Styling & Prep Guide
Planning Your Session
I want you to know that I’m honored to be your photographer and humbled that you’ve trusted me with the responsibility of helping you create memories you’ll look back on and cherish for a lifetime.
My goal is simple: for your session to be as fun and stress-free as possible! That’s why I’ve created this guide just for you! The following will help you get the absolute most out of your photos. By the time you’ve read through it, you'll have all of your questions answered and feel ready and prepared for your session!
This guide is packed with my best tips, tricks and insider secrets for preparing for, and styling your portrait session. Your only job is to be yourself, laugh a lot, have fun and let me do the rest! I can’t wait to get you in front of my camera and I’m so excited to see you soon!
When you’re planning "getting ready" time before your session (scheduling your hair, makeup, etc.) please give yourself a lot more time than you think you'll need. Make sure to account for things like traffic, getting lost and parking, so you can prevent unnecessary stress, arrive a few minutes early to your session and be ready to start on time.
STYLING YOUR SESSION
Styled Mini Session events are pre-planned and propped. These generally have a theme already and if that is what you booked, you will want to choose your clothing to complement the theme and or backdrop (if shooting in the studio).
If you have booked an exclusive session then you have the opportunity to plan your theme or vibe however you’d like. if you want your portrait session images to look and feel a little more editorial or styled, I recommend bringing a few small, simple props with you, like fresh flowers to hold or a coordinating blanket to sit on. If you want to set up a picnic or incorporate another special element into your session, just let me know! Maybe you have access to some larger props that have a real “wow” factor, like a boat, Victorian era couch, classic car, vintage bicycle or hot air balloon. This is the time to dream a little bit and decide what really feels like you! Props aren’t a must by any means. Some of my clients love them and go all out. Some pick one or two items to bring. Others stick with just their outfits –– and that’s great, too! The most important things you need to bring to your session are love and laughter. I'll take care of the rest.
Here are A few of my favorite color pallets from Design Seeds. Choose one! or go to Design Seeds to see more options.
Coordinating the Looks
As you’re planning your outfits with your family, or partner, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palette and wardrobe pieces coordinate, but don’t actually “match.” In fact, I recommend that you avoid thinking about “matching,” and instead think about what “fits” together. This will create more visual interest, and allow each personality to shine through.
I suggest keeping patterns to a minimum. Solid colors will be easier on the eyes and are much more timeless than patterns that could become outdated quickly. However, if you choose a classic looking patterned clothing item then THAT is your color palette. You will choose the rest of the family’s colors based on the colors in that pattern.
Mixing Up the Pieces
If you have multiple children, don’t feel like you need to put them all in the same type of outfit. For example, if one of your daughters wears a dress and flats, the other can wear a skirt and boots, if that’s more of her style. If one of your sons wears a bowtie, the other can wear suspenders. Mixing up the wardrobe pieces will bring even more visual interest to the photos.
CHOOSING YOUR COLORS
When choosing the colors for your outfits, I recommend selecting neutral tones and more muted shades like what you see in the color palettes above. Bright primary or neon colors can be distracting and take the focus away from where it should be: YOU.
The time of year may affect your color choice as well. In the spring we go for more pastel shades. in the summer sometimes we go a little brighter. in the fall those warm muted tones are just delightful! In the winter we tend to lean towards darker tones, but don’t let that limit you! There is nothing more dreamy than warm tones set against a snowy backdrop.
If you’d like a good starting point you can go over to Design Seeds and check out the color pallets there. Find one that really catches your eye. Or perhaps one that you know would look great with the color scheme in your home for the wall art you will order.
Mixing the Colors
The goal for coordinating a family’s outfits is to visually break up the colors and shades so that you’re not all wearing the same color on top and bottom (like everyone in blue jeans with white shirts. Boring!). The more you can mix it up, the better! I encourage you to think about planning each outfit with “dominant colors” and “accent colors” in mind. A dominant color is the color that you see the most in an outfit, while an accent has a smaller piece of visual real estate. When you’re planning each family member’s outfit, you can aim for each person to have a different dominant color, and then tie in the accent colors to coordinate with someone else's colors, it’ll look great all together.
