Welcome

Looking for advice on what to wear for your photo session or not sure what to expect? Your photoshoot is an exciting and memorable occasion. Choosing the right colors and outfit can make a significant difference in the vibe of your images.

As a professional, I have experience and knowledge on what works best for different environments. Whether you prefer a casual, romantic, or formal style this guide will provide some helpful tips and ideas for selecting the perfect outfit. My session guide will also go over what you can expect for your upcoming photo session with me.

My number one goal is to provide you with quality images you will cherish and love for multiple lifetimes. However, my second goal is to ensure you have the most amazing experience and feel as comfortable as possible in front of the camera. Which starts with preparing you so you know what to expect.

I know it can be intimidating having your photo taken in general, and even more so with someone you don't know. I will provide you with as much guidance as you would like during your session, after all, you wont have a mirror in front of you so I know you will be relying on me to tell you if a certain angle looks awkward. 

After reviewing this guide if you still have questions please reach out. I am here to help, from advice on what to wear, what color shoes, hair, props, etc.  

Posing

I’m sure you can already tell that my artistic style is editorial and candid. During our session, you will most likely not look at the camera about 98% of the time. I am NOT a look-at-me-and-smile photographer.  

Candid photography is capturing images that aren’t overly posed. The goal is to document you and/or your partner interacting with each other as you normally would. With that being said it never fails, I’ll tell a client to sit how you would normally sit and cuddle with each other on the sofa and all of a sudden they forget how they naturally sit... hahaha! No worries, the pressure gets to us all haha, that's why I am there to guide you. 

Editorial photography doesn't always mean photos in a magazine. Editorial photos mean they portray a story and show emotion. I want you to be able to “feel” the moment when you look back on your photos. Your photos should tell a story, your story, of how the moments played out that day. 

As a candid and editorial photographer, I will try not to pose you exactly, like put your hand here, leg here, etc... but more like give you prompts and you do with them however you perceive them or what feels natural to you. The BIGGEST and MOST IMPORTANT advice I can give you is....MOVE....have movement, wiggle around, if you have an itch, scratch it..haha, if your arm feels uncomfortable where it is move it. Being still is what creates stiff-looking photographs.     

During the first few minutes of our session, we will small-talk a bit as I set up my camera settings to break the ice. After that, I tend to start with very simple prompts to ease you into it. I am positive that about 10 or 15 minutes after you will warm up and start to forget you’re even in front of the camera.

hair, makeup & Glasses

Hair is always a little tricky with outdoor sessions. Unfortunately, we can’t control the wind so I highly recommend using some hairspray before your outdoor session. Also feel free to bring a brush, hair clip or hair ties just in case. Using a brush or comb in the middle of your session can be a lifesaver in terms of wrangling stray hairs and maintaining your look.

HAIR

Good makeup starts with the skin. Be sure to exfoliate and moisturize the night before your session. If you’re getting your makeup done professionally before your session that's wonderful but its not required. Because professional cameras are high end don't stress about wearing a full coverage foundation or doing too much. Plus your images include retouching, I will even out skin tones as needed.   

makeup

If you wear glasses and can go without or do contacts for the day that would be the most recommended since your glasses can cause a glare. I struggle with this as well, I’ve been wearing glasses since I was two years old. If you can’t go without your glasses that's perfectly okay. I will do my best to minimize the glares but please be aware there might be some images that have it.   

glasses

Outfit Prep

Your photos should reflect your unique personality and/or your relationship. Choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident while staying true to your personal style. Whether you prefer a bohemian, vintage, modern, or classic look, wear clothes that reflect your individuality. But also keep in mind the style of your outfit will also effect the vibe and style of your images. Feeling comfortable in your outfit will radiate confidence in your images. 

Avoid clothing that restricts movement or requires constant adjustments. Wear fabrics that breathe well and allow you to move freely, ensuring you can focus on enjoying the moment rather than being distracted by discomfort. Remember earlier I mentioned the best advice I can give you is to move during your session. You want to be able to move comfortably. There will always be movement during your session, sometimes jogging slightly to create that fun moment of you chasing each other, or maybe even being picked up and swung around, so it's important that your outfits allow you to move freely.  


