When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” Although coordination is key, there is such a thing as matching too much. Don’t choose identical outfits; instead, choose “color-families,” such as pastels or earth tones. For example, if blue is your color of choice, have everyone choose different shades of it, rather than everyone buying the same outfit. We do however must let you in on a little secret, we love the way pastels look in your photos so we will always recommend those over the darker earthy tones.

Avoid spray tans if possible. If you must get a spray tan, choose an olive tone and get it about a week or so before your session so it has time to fade.

Avoid neon/fluorescent colors (especially lime green, salmon, or neon orange) as these articles of clothing can distract from the scenery, your faces, or reflect in the sun and cause your skin to have different colors on it.

Incorporate layers and clothes with some texture to add visual interest to your look and give you multiple posing and styling options. Jackets, sweaters, scarves, textured fabrics — all of these things add that extra umph, making the difference between a basic image and an extraordinary one.