PHOTO SHOOT STYLE-GUIDE
SOME THINGS YOU MIGHT LIKE TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOUR PHOTOSHOOT
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CONSIDER THE BACKDROP
Have you thought about the backdrop you might like? Neutral grey, black or white. I have a range of backdrops but if there’s something specific you would like – please mention it. You can check out my Instagram page for some examples @kayerubi
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PERSONAL BRANDING/CORPORATE IMAGES
Consider what it is you want your image to portray, whether it's for your online presence, for your 'tribe' or for the company you represent, less is usually best. Blazers, simple tailored jackets, dresses and shirts work best for the 'corporate' look. Soft pastels, crisp white shirts and t/shirts and 'some' elegant tops can tell an interesting personal branding or lifestyle story.
FIT YOUR FORM
Fitted clothing that shows your shape works best for photographs. This applies to any body type. Outfits should hug your curves, especially along your top half. (Loose, flowing skirts, or wide leg pants are fabulous as long as your bodice or top is snug.) Skip the kimono sleeves and kaftan style tops, and always choose tailored over loose or boxy.
FLATTER YOUR ARMS
Love your arms? Show them off with a strapless dress or sleeveless top. Hate your arms? Pass on anything with cap sleeves, which emphasize the widest part of the arm. Either way, bring (at least) one outfit with long sleeves.
BRING NECESSARY UNDER WEAR
Consider the underwear you’ll need for each outfit. You may need a strapless bra or nude g/string. Pair a black bra with dark clothing, and stick with nude bras under light clothes. Shapewear is awesome for concealing any wobbly bits.
ACCESSORIZE
Bring jewellery, hair accessories, and scarves or wraps to complete each outfit.
Choose timeless over trendy.
If you have an amazing pair of shoes, feel free to bring them.
Otherwise, don’t worry about your feet - the only time we’ll see them is if we’re specifically trying to show them off.
Limiting each outfit to one colour palette is a great way to create a long, lean bodyline in your portraits. When pairing separates, keep light with light, and dark with dark. However, your top doesn’t have to be an exact match to the bottoms, (like dark-wash jeans with a black top).
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BRING 3 OR 4 OUTFITS
With the chance to wear a couple of different outfits, we can showcase a variety of moods and qualities. You’re multi-faceted. Let’s capture that. If you're unsure - just bring your wardrobe:)
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HAIR & MAKEUP
Please have your hair washed on the day or the night before.
Wear no Makeup – The Hair & Makeup Artist will do their magic!
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SOMETHING LIGHT
Bring something in a soft shade of blush, grey, nude, cream or white.
SOMETHING DARK
Black, chocolate, charcoal, or dark, rich jewel tones will all work well.
SOMETHING CLASSIC
Put together an ensemble (or two) that is timeless and chic. Whether you need images for business, want to keep things casual, are aiming for something a touch dressy and ladylike - or even all three.
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SOMETHING SEXY
Sexiness in a feminine, classy and tasteful way can mean wearing a backless gown or beautiful lingerie. Even a sweater can feel sensual when worn off the shoulder; and slip-dresses nod to lingerie while still feeling dressed up.
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SOMETHING EPIC
A photo shoot is the perfect opportunity to dress like a movie star, (and a great excuse to go shopping). You might even rent, borrow, or custom make your dream outfit. Give yourself permission to go all out.
Remove lint and press if needed. Tighten all bra straps for some extra lift.
Polish Your Jewels. Wedding rings and other jewellery should sparkle.
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FAKE TANS
Fake tans are not necessary – in fact a fake tan can look worse than pale skin if it’s not applied correctly.
Make sure your nail polish is neat – a manicure is always a plus for your final images. Bright nails are not recommended.
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BARELY THERE
Dressing in shades of nude and blush in a portrait creates a feeling of the clothes disappearing, and the image being all about the woman, and not the wardrobe. Whether you opt for a cuddly sweater, a slinky slip, a gown, or a full tulle skirt, these subtle neutral shades will give a soft, ultra-feminine mood.
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STRIKING METALLICS & GILDED EMBELLISHMENTS
Add some shimmer to your portraits with metallic fabrics, sequins, or beadwork. While this look may seem extremely dressy in person, the sparkling effect is much more subtle in images. Look for silver, gunmetal, bronze, gold, or rose gold, or even skip the true metals and bring any colour of draped, lustrous, satin - which is a sophisticated variation of this
style.
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THE CLASSIC BLACK DRESS
A gorgeous all-black ensemble with interesting textures, especially around your face and sleeves, is always a timeless, classic look.
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***Tip:
Have a favourite LBD in your closet that no longer fits?
Bring it in! We can always clamp a loose outfit in the back to tighten it up, or even leave dresses that are too small unzipped while we shoot.
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Need some extra help? Email or SMS photos of any outfits you’re not sure about.
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I'm so looking forward to photographing you!