’ve has some good rest beforehand. Once you prepare them physically and mentally, then feel free to give them (and you!) grace! They’re little, and I know that some days don’t always go as planned. I’ve been doing this for years and I’ve seen it ALL! I will make sure to get you great photos, regardless of their moods. My goal is to make this as fun and stress-free as it possibly can be for you and your family!
Photo Delivery Timeline
Approximately 30 Days
Your online gallery with all of your final, retouched, high-resolution photo’s will be ready to download about 1 month after your session date.
Turnaround time is approximate! During my busy months such as fall or mid summer editing time may be longer. So please plan accordingly. Trust me. You don’t want me to have to rush edit through your session. Be patient, let me take the time I need, and I promise they will be worth the wait!
If you have a big time crunch, and need the photo’s back really quickly or by a specific date. I do offer a $50 rush fee you can add to your session if my schedule allows. Please let me know PRIOR to booking your session if you will need your order rushed. By paying the rush fee, I will put you on the top of my editing pile, and will have them returned to you within 1 week.
Final Note
I know I just gave you a lot to think about. I created this guide to help make your portrait session experience something you’ll look back fondly on for years and years to come. At the end of the day, though, the location you choose and the outfits you select won’t matter nearly as much as the memories you make together. Your future memories are the most important thing to me, and I want your session to be a time for you to just be yourselves and enjoy it. Have fun together. Laugh a lot. And I’ll take care of the rest!
Portrait Session Checklist
1. Set date, and time with Wolf Photography
2. Pay deposit via Paypal
3. Review guide for session prep and style tips
4. Schedule hair, makeup and nail appointments
5. Choose your outfits, and send me a picture
6. Plan a location with me to compliment your outfit choice
7. Pack a bag with:
– Flats or flip-flops for walking between photo spots if wearing heels
– Baby wipes for the kids
– Touch-up makeup and brush
– Water bottle (for warmer sessions)
– Coat or cover-up (for colder sessions)
– Clean snacks for the little ones
– If you have a toddler or younger, small eye-catching toys to hold their attention
I can’t wait to see you soon!
XOXO- Jessica Wolf
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