The Portrait Session Style Guide - Community Photography
The Portrait Session Style Guide - Community Photography
The Portrait Session Style Guide - Community Photography
COMMUNITY PHOTOGRAPHY
TABLE of
CONTENTS
GETTING STARTED 3
SCHEDULING YOUR SESSION 7
CHOOSING THE LOCATION 8
DESTINATION LOCATIONS 13
NUMBER OF OUTFITS 15
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THE PORTRAIT
SESSION STYLE GUIDE
getting STARTED
WELCOME TO THE STYLE GUIDE
I’m so excited for your portrait session! Whether I’m photographing your
sweet family or your graduating senior, or doing a session to celebrate a
special moment in your life, like your wedding anniversary, a pregnancy
or a newborn baby, 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.
This guide is packed with my best tips, tricks and insider secrets for
scheduling and styling your portrait session –– and everything in
between. 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!
XOXO,
PAIGE
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THE PORTRAIT
SCHEDULING
SESSION STYLE GUIDE
your SESSION
I PHOTOGRAPH PORTRAIT
SESSIONS THE WAY I LIKE TO BE
PHOTOGRAPHED MYSELF:
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THE PORTRAIT
SESSION STYLE GUIDE
THE BEACH
DYKE
PLANNING CHOOSING
your TIME the LOCATION
ALLOW YOURSELF MORE TIME THAN
Y O U T H I N K Y O U ' L L A C T U A L LY N E E D THE LOCATION OF YOUR PORTRAIT
S E S S I O N I S C O M P L E T E LY U P T O Y O U !
When you’re planning "getting ready" time before
your session (scheduling your hair, makeup, etc.) The location of your portrait session is completely
please give yourself a lot more time than you up to you! As you’ll see throughout this guide, most
think you'll need. Make sure to account for things of my clients love showcasing the natural beauty of
like traffic, getting lost and parking, so you can our home. For most of my sessions, outdoor, open-
prevent unnecessary stress, arrive a few minutes air environments are always my first choice. I love
early to your session and be ready to start on time. shooting in wide-open natural spaces because the
I’m only able to shoot when light is still in the sky, light is pretty, especially during golden hour. There
so we’ll want to take advantage of every minute are great options around the Lower Mainland. I’m
we have together before the sun goes down! always up for exploring a new location together!
SEASONAL
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THE PORTRAIT
SESSION STYLE GUIDE
THI N K
O U T SI D E
the
B OX
WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING LOCATIONS ,
DON'T BE AFRAID TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!
I encourage you to brainstorm unique places that you might have special access to. Maybe
you (or someone you know) has access to an amazing location that would otherwise be
off-limits, like a beautiful private estate, family farm, or exclusive country club. Spend
a few minutes thinking about it and checking around with people in your personal and
professional network. You’ll be surprised with what you come up with! You never know until
you ask! Some of my clients have secured permission to shoot in some pretty incredible
places!
If you need some location ideas and inspiration, I have plenty! Fell free to ask me for
reccomendations of my favourite shoot locations!
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SESSION STYLE GUIDE
DESTINATION
locations
Your portrait session includes my travel time anywhere in Delta. If you’d
like to go somewhere else in the Lower Mainland, I'm up for the adventure!
If you’d like to shoot outside of the city, like in Chilliwack, for example,
there will be a travel fee to account for the extra hours of drive time there
and back, the time required beforehand for me to scout locations and the
overall longer session time. For destination sessions, I allow additional
time so we have enough time to drive to multiple scenic spots.
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SESSION STYLE GUIDE
NUMBER
of OUTFITS
H O W TO P LA N
F A M I LY S E S S I O N S :
2
1 OUTFIT
MATERNITY/COUPLES:
3
1-2 OUTFITS
SENIORS/HEADSHOTS:
2-3 OUTFITS
FAMILY: 1 OUTFIT COUPLE/MATERNITY: 1-2 SENIOR/HEADSHOTS: 2-3
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THE PORTRAIT
SESSION STYLE GUIDE
You may want to set up a picnic or incorporate another special element into your session.
Maybe you have access to some larger props that have a real “wow” factor, like a boat, classic
car or vintage bicycle . 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.
