The Portrait Session Style Guide - Community Photography

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The guide provides tips for scheduling a portrait session, choosing outfits and locations, posing, and photo delivery timeline. The goal is to make the session fun and stress-free.

It is recommended to schedule sessions 1-2 hours before sunset to take advantage of the golden hour lighting. Sunset times vary by season so it's important to factor that in. The guide also discusses options if it looks like rain may occur.

Suggestions are given for selecting flattering colors and mixes, coordinating looks, and styling hair, makeup and accessories. Specific tips are also provided for outfitting men, women and children.

STYLE GUIDE

COMMUNITY PHOTOGRAPHY

for a stress-free experience


THE PORTRAIT
SESSION STYLE GUIDE

TABLE of
CONTENTS
GETTING STARTED 3
SCHEDULING YOUR SESSION 7
CHOOSING THE LOCATION 8
DESTINATION LOCATIONS 13
NUMBER OF OUTFITS 15

STYLE TIPS: FOR HER 19


SAY YES TO THE DRESS 21
FLATTERING YOUR FEATURES 23
GO PRO: HAIR & MAKEUP 25
CHOOSING COLORS 27
HOW TO MIX COLORS 29
COORDINATING THE LOOKS 31

FASHION TIPS: FOR HIM 33


PREPPING YOUR MAN 35

PREPPING YOUR LITTLE ONES 37


FALL & WINTER SESSIONS 39
PHOTO DELIVERY TIMELINE 41
PORTRAIT SESSION CHECKLIST 43

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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.

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 pages 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
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:

Outdoors, in natural light, because I love images


that are clean, bright, fresh and timeless. Images
that look and feel like you! That’s why I begin all of
my sessions 1-2 hours before the scheduled sunset
–– during the “golden hour” –– when the light in the
sky is the softest, dreamiest and most flattering.

You can use a sunset calculator online to determine


the scheduled sunset for the date and location you’d
like to do your session. Then, just subtract two hours
to figure out your approximate session start time.
If you’re wearing one outfit, we’ll start your session
about 1 hour before sunset. When scheduling your
date, it’s important to remember that the sun sets
much earlier during the colder months of the year
and much later during the warmer months, so make
sure to factor that in –– especially if you have small
children with a specific eating or sleeping schedule,
or if you (or your spouse) will need to leave work
early to get ready for the session and arrive on time.
If you don’t have plans after your session, I always
recommend going out for a fun date night since
you’re already dressed up!

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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
8 GRASSY FEILD 9
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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THE PORTRAIT
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.

I'VE DONE PORTRAIT SESSIONS IN WHISTER,


CALGARY, ARIZONA , AND EVEN HAWAII TOO!

If I’m already going to be in or near an area you’ve always dreamed of


doing your photos, and we can coordinate our schedules, let’s set it up!
I’d love to meet you somewhere beautiful and make it work! If you’d like
me to meet you in a destination outside of Delta for your portrait session
where I don’t already have plans to visit, just let me know and I’ll send you
a custom quote.

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THE PORTRAIT
SESSION STYLE GUIDE

NUMBER
of OUTFITS
H O W TO P LA N

WONDERING HOW MANY


OUTFITS YOU SHOULD PLAN?
I’ VE GOT YOU COVERED!

Changing outfits during a session always


takes more time than my clients expect,
so in order to maximize shooting time and
give you the highest number of photos
possible, I recommend the number of
outfits (as follows) to keep stress low and
the number of photos in your final gallery
high:

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

STYLING your SESSION


IF YOU WANT YOUR IMAGES TO LOOK AND FEEL MORE EDITORI-
AL, I RECOMMEND BRINGING A FEW SMALL, SIMPLE PROPS WITH
YOU, LIKE FRESH FLOWERS TO HOLD OR A BLANKET TO SIT ON.

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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THE PORTRAIT

STYLE TIPS
SESSION STYLE GUIDE

for HER

D R ESS it UP

HAVE YOU BEEN EYEING A


GORGEOUS DRESS, BUT JUST
NEVER HAD AN OCCASION
FOR IT?

This is your chance to do it up! There is


no such thing as “too dressed up” when it
comes to your portrait session. Have some
fun! If you don't want to spend additional
money on an outfit, ask around! You
never know what a friend or relative has
sitting in their closet! Some of my clients
love having an excuse to go shopping and
purchase a new permanent piece (or two!)
for their wardrobe.