Studio Session styling Tips
When preparing for your studio photography session, styling plays a huge role in how your images will turn out. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Consider Your Session Theme and Backdrop Colors
Think about the overall vibe you're aiming for. Is it playful, sophisticated, or laid-back? Choose colors that reflect that mood.
Opt for a cohesive color palette that complements each other AND the backdrop theme.
Accessorize Smartly
Accessories can elevate your look, but don’t overdo it. A statement piece or two, like a necklace or hat, can add interest without overwhelming the outfit.
For children, consider fun accessories like hats, tiaras (I have many!), flower crowns, suspenders, bowties, etc.
Mix and Match
Don’t hesitate to mix fabric textures.
Keep in mind that not all patterns photograph the same way. Subtle prints often work better than bold or intricate designs. Avoid stripes at all costs. They do not photograph well.
Use the Client Closet
Remember, I have a huge client closet filled with stylish items for women, girls, and small boys. Feel free to browse through these options to find the perfect outfit that fits your theme.
Comfort is Crucial
Make sure whatever you choose to wear feels comfortable. If you’re not comfortable in your outfit, it can show in the photos. Prioritize fit and fabric.
By considering these tips and utilizing the client closet, you can create amazing looks that will enhance your session and result in beautiful photographs. Happy styling!
Outdoor Cold Weather Tips
Ladies, add a peacoat, tights, scarves and heeled booties to a form-fitting cocktail or sweater dress. Gents, add a fitted button top sweater over your collared shirt. Dress shoes if it’s dry, boots if there is snow.
Fitted wool-like, or classy fur coats are ideal for the whole family - no puffy ski coats though! Add a scarf and a classy hat and everyone is happy and warm.
Styling Tips for HER
Styling Tips For HER
Have you been eyeing a gorgeous dress, but just never had an occasion for it? This is your chance to do it up! Remember: there’s no such thing as “too dressed up” when it comes to your portrait session, so don’t be afraid to have some fun! If you don’t want to spend a ton of money adding a new permanent piece to your wardrobe, a lot of my clients love Rent the Runway (a personal favorite is Your Fairy Godmother and Bentley and Lace) for their portrait photos because you don’t have to spend a lot to feel like a million bucks. Plus, you can send the outfits back when the session is over! And of course, I have an extensive Client Closet you are allowed to borrow from.
There's nothing more classy and romantic than a long, flowy dress. Dresses and skirts tend to look stunning on camera because they really flatter the female body — which is probably why the red carpet is always full of so many dresses and not very many pantsuits! I recommend choosing long, flowy dresses or skirts because they’re flattering on all body types, look amazing on camera and bring extra movement and dimension to your photos. Maxi (or floor length) skirts and dresses will give us the best “twirl factor,” add more romance to your walking and movement photos. Cute, shorter cocktail-length dresses or midi skirts photograph beautifully as well. Just depends on the vibe you want.
Where to order these gorgeous dresses? Here are a few websites to check out! (I don’t get kickbacks, I just want you to be beautiful!)
Pro tip: All of these boutiques have styles that are baby bump friendly! Some have a tab for it, and others don’t. Never feel restricted to the “Maternity section” for your beautiful flowy gown!
Joyfolie (GORGEOUS little girl dresses too!)
Little girl specific favorites:
Belle & Kai (some awesome baby bump styles for moms too)
Bentley & Lace (Purchase your own, or I will have to rent it for you since she only rents to photographers)
Dollcake
Not into dresses? If you aren’t going for the flowy romantic vibe you are, of course, welcome to go for a more casual vibe like below. That's 100% up to you! These are YOUR images after all. If you choose pants be sure to choose a flattering cut for your body and pair it with a top that fits your shape well.
When in doubt, please checkout My Pinterest boards for outfit inspiration:
In a rush? Want me to style you fully? Check out my Client Closet! All items here are free for you to use during your session. I am always adding new items, so I can’t promise it’s up to date with all the new goodies. If you’d like to come to the studio to try anything on, simply let me know.