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STYLE TIPS
SESSION STYLE GUIDE
for HER
D R ESS it UP
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THE PORTRAIT
SESSION STYLE GUIDE
SAY
yes
TO T H E
DR E S S
Dresses and skirts tend to look most stunning on camera because they really flatter the female
body and allow movement which looks amazing in pictures! 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 photos and
look especially gorgeous when juxtaposed with nature. My clients who choose to bring two
dresses will sometimes choose one of each! Saying yes to a dress (or skirt!) or two! You won't
regret it!
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THE PORTRAIT
SESSION STYLE GUIDE
the SHOES
pair of neutral pumps! 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. If we are shooting
at the beach in the summer, lots of clients decide to go bare foot. Lastly, if you decide to wear
heals, make sure to bring a pair of flats/flip flops to wear when moving from place to place.
Your feet will thank you later!
FLATTERING
your FEATURES
Recognizing the areas of your body you love the most is key. Choosing flattering silhouettes
and colors that complement your natural features is 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. 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!) 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
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SESSION STYLE GUIDE
GO PRO:
hair & makeup
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SESSION STYLE GUIDE
CHOOSING COLORS
THE CAMERA LOVES SOPHISTICATED COLOR. I RECOMMEND
LIGHT- COLORED NEUTRALS , PASTELS OR JEWEL TONES .
When choosing colors for your outfits, I recommend selecting lighter, neutral tones and more
muted shades. You can never go wrong with light neutral colors like cream, taupe, camel or
light gray. The camera loves shades of soft pinks and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated
light-colored neutrals. That softer, more pastel-leaning color palette fits beautifully into almost
all natural outdoor environments –– a perfect compliment for the beach!
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SESSION STYLE GUIDE
H OW T O
mix
ALL T H E
C OLOR S
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). 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, if you can aim for each person to have a different dominant color,
and then tie in and vary the accent colors, it’ll look great all together.
For example, if you’re wearing a blue dress, soft blush earrings and nude heels (blue being your
dominant color), then your spouse could wear a white button-down and gray pants, paired with
brown leather shoes. Your daughter could wear a white dress with a blue and blush floral pattern
(making a soft blue her dominant color) while your other daughter could wear a white dress with
soft blue stripes (making white her dominant color). Now each person has their own dominant
color while still incorporating a few touches of the other colors that will pull all the looks
together. This will visually break up all the colors and highlight each person and their individual
personality. Most of my moms choose their dress first, and then build the rest of the family’s
outfits based on that.
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SESSION STYLE GUIDE
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THE PORTRAIT
SESSION STYLE GUIDE
FASHION
T I P S for HIM
TOPS & BOTTOMS
A dress shirt and slacks has a flattering effect on men. When selecting an outfit for photos, the
most important part is the fit. Loose and baddy clothing will add unwanted pounds in photos.
Ensure his outfit has been drycleaned or ironed before the session.
COLORS
For colors, I recommend neutrals and soft. The man's outfit's main goal is to compliment what
the females wear. I suggest choosing a dress for the ladies FIRST and the men of the families
outfit should compliment the ladies choice.
Solid colors will help keep the attention where it belongs, whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns
tend to distract the eye. Stay away from too strong of prints, avoid logos and opt for solids
instead.
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THE PORTRAIT
SESSION STYLE GUIDE
HO W
TO
prep
YOUR
MAN
EVEN THOUGH TAKING PHOTOS MIGHT NOT BE HIS FAVORITE
THING, *YOU* ARE!
Most men aren’t overly excited to take photos, 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 fifteen minutes to educate and empower your man. Tell him why you chose me
and my style of photography. 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 men before portrait sessions is
this:to
How because of aMan
Prep Your bad experience in the past, they don’t like taking photos or don’t feel like
they’ll
Most menbe aren’t
good at it. Byexcited
overly the time
tothe session
take photosisfor
over,
twothough,
hours, most menthey
because can’t believe
don’t havehow
an fast
it went and of
expectation just how much
what’s funand
to come theywhy
had!it’s so important to you. Take fifteen minutes to
educate and empower your guy. Tell him why you chose us and our style of photography.