FOR THE GUYS: 
I know how much you all love to wear your hats, but for this one time, try and leave it at home. Wearing a hat can create shadows on your face and make it hard to see your eyes. Then add in facial hair with a cap and basically you’re incognito and we can barely see your face at all.  

colors

You can never go wrong with neutral tones, or muted shades. These tones can create a harmonious and timeless look in almost any environment. For sessions at a park matching your colors to all the greens and yellows that will be around can be difficult. Avoid loud patterns or bright colors that may distract from your connection and overall aesthetic. Below are images with Color and images with neutral tones. Ask yourself which one resonates more with the vision you have in mind for your photos. 

For Couples - When planning your outfits, consider wearing coordinating colors rather than matching perfectly. It is best to opt for complementary colors or shades that work well together. If you’re planning on using these photos for your save the dates or wedding announcement plan according to your wedding style and design to be sure everything flows aesthetically. 

patterns

Try to avoid wearing small stripes or ribbed clothing this can give off a weird effect called moiré that you wont want in your images. If this happens there isn’t much your photographer can do to edit it out.

Large bold patterns can often dominate the photograph and distract the attention from the you. Flannels or a light floral print are great when they complement the location. But less is definitely more with this one, try to limit yourself to one pattern at a time. Matching patterns is a tricky task, and it’s super difficult to do well. However if its the right pattern and color, it can work beautifully. 

multiple outfits

To add variety to your images, consider adding time to your session to change outfits during the shoot. Having a mix of casual and formal attire can provide a range of looks and moods. For instance, you might start with a more casual and relaxed outfit, such as jeans and a cute top, and then transition into a dressier ensemble for a more formal and romantic feel.

Props

Props don’t have to scream ‘PROP!” They can be subtle things like Sunglasses, a book, a denim or leather jacket. Examples of some other props you can bring are below. 

  • champagne & glasses, they even sell custom bottle labels on Etsy
  • A small cake with "just engaged" or "She said yes"
  • If you’ve rented a vintage car adding a banner to the back can add to the vintage vibe.
  • You could bring a wood or letter board to make your announcement or spell out a cute message in your images

faq's

I try to share a few sneak peeks within a few days of your session, your remaining gallery is delivered within 3 - 4 weeks.

When will i receive my photos?

Printed products are not included in your package unless you added them on however when you receive your final gallery you will have the option to order prints or albums directly from your personal online gallery. You’ve invested in high quality photos, you should also invest in high quality prints. Box stores like Walgreens & Walmart are not printing labs, if you choose to print from these type of stores please be aware quality will most likely be lower and colors of your images will likely not match. Lena Terrell Photo is not responsible for print order mishaps that are not done through your online gallery. 

do you include prints?

Absolutely, I love when clients send me their inspo. The more information you provide me on your style and the vision you have for your images the better I can meet those expectations. If you see a pose you love and want to try, send it to me even if you don't like something else in the image just let me know.

Another thing to pay attention to when looking at inspo is their outfits and location. The style of clothing you choose, the colors and the location of your session also play a huge role in the vibe of your own photos. 

Can I send you inspiration?

Most times changing location before your session is not a problem at all, if you’ve found another location let me know and we can check to see if it works. Please be aware locations like hotels, bars and studios typically require a rental fee and availability varies.  

can we change locations?

Thank you!!
Below is a quick summary of things discussed throughout this session guide.

  • Choose outfits that you can move in comfortably

  • Neutral colors work best as they tend to blend well with any environment

  • If your session is outdoors with greenery around avoid bright colors, matching colors to all the greens and yellows at parks can be very difficult.

  • Feel free to bring props like champagne, a jacket or book.

  • Consider adding time to your session for an outfit change 

  • Bring a comb or brush to touch up as needed, especially for outdoor sessions since wind can be unpredictable. 

  • Invest in high-quality prints that will last from your personal online gallery print store. Avoid stores like Walmart and Walgreens (they are not professional print labs)

  • Send me inspo you come across so I can better understand the vision you have for your own photos. 

I am so exciteed for your session