Flattering Your Features
In my experience, every woman (regardless of her size or shape) has an area of her body that she’s self conscious about. Recognizing the areas you’re self conscious about when selecting your outfits is key. Choosing flattering silhouettes and colors that complement your natural features are the best way to ensure you’ll love the way you look in your photos. Three-quarter length sleeves create an awesome slimming effect on all arms, so be on the lookout for an option with a longer length sleeve if that’s something you’re sensitive to. If your dress has shorter sleeves (or no sleeves) consider bringing a cute jacket, blazer, cardigan or pashmina to incorporate into your look. Skinny straps or strapless dresses have the opposite effect on arms on camera. For most women, skinny straps actually make arms look BIGGER. So I recommend avoiding those whenever possible if your goal is slimmer-looking arms. If it’s colder outside, I suggest bringing a warm coat (the longer, the better! Think peacoat style) to wear when we’re not shooting so you don’t freeze in your dress.
For shoes, keep in mind that heels elongate women’s legs and force constant tension in the calves –– which makes them look more toned. Closed-toed heels, in particular, look great on camera because they carry out the line of your leg all the way down to your toe. You can never go wrong with a pair of neutral pumps! If your toes are showing in a peep-toe heel, you might want to schedule a pedicure before your session so you don’t regret letting your toes show. If your shoes don’t show at all in the dress you’ve selected, you could always choose neutral ballet flats to make your session more comfortable. Lastly, make sure to bring a pair of flats/flip flops to wear when moving from place to place. Your feet will thank you later!
Be prepared for barefoot images as well. As much as I love a classy image with heels, I take every opportunity that I can to allow my clients, (and especially little ones!) to go barefoot. There are a lot of reasons I may have you take your shoes off, but mostly because I just adore the carefree vibe it promotes.
Make a Statement
Pairing an accessory or two with your outfit can really help bring some extra dimension to your images. Whether it’s a necklace, belt, bracelet, earrings, hat, or scarf, bringing an accessory or two can bring great visual interest to your photos, so choose one or two that don’t compete for attention when paired together. For example, if you go with bolder earnings, you might want to choose a more humble necklace, or maybe even no necklace at all. Fresh florals in a crown or bouquet can be a really romantic touch as well!
Go Pro: Hair & Makeup
Professional hair and makeup is on the top of most of my clients’ portrait session checklists because it looks amazing on camera and removes the stress of getting ready on your own. You’ll have these photos forever, so this is the time to pamper yourself! Whether it’s lash extensions or blown-out hair, professional hair and makeup will give you an extra boost of confidence in front of the camera, and it always photographs like a dream. If you’re working with a makeup artist, have her apply your makeup in natural light (if possible) so that it looks fresh and not too heavy. Plus, that’s the type of light we’ll be shooting in, so it’ll give you the best expectation of how it will translate on camera. Most of my clients feel like their makeup is “too much” at first, since it’s more than they would wear on a normal day, so if you feel that way at the beginning, don’t worry! Good makeup artists know how to get it just right for the camera — and my clients always love the final result. If you need a recommendation for hair and makeup, I’d love to make a recommendation or two!
Skip the Spray Tan
Although it might seem counter-intuitive, I recommend that you do not get a spray tan before your session (even a few days prior) because it tends to photograph orange even when it’s applied subtly and by a professional. Your actual skin tone will photograph most beautifully.
Styling Tips for HIM
Classic and Dressy style
The same way that a dress is the most flattering silhouette for the female body, a well fitted blazer, sport coat or jacket has the same flattering effect for men. You can’t go wrong with a dress shirt, slacks and a blazer. I also love the look of a thin sweater or waistcoat type vest over a collared dress shirt.
Long sleeves are more flattering than short sleeves on men, so I'd recommend steering clear of t-shirts or polos, and instead opting for a long-sleeve button-down. The other benefit to long sleeves is we can roll the sleeves up for a slightly more casual look, which gives you two looks with one shirt.