Show him your three favorite sessions that we’ve done, explain why you love the photos
and express to him how much this session means to you. Trust us, if he loves you, he’ll
34 bring his A-game and light up the camera for you! The most common thing we hear from 35
guys before engagement sessions is this: because of a bad experience in the past, they
don’t like taking photos or don’t think they’ll be good at it. By the time we’re done, though,
they can’t believe how fast it went and just how much fun they had!
THE PORTRAIT
SESSION STYLE GUIDE
PREPPING
your LITTLE ONES
Before your session, pack a bag with water, snacks
(nothing messy!), a hairbrush and tissues or wet wipes.
Make sure they are dressed warm enough for the time
of year. Unless we're shooting in July or August, make
sure to bring an extra coat, cardigan or blanket scarf.
Evenings really cool down and kids have a hard time
'bouncing back' once they are cold!
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, I have ways to work around that. I’ve
seen it all and know how to get great photos no matter
what! 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.
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THE PORTRAIT
SESSION STYLE GUIDE
During fall, warm neutrals like camel, taupe, cream, champagne, and gray are still going to
look great. If you’d like to incorporate color, choose sophisticated jewel-toned versions of
bright primary colors. Here are some examples: mustard over yellow, crimson or burgundy
over red, over orange, sage or emerald over green, and powder blue or navy over blue. These
jewel tones will photograph beautifully in any season.
SNOW SESSIONS:
Statement coat with a beanie, scarf and gloves
or a warm, oversized, snuggly sweater with
tall boots and a hat. The great thing about
snow is it creates a beautiful white backdrop,
so even though it might seem counterintuitive,
soft pastel, muted colors like soft pinks and
powder blues still look great! And, remember,
regardless of the setting, you can never go
COLDER WEATHER wrong with neutrals!
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THE PORTRAIT
SESSION STYLE GUIDE
IF IT LOOKS
like RAIN
Please don't stress over the weather forecast in the
days leading up to your photo session. As a Vancouver
photographer, I never depend on the long range
forecast because it's always changing! Especially in
Tsawwassen, there is a good chance it will be pouring
rain in the morning and come 3PM the clouds break
for a beautiful sunset. I see it all the time!
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THE PORTRAIT
SESSION STYLE GUIDE
1
ONE WEEK - S NEAK PEEK
In the week following your session, I’ll post a sneak peek of one of my favorite
photos from our time together on my social media accounts –– so keep an eye
2
out for that! I'm so excited for you to see how beautiful you look through my
eyes.
One month after your session, I’ll send you a link to your online gallery with
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all of your final, retouched, high-resolution images. You can share the link
with your family and friends, post to social media and more!
About one month after your session, I’ll post a blog with some of my favorite
highlights at www.communityphotography.net/blog.
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THE PORTRAIT
SESSION STYLE GUIDE
PORTRAIT
session CHECKLIST
O N E final NOTE
I know I just gave you A LOT to think about! Don’t panic :) Just take it one step at a time. I provided
a Portrait Session Checklist for you on the next page to help you stay organized and on top of ☐ Email me to schedule a date, time and location
things! But if you have any questions at any point, please know I’m here for you! If you’re deciding ☐ Schedule hair and makeup appointments
between two dresses and can’t commit, no problem! I’m here. If you love two locations but can’t
☐ Review Style Guide for outfit inspiration
make up your mind, no worries! I can help with that, too. If you need a recommendation of any
☐ Choose your outfits (dry clean or iron if needed!)
kind, I’m on it! Remember, I’m just one email away :)
☐ Get your nails done
At the end of the day, though, the location you choose and the outfits you wear won’t matter nearly ☐ Pack a bag with:
as much as the fun we have together and the memories you make. The style choices you make will ☐ Flats or flip-flops for walking between photo spots
definitely enhance your photos, but the most important accessory to bring with you is joyfulness ☐ Outfit two (including shoes and accessories)
–– which is the one that makes the biggest difference in your photos anyways. You don’t need to
☐ Touch-up makeup and hair brush
have prior experience in front of the camera. Just show up with a smile and I’ll take care of the
☐ Props
rest :)
☐ Water bottle
I’m so excited! See you soon! ☐ Coat or cover-up (for colder sessions)
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