How Do I Find Matching Outfits for my Family Photo Session?

I wrote about combating anxiety and self-esteem issues last week in the blog post here. This week I wanted to write about something that is a problem for almost every photography client that has stepped in front of my lens. Dreaded clothing. There are so many brands, styles, colors and patterns available. How do you decide what to wear while making sure your photos don't become easily dated?  This can become more difficult when there are more people in the photos.

Tip #2: Shop for Outfits for the Family at One Stop Shop Clothing Stores

What do I mean by this? Some clothing stores only offer children's clothing and on the flip side some stores only sell adult clothing. Stores like Old Navy, Gap, or even JCPenney who carry brands that make clothing for men, women and children are fantastic places to look for clothing. The stores I just mentioned and others like it usually produce clothing lines for that season in the same color palettes. (For recommendations on clothing color choices/patterns check this blog post here.) THEY DO THE WORK FOR YOU!

Obviously you don't have to purchase all new clothing for a photo shoot, nor do I recommend it. Clothing such as jeans, under shirts and jackets are your foundation items. After you pick out your foundation items for your family, mom or dad should pick out their clothing first. Why? Children grow out of clothes very quickly and their clothes will not get as much use as the parents' clothing will. Once parents have chosen their outfits and accessories (i.e. jewelry, scarves, ties, hats, belts, shoes, etc.) they can then build the children's outfits. 

I understand that this sounds easier than it is. Picture message me your potential outfits! No seriously. Bounce ideas off of me. I want to ensure that your family looks great for your photos!

Combating Insecurities for Your Next Photo Shoot

Kenosha Senior Photography by Kenosha Senior Photographer, Nicole Henry

Nicole Henry Photography is your premier Kenosha senior photographer. We offer senior portrait sessions in Kenosha, Milwaukee and Chicago. Nicole Henry Photography has a timeless romantic style with a fashion flair to it. 

Grace

Session Location | Kenosha 

Kenosha Senior Photographer | Nicole Henry & Matthew Henry

I posted a question about a week ago on my Facebook business page asking my fans what the most overwhelming thing about having their photo taken was. Many of the responses were very similar: hair, under eye circles and self-esteem. I can relate to these and many more, weight, hair, awkwardness in front of the camera, the list can go on and on! As women, there is never a shortage of insecurities, but that should not prevent us from existing in photographs.

This got me to thinking, if these are the common factors that overwhelm and perhaps prevent us from getting our photos taken, what are ways that we can combat these blocks so that we can exist in photographs for ourselves and loved ones?

Tip #1: Get Your Hair and Makeup Done Professionally

A few weeks ago I photographed a Great Gatsby styled shoot, meaning that I styled the clothing, accessories, and chose hair and makeup that would compliment the wardrobe styling. I took my senior model to a salon where she had her hair and makeup professionally done. Sitting with my model, watching her get her hair and makeup done I thought about how easy it was to have this done by someone else. I don't know about any of you, but my hair and makeup have a mind of their own when it needs to be done a specific way. You're probably thinking to yourselves right now, "isn't that expensive? I don't have money for that! And I still have to pay for the photo shoot." While everyone's opinion of expensive is different, here are a few reasons why I think hair and makeup is worth the investment for your photo shoot:

1. It alleviates so much stress before your photo shoot. Under eye circles? No problem a makeup artist can take care of that and then some. Hair issues? Perfect, hair stylists are trained in taming hair. Without all the stress of doing your own hair and makeup, just imagine how much more relaxed, calm and happy you will be in front of the camera. 
2. Photo shoots are expensive if you hire a good photographer. Investing in a good photo session once a year, or once every couple years is worth it. Trust me. However if you are indeed hiring a quality photographer to take your portraits, is $75 going to break the bank to get your hair and makeup done? For some it may, for some they choose to be frugal in certain areas and splurge in others, so hair and makeup doesn't make the cut. If you are a frugal person I completely get it, but let me appeal to that side...

• Why not schedule a special date with your significant other after the shoot, that way the makeup and hair serves two purposes? Or better yet schedule the photo session before your anniversary date.
• Plan a night out on the town with friends, just throw on your little black dress and you're done!

Trust me when I say that I would never in a million years recommend this to anyone had I not done this first myself. I invested in hair and makeup for my model to give my Gatsby shoot a beautiful polished look that could not have been achieved on my own. With a little budgeting, those insecurities will vanish with a great hair stylist, and makeup artist to enhance your beauty.

Pets Park & Lake Michigan Senior Session - Marta

Kenosha Senior Photography by Kenosha Senior Photographer, Nicole Henry

Nicole Henry Photography is your premier Kenosha senior photographer. We offer senior portrait sessions in Kenosha, Milwaukee and Chicago. Nicole Henry Photography has a timeless romantic style with a fashion flair to it. 

Marta

Session Location | Kenosha Petrifying Springs Park, Kenosha Simmons Library, Kenosha Lake Michigan

Kenosha Senior Photographer | Nicole Henry & Matthew Henry

Hello NHP fans! I haven’t blogged in a while but have been meaning to. Today I want to introduce to you all Marta, a sweet and reserved senior at Tremper High School.

 

I loved the outfits that Marta brought to the shoot. She chose them all on her own, all I did was choose what outfits were worn at each location. One of my favorites was her pink chiffon dress that I think showcased her sweet personality perfectly.

Marta brought her clarinet to her session, she has been playing for 8 years! She started on a plastic clarinet but then upgraded to a wooden clarinet. It always excites me when seniors bring props to their session because it personalizes the session and showcases what their interests are at that time in their lives.

The day of Marta’s senior session, there was a possibility of rain throughout the day but all the clouds cleared up right before her session. The lighting was absolutely perfect for her session, we shot two hours before sunset giving us a beautiful soft warm light.

Best of luck to Marta! I hope your senior year is amazing!