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THE PORTRAIT
SESSION STYLE GUIDE

SAY
yes
TO T H E
DR E S S

THERE'S NOTHING MORE FLATTERING THAN A LONG, FLOWY DRESS

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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THE PORTRAIT
SESSION STYLE GUIDE

GO PRO:
hair & makeup

MAKE a STATEMENT It looks amazing on camera and removes the


PAIRING AN ACCESSORY OR stress of getting ready on your own. You’ll
TWO WITH YOUR OUTFIT CAN have these photos forever, so this is the time to
REALLY HELP BRING SOME EXTRA pamper yourself! Whether it’s lash extensions or
DIMENSION TO YOUR IMAGES . blown-out hair, professional hair and makeup
will give you an extra boost of confidence in front
Whether it’s jewlery, , hat, or scarf, bringing of the camera, and it always photographs like a
an accessory or two can bring great visual dream. If you’re working with a makeup artist,
interest to your photos, so choose one or have them apply your makeup in natural light (if
two that don’t compete for attention when possible) so that it looks fresh and not too heavy.
paired together. For example, if you go Plus, that’s the type of light we’ll be shooting in,
with bolder earnings, you might want to so it’ll give you the best expectation of how it will
choose a more humble necklace, or maybe translate on camera. Most of my clients feel like
even no necklace at all. Fresh florals in a their makeup is “too much” at first, since it’s more
crown or bouquet can be a really romantic than they would wear on a normal day, so if you
touch as well! feel that way, 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
skip the spray tan need a recommendation for hair and makeup, I'd
be happy to pass along the artists I love working
Although it might seem counter-intuitive,
with! Just let me know and I’ll send you their
I recommend that you do not get a spray
information. I know they’ll take good care of you!
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.

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THE PORTRAIT
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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THE PORTRAIT
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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THE PORTRAIT
SESSION STYLE GUIDE

C OO R D I N AT I N G THE LOO K S MIXING UP THE PIECES


As you’re coordinating your outfit with your family, keep in mind that your If you have multiple children, don’t feel like you need to put them all in the
outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palette and same type of outfit. For example, if one of your daughters wears a dress and
wardrobe pieces coordinate, but don’t actually “match.” In fact, I recommend flats, the other can wear a skirt and boots, if that’s more of her style. If one
that you avoid thinking about “matching,” and instead think about what “fits” of your sons wears a bowtie, the other can wear suspenders. Mixing up the
together. This will create more visual interest, and allow each personality to wardrobe pieces will bring even more visual interest to the photos.
shine through.

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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.

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!

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

FALL and WINTER SESSIONS


When seasons change and temperatures drop, sometimes it’s just too cold for a dress and heels
by themselves (no matter how warm your coverup overcoat is). So I have some suggestions
for late fall and winter that will still help you be fashion-forward and keep your color tones
camera friendly.

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.

FALL/WINTER COLD WEATHER TIPS:


Add a peacoat, tights, scarves and heeled
booties to a form-fitting cocktail dress.

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!

On the morning of your photo session and the weather


channel is calling for rain, I will texy you by 10am to
make a rain plan.

Here are your options for a rainy day:

1.) We can go ahead with the shoot! As long as it's not a


turrential downpour, I'm happy to shoot in it! Overcast
weather makes for amazing skin tones. I'll bring clear
umbrella's and I promise you it will, you'll get amazing
photos.

**If you decide to do with this option, we need to move


the photo session an hour ahead to make sure we leave
enough daylight.**

2.) We rain check! Easy as that. You know your tribe


the best and if you think a rainy day photo shoot won't
work I'll find you another date that will.

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THE PORTRAIT
SESSION STYLE GUIDE

PHOTO DELIVERY TIMELINE

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.

TWO - FOUR WEEKS - FULL GALLER Y

One month after your session, I’ll send you a link to your online gallery with

4
all of your final, retouched, high-resolution images. You can share the link
with your family and friends, post to social media and more!

FOUR WEEKS - BLOG POS T

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)

- Paige ☐ Snacks for little ones


☐ Wet wipes and tissues

44 CO MMUNITY PH OTOGRAPHY 45
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