As the weather gets cooler, the leaves are changing colors, and the outfits are getting cuter, photographers are getting busy. REAL BUSY. Fall is everyone’s favorite time of the year to get their photos taken. So set your session apart from all the rest by using some of these helpful tips. Remember, these are MY tips, and are not official advice from a professional stylist. All of theses tips can also be incorporated into a family sessions as well by coordinating your hubby and your littles to compliment your chosen look. Experiment and have fun without going too over the top. And as always, consider your home decor and other locations where you plan to display your portraits when choosing your outfits. Once you see your Fall collection that's hanging over your couch blend seamlessly with the rest of your living room, you will not regret it.
1. Wear a glamorous dress
Rocking that gorgeous full length taffeta gown that has been collecting dust in your closet for years will without a doubt make you look and feel like a queen!
2. Statement necklace
Going the casual route? Step it up with a diamond or rhinestone necklace to add a little bit of bling to your comfy outfit. If sparkle isn’t your thing, try wooden beads, or a layered necklace instead.
3. Hire a pro hair/makeup artist
Doing your own hair/makeup may be the cheaper choice, but unless you are a pro yourself you are only causing unnecessary stress that will consume a lot more of your time than you anticipate. Totally worth the extra investment!
4. Polish yourself posh
Giiiiirl, do you seriously think we photographers can’t see chipped nails with dirt under them, the “in-between” eyebrow pluckings, natural hair roots, and even those panty lines under leggings?? Trust me when I tell you that we see EVERYTHING. And no we can’t just photoshop all of it out without. Well we probably can, but it usually costs extra. Instead, treat yourself to a manicure, wax your brows, and choose the appropriate undergarments based on what you will wear. You will feel more confident during your session, and most importantly, it will SHOW in your smile.
5. Go minimal
Simplify your look by wearing clean lined pieces in solid colors. Like a simple slip or sheath dress paired with stilettos. Black, white, tan, and gray are ideal colors for this look. Steer away from patterns of almost any kind. Accessorize with just a cardigan or scarf, and if you must wear jewelry, try wearing a pair of pretty stud earrings. Add a touch of red lipstick and you got yourself a very sophisticated and modern ensemble.
6. Velvet
Velvet is very trendy this season. Why not incorporate this classic fabric into your fall portraits? Keep this heavy fabric simple though. You do not want to go overboard with velvet everything. Try wearing one piece like a velvet ballerina or scoop neck top, velvet trimmed cardigan, long velvet skirt, or even just carry a velvet clutch instead. Your options are endless!
7. Choose a neutral palette with a Fall accent color
Stick with the very organic and classy color spectrum of creams, khakis, and beiges, but add a splash of Pumpkin Spice Orange, Mustard Yellow, or Aubergine for character. These Fall colors are just oozing with lovely.
8. Pink
Yes, I said it. PINK! Now typically we don’t think of pink when we think of Fall, but this year pink is totally acceptable. Vamp it up for the season by donning deeper hues of dusty rose and blush instead of reaching for cotton candy pinks. Instead of pink and cream, maybe try pink and brown or pink and gray.
9. Ditch the flower crown
Yes, they are beautiful, but the look is waaaaay over done. Who hasn’t had their photo taken with a flower crown? If you are one of the few that hadn’t, feel free to ignore this tip. But for everyone else, you can get a similar less frilly look by opting for a thin metal or leather headband instead.
So there it is! A few of my helpful tips that'll hopefully inspire you to find the perfect outfit(s) for your Fall mini session. If you have any favorite "go to" outfits or beauty tips for Fall please share them in a comment below.