Long pants with closed-toed shoes is the most sophisticated and masculine look for a man. They draw attention away from your legs and feet, and place it where you want it: on your face! So, for your session, it’s best to leave the shorts and sandals at home. Dress pants, colored pants or nice dark-washed jeans work best. Forget the cargo shorts, go for a dressier pant with only traditional pockets. Brown leather dress shoes complement almost every look, whether you’re wearing slacks, colored pants or dark-washed jeans. As opposed to athletic shoes or sandals, dress shoes, help elevate your photos and will give them a more editorial look. Just please wear socks. We don’t want to see your ankles in the images.
When selecting your pieces, I recommend choosing a different “weight” for the pants and coat if wearing one. So for example, navy pants (darker) and a heather gray blazer (lighter). Or gray pants (darker) with a soft powder blue shirt (lighter). Choosing colors that go with your family’s coordination of course.
When selecting an outfit for photos, it’s the fit that will make the biggest difference. For men, it’s important to have a jacket that fits snugly (but not too tight), and pants that are the correct length and don’t have too many breaks. Just like high heels make women look taller than they are, bunched up fabric stacked on top of a man’s shoes makes him look physically shorter than he really is.
Solid colors will help keep the attention where it belongs, whereas pinstripes, large prints, or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye, so stay away from too strong of prints, avoid large logos and opt for solids colors instead.
If your man really loves his hats and feels more confident wearing one, please don’t let him wear his favorite sweaty ball cap or trucker hat. Have him try out a different style, like an ascot cap or fedora.
Think of your outfit choice as what you would wear on a downtown date night when you REALLY want to impress someone with your sense of style and personality. Don’t forget to wear that fancy watch you never get to break out. The little details truly make all the difference!
Check out my mens style Pinterest board for more inspiration. Notice what the theme is there, solid colors, full length pants and a smart - casual yet dressy vibe.
Casual, stylish and adventurous style
If the previous recommendation is too dressed up for the type of photo session theme you are going for consider a more casual, but still extremely stylish look. A Henley style button up, such as in the image below is always a great option. Not as dressed up as a collared shirt, but still flattering to the male form and shows that you put some effort into your look without being overly dressed up.
Prepping the Family
How to Prep a reluctant Man
Even though taking photos might not be his favorite thing... YOU ARE! Most men aren’t overly excited to take photos for an hour, mostly because they don’t have an expectation of what’s to come and why it’s so important to you, which is why I recommend sitting down together for a few minutes to educate and empower your man. Tell him why you chose me and my style of photography. Show him your three favorite sessions that I’ve done, explain why you love the photos so much and express to him how much this session means to you. Trust me, if he loves you, he’ll bring his A-game and light up the camera for you! The most common thing I hear from guys before portrait sessions is this: because of a bad experience in the past, they don’t like taking photos or don’t feel like they’ll be good at it. By the time the session is over, though, most guys can’t believe how fast it went and just how much fun they had!
Prepping Your Little Ones
Setting expectations before your session is the key to great photos and happy kids.
Before your session, pack a bag with water and your kids’ favorite snacks. If they’re too young to follow directions, bring any objects that you think might help me get their attention (like small rattle toys or stuffed animals) when it’s time for them to look at the camera.
If your little ones are old enough to understand you, it’s a good idea to prepare them for what’s to come before the session starts. Explain how much the photos mean to you so they know to be on their best behavior. A lot of families pick something fun to do –– as a treat after the session –– if their kiddos are good listeners. Like dinner at their favorite pizza place or an ice cream cone! (Let me know if you have offered a bribe so I can remind them of this and get good smiles!)
It also helps if your kids' bellies are full and they’ve had some good rest before the session. After you do your best to prepare them, give yourself (and them) some grace! I have a lot of experience working with kids, so if they’re “in a mood” or aren’t cooperating perfectly for some reason, rest assured that I'm not judging you (or them). As a mom of three, I’ve seen it all and know how to get great photos no matter what! Some of my favorite images I've ever taken are of parents comforting a little one. Totally candid captures like this are spontaneous and can be so sweet! My goal is to make this as fun and stress-free as it possibly can be for you and your family! This season of life feels long right now, but in the grand scheme of things, it's short. So even if things don't go exactly as planned or as you'd hoped in terms of your kids’ behavior, one day, you’ll be so glad you took these photos regardless.
