location inspiration

Tips & tricks

Hair: Please please please do your hair. I know that this isn't for everyone, but you can tell when someone shows up for a session without doing their hair. My easiest go to is soft curls. Curl your hair & leave it down or curl your hair & put it up. If the curls are too tight for your liking, brush them out. Do your best to add product to make it not frizzy or bushy (I know this is not always controllable, so I can edit this post-production).

If you'd like to professionally get your hair done (recommended), I like to refer Cassidy at Alluring Salon.

Makeup: Please do gentle natural makeup. No bright lipstick or crazy eye shadows please. If you are not a makeup person, that is okay, at the minimum, use mascara.

If you'd like to professionally get your makeup done (recommended), I like to refer Bree Bosel.

Nails: Neutral colored nails are recommended. Bright colors draw the viewer's attention to your hands and not at you. To be honest, I love a naked nail. I would rather your nails not be done than be bright or have chipped paint. Just make sure they are trimmed and/or filed.

Clothing: Moms, please please please consider using my client closet. These dresses are made to make you feel confident and look beautiful! They are all handmade with organic materials from overseas. They fit sizes xs to xxl. I will also style your whole family, and I truly do recommend this. I have an eye for what photographs well and I love this part of the planning process. I love knowing that you trust me to make you look amazing.

Seniors, you do not need to borrow from my closet because I want your photos to express who you are. But... you always can borrow from me. My client closet is included in your session, so no need to go out and buy new clothing. I have had multiple seniors borrow from the closet & they always look amazing (and have tons of people asking where they got their dresses from).

If you are not borrowing from my client closet, neutrals and earth tones are recommended & required (unless there is a specific reason for it: example - seniors wearing future college gear). Please no bright colors, graphics, or multiple patterns. Pure bright white is also not recommended (please go with an off-white) and black is not recommended due to the clothing texture being lost in the highlights and shadows. Certain textures photograph better than others. For example, clothing with natural fibers photograph best (linen, cotton, etc.). Please avoid crazy distracting patterns or shirts with tiny stripes throughout (this creates a "zebra" pattern in your photos). Please ask and show me your outfit(s) during the planning part of your session. OHHHH ALSO do NOT wear anything tight or form fitting. I say this to help you out, but form fitting clothing on any size/shape person will show flaws (bra lines, poor posture, lumps, and bumps). Flowy loose clothing allows for movement and connection. This includes jeans (the wide leg, baggy mom jeans photograph better than skinny jeans).

Store Recommendations:

Women: Indie Blue, Reclamation, Shop Worth Collective, Eden Art, Free People

Girls: Indie Blue or Rylee & Cru

Men & Boys: H&M, Zara