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It’s the first question that comes to mind when thinking of pictures: What to wear?

I’ve recently published an article with 4 easy tips to make sure you don’t end up on awkward family photos because really there are more drool-worthy places to be seen, right?!

The full article can be found here on Squidoo and I’d really love your feedback- good or bad, I can hang.

In the simplest of words, when someone asks what they should wear, I typically respond with “Whatever you feel and look your best in, wear it.” All day long, it’s going to result in the best pictures.

Here’s a breakdown of the 4 pointers I follow up with when giving advice on what to wear for a photography session.

In a nutshell, a go to for finding the right outfit or inspiration can be found in nearly any fashion magazine or store catalogue. They have the best stylists, designers, art directors and all to plan out the picture perfect outfit. Sure some of the trends may be a little over the top for you, but the key is not to completely mimic the looks- simply be inspired.

Also, if you’re doing any sort of group photo- from a family, engagement, or event- matching is not eye candy. In fact, matching a group of people can be a bit of an eye sore. You don’t see J.Crew catalogs with the entire family wearing the same shirt or color. Coordinating a bit so you compliment each other is nice, but all white turtle necks not so much.

Quite possibly the most important of all, be comfortable. However, you feel is how you will look in pictures. If you’re skinny jeans are a bit too skinny, you won’t look skinny, but instead you’ll simply look like you cannot breathe. Just be comfortable- flattering but comfortable. Same goes for your favorite sweater, if it makes you hot, you’ll look hot, but not in a good way.

Be Classic. The best photographs are ones that you look back on and want to relive the style, not shake your head and scrunch your eyebrows wondering “What on Earth was I thinking wearing that?” Think classy and timeless, not overly trendy.

That’s all for now, just an overview. A future post will follow up on specific photography sessions from engagements, to family, to children etc and what’s recommend to wear for them.

Be Mine,

Amanda

Along the Pacific coast, Fran and I hike up through Torrey Pines. It was a gorgeous day and Fran looked even more beautiful with her “GLOW”. Something tells me she’s going to be glowing even more upon the arrival of her little Lily due within the next month. There were so many laughs and great photo opportunities, I could have kept shooting for hours. From talking about her “altitude sickness” which was actually a little morning sickness to the interesting comments and questions she gets from random people saying such things as “Are you pregnant?” while she replies “I sure hope so, otherwise I need to see someone about this belly!” While her husband, Lee, was missed, we had a fun girls day just Fran, Lily, and me and I’d do it over and over again if I could. Fran you, that baby bump, your glow are all too much! Here are a few maternity photos from our photo shoot.

So maybe I should have been more considerate of his feelings, but this photograph makes me laugh every time. Vince is quite possibly the cutest kid ever. Therefore, I cannot help but pick him up and squeeze him and make as many silly(absolutely ridiculous)faces at him all in hopes to make him fall in love with me. It works for most kids. Sweet and charming Vince, however, was seemingly having a rough day. Maybe it was because he didn’t like the smell of horses poop at the horse races,  maybe it was my 70s outfit for our 70s theme work gathering (I knew I should have worn the other knee high tube socks instead), or perhaps he was simply teething… I’ll never know. What I do know, is that he was anything but falling in love with me this lovely afternoon at the Del Mar races. Maybe we’ll be best friends next time. Just as long as he doesn’t see this photo of me joining along in a tear fest. That’s all for now.

note: I do love photographing children. Likewise, I am much more sensitive to their feelings than perhaps what this picture portrays. This is simply just having a little fun for a photo op. Cheers!

I’m not perfect, but I strive to be. While I am incredibly lucky to have a surround myself with incredibly encouraging people who adore my photographs, I’ll never let their praise go to my head. I think it’s important to keep yourself in check, sure you’re always on top of your game, always looking for areas of improvement, and while trying to repeat your best work make your best work even better every.single.shoot. , it’s also important to look back at the photographs you took and critique it. While any artist, from a poet to a painter or even a rapper (that’s right!) may absolutely rock what they do, it’s important to remember that practice makes perfect. Likewise, there’s a whole lot of NOT perfect that happens- behind the scenes.

That said, I often go back through photoshoots and reflect on not only what I like/love/did right, but also what I did wrong. I find the pictures I’m not crazy about, which are possibly an absolute mess, and while sticky my tail between my legs I think “what could I have done better to get the perfect photograph?”. Then, I think how am I going to remember not to do that again or how will I avoid that mistake in the future. This is probably a blog post that could go on for ages… However, I wanted to start with this picture as I love it, but there is much room for improvement. So I figured I’d share.

Immediately I noticed Lorna’s gorgeous blue eyes…. Then I notice how much MORE they would/could have popped if my focus was 100% focused on her eye. Note to self: always always always aaaalllllwwwaaaayyysss focus on people eyes. They make a picture POP. Check your focal points immediately after to make sure you nailed it and then, and only then, move on once you nailed the focal points.

Next, I know she was wearing a fun and flattering sundress, but do you? Probably not. I managed to crop out her strapless dress making her looked naked. oops! Get the clothes in there. Mom and Dad aren’t going to love a seemingly nude photo of their child.

Lastly, take two seconds to fix her hair. It’s not terribly messy, but with a quick swoop her hair would have fallen much nicer on shoulder/back. On the positive, I love the flowers and how they match her eyes and his shirts. I also love the border or frame they create around Brennan and Lorna to bring the focus- your eyes- directly to them. This is more of a note to self kind of blog post, but hopefully it kind of helps you understand how the little things can make a big difference when taking pictures.

Cheers & Be Mine, amanda