The first photo here was taken moments after the second picture. It was past bedtime for these little dudes and they were being grumpy. With a few cuddles, captured on camera, and then a few wise prompts from me we got that first image, which is now hanging in their home. It only takes a fraction of a second to capture a moment that will last forever.
After the Session
Photo Delivery
Outdoor Sessions:
2-3 Weeks - Gallery Delivery
2-3 weeks after your session (depending on how busy this time of year is), I’ll send you a link to your online gallery with all of your softly edited, high-resolution images. You’ll choose your favorites and download the number that came with your package. You can purchase additional retouching (see below) and order additional files if desired as well. You can share the link with your family and friends, and post to social media (with proper photo credit of course). I recommend changing the lock screen on your phone first and updating your profile picture!
Next, you will want to place your print orders. Your walls at home are begging for art! Your gallery comes with option to purchase everything from fine art prints to breathtaking wall art statement pieces. You even have the option to build your own album of your whole gallery!
my professional heirloom quality print lab ships your order straight to your door within just a few days. Most of my packages that you’ve already purchased come with print credit or a percentage discount, so don’t forget to use it!
Vanity Retouching
Your photos will arrive to you beautifully edited to suit the vibe of your type of shoot, and that fits my personal style. They will be color corrected and visually stunning.
Some clients choose to have some “Extra work” done to some of their images though. This is what I call Vanity Retouching, and it is an optional add on to any image.
Vanity Retouching is for those who wish to slim down those arms and tummy, smooth out their skin, remove that mole or blemish, vanish hair flyaways, or brighten up those pesky dark circles. OR even swap out a little ones face from a frown to a smile.
You can purchase Vanity Retouching from your online gallery. Most clients just choose this option for the images they know will be on their wall, or their new profile picture. But I have had a few request it for their entire gallery.
Magical Imagery
Magical Imagery is another add on, and it’s something much more! magical imagery is adding extra special touches of magic to an image, or adding a completely different background of a destination or imaginary scenario you could only dream of. I’ve put ballerinas into snow globes and had babies meet dinosaurs and even turned children into their favorite superheros! Want your family to go see Mt. Everest or go on a hot air ballon safari? This is your chance! This is wall art that will WOW your family and friends!
This is a very popular addition to childhood portrait sessions such as Smash Cake sessions and milestone sessions. We do not have to take the image in my studio - this can be taken on location as well.
Don’t feel like going over the top? I can even simply add some fun twinkle lights or extra snow to a winter session! Check out my portfolio for some fun inspiration! And if this is something you’re curious about let’s chat about it before your session so I can be prepared.
A Final Note
I know I just gave you A LOT to think about. Don’t panic! Just take it one step at a time. if you have any questions at any point, please know I’m here for you! If you’re deciding between two dresses and can’t commit, no problem! I’m here. If you love two locations but can’t make up your mind, no worries! I can help with that, too. If you need a recommendation of any kind, I’m on it! Remember, I’m just one email away.
At the end of the day, though, the location you choose and the outfits you wear won’t matter nearly as much as the fun we have together and the memories you make. The style choices you make will definitely enhance your photos, but the most important accessory to bring with you is joyfulness –– which is the one that makes the biggest difference in your photos anyways. You don’t need to have prior experience in front of the camera. Just show up with a smile and I’ll take care of the rest :)
I’m so excited! See you soon!
- Kaitlyn
Portrait Session Checklist
1. Email KaitlynSilvestriPhotography@gmail.com to schedule a date, time and location
2. Schedule hair and makeup appointments if needed
3. Review my Style Guide for outfit inspiration
4. Choose your outfits. if ordering online make sure you have plenty of time to make returns if something doesn’t work well (drop off at dry cleaner if needed!)
5. Get your nails done
6. Pack a bag with:
- Flats or flip-flops for walking between photo spots
- Touch-up makeup
- Props
- Water bottle
- Coat, blanket or cover-up (for colder sessions)
- Snacks for little ones
- Small eye-catching toys to grab little kids’ attention
7. BREATHE and lets make some memories!
