“Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.”

- Gore Vidal

Before we get down and dirty in these tips, I want to make sure you remember that these tips are here to enhance the beauty of your photos; there is no replacement for the love, laughter, and confidence you bring as the foundation.

I know how overwhelming it can be to prepare for your photoshoot, trust me, I’ve been there. So whether it’s your first time in front of the camera or you’re a seasoned veteran, here are my top 5 tips for getting photoshoot ready and bringing your vision to life.

01. WHERE IT ALL BEGINS

Location, Location, Location!

I know, we’re not real estate agents here, but let’s be honest nailing your location and season are going to set the stage for the rest of the photoshoot. When working with your photographer, think about places that are special to you and your relationship; Whether it be where you first met, your hometown or an adventure deep into nature, choose a place that resonates with you and your love for one another.

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02. PLAN ACCORDINGLY

Okay, so you’ve picked the perfect location! Awesome, now what?

Well, as far as outfits go, it may seem like a no brainer, but think first about the weather and terrain of this location of your dreams. If you’re comfortable and feel good in your clothes, then that’s going to help you bring your modeling a-game! So, just remember, whether you’re hiking up trails, barefoot on the beach or venturing into the snow, be realistic about your environment and ensure comfort without sacrificing your vision.

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03. STOP, COORDINATE AND LISTEN…

Yeah…yeah, I know, bad Vanilla Ice reference, but on a serious note coordination doesn’t mean matchy-matchy! I know, this may sound pretty straight forward, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen matching white t’s and denim take over a portrait session.

Talk to your Photographer if you need help finding your style; Together you can create a vision for everything from colors and patterns to skin tones and everything in between. When you’ve fallen in love with a color palette, take a step back, and choose your pieces to compliment one another; Think about how this will look and function with the location you’ve picked out. I can’t recommend enough to have fun with this process, try things out and be open to what you might discover.

ProTip: Mixing patterns can get messy quickly. A great rule of thumb when considering patterns is, if one person is going to wear a print the other will wear solid colors that support and ground the boldness of their partner.

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04. MAKE A DAY OF IT

Now that you’ve got your location and the perfect style to match, I typically recommend scheduling your hair and makeup trials for the same day as the photoshoot; This will allow you to have a full day of pampering and to see how everything will photograph before the big day. Again, I can’t stress enough that you be yourself though! You’re going to get the best photographs when you’re most comfortable, so go ahead and skip all the bells and whistles if that’s just not you!

ProTip: There’s a 99% chance that there will be a close up shot of your new bling, so maybe you’ll want to get your nails done and drop the ring off for a cleaning.

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05. PROPS OR NOT

In my opinion, props can really go one way or another. They are either going to add to your story or just become a big distraction… so, if you want to incorporate additional elements into the shoot, be mindful of what you want the focal point of your story to be.

I like to recommend that my couples bring things that are meaningful or that can create special moments in the day; Maybe you bring your dog, a blanket to cozy up in together, or a bottle of champagne. Remember, this is your time and moment to celebrate. Adding a personal touch can be tough, so don’t be afraid to talk with your photographer. Allow them in to listen to your story so that they can help you share your best self and bring your vision to life.

All in all, I hope these tips to be a small guiding light in your photoshoot preparations. Remember, I’m there to capture your love for one another and bring your best vision to light; As long as you’re having a good time your photos will reflect that. So please, use these tips to help guide you, tell your story, and have as much fun as possible in your next photoshoot.

With love,

Victoria