Portrait Style Guide
Style Guide
a luxury experience
getting
STARTED
WELCOME TO THE CLIENT GUIDE
I am so excited you are here! Take your time and read through this guide. 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 started with your experience with me. I am always here to help answer your questions and help you feel ready and prepared for your session!
xoxo,
-LIZZY
A little about me
If I am not busy at home curled up in a blanket, you will find me with my friends! I am a natural introvert, but I love investing intentionally into others around me. I absolutely love food! Some might call me a foodie or even a bit of a chef. I am also a dog and plant mom. Nothing makes me feel more whole than playing with my dog Molly or watering my plants. If I want to get away you can either find me sitting on the beach soaking in the sunshine or searching for future session locations.
I provide all of my mamas with a low stress experience. I want to be by your side to answer questions and provide help in anyway I can.
Whether you are expecting a new baby, have just had a new baby, or documenting your fast growing family I am so blessed to be able to be apart of your journey. From the time you inquire to receiving your gallery I love to be by my your side providing help anyway I can.
This guide is packed with helpful tips and tricks so you can dress yourself and your whole family. I also include other tips so you can have the best possible experience with minimal stress.
I'M ALL ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE
EXPECT
to
What
I hold sessions 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 magical “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 90 minutes 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 family night since you’re already dressed up!
My weekends fill up fast and far in advance, but my weekdays are much more flexible. So if you’d like to do your session sooner rather than later, scheduling mid-week is the way to go!
I'M ALL ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE
SESSION
your
Scheduling
When you’re planning "getting ready" time before your session (scheduling your hair, makeup, etc.) please give yourself a lot more time than you think you'll need. Make sure to account for things like traffic, getting lost and parking, so you can prevent unnecessary stress, arrive a few minutes early to your session and be ready to start on time. I’m only able to shoot when light is still in the sky, so we’ll want to take advantage of every minute we have together before the sun goes down!
ALLOW YOURSELF MORE TIME THAN YOU THINK YOU'LL ACTUALLY NEED
Quick Tip: Do a location drive by a day or two before your session so you won’t be late or stressed about finding the location day of.
TIME
your
Planing
OUTSIDE
I have created a location guide to that holds my favorite locations for any session. You can review this guide with your family and choose which location best suits your desire.
I know that sometimes my clients have a location or destination that they would like to go to instead. That is totally fine! I am always up for an adventure. Send me the address and we can talk through all of the details of your location!
AT HOME
Lifestyle sessions are my jam! All of my newborn sessions are in home, however, I love to do in home family sessions as well! It is so fun being able to capture your family in the place they are growing up.
THE LOCATION OF YOUR PORTRAIT SESSION IS SO IMPORTANT!
LOCATION
your
Choosing
There are so many different combinations and possibilities of outfits that you can wear. Below is a set of tips that will help eliminate some of those choices to help you really zoom in on the perfect outfits for you and your family.
COLOR
Wardrobe
Let’s jump right in to the number one most important thing to think about when you looking at your family outfits, color! You should choose light and soft colors. For example, you could wear baby blue, light lavender, soft yellow, pale green, muted pink, etc. These are just a few examples of colors that would work perfectly in your color pallet. Don’t be afraid to incorporate white, cream, and beige which will give a fresh clean feel that will also elevate your newborn photos and make them look bright and airy.
Pick two to three different colors to incorporate across your whole family. When everyone matches it can look tacky and cheap, however, if you vary up the colors while still sticking to a cohesive color pallet your images will come out looking expensive and editorial! You can check out my Pinterest boards for inspiration so that you don’t get overwhelmed. Color Pallet and Outfit Inspiration!
If you are anything like me, you love patterns! Patterns are a great way to provide texture and a way to tie multiple colors together. That being said, patterns should be kept at a minimum. You want all of the focus and attention on you and your new little baby. To much pattern can be distracting and overpower the real stars of the show. I recommend only one to two people wearing a pattern from your whole family! If it is just you and your husband than only one person should wear a pattern.
WHERE TO START
nowing where to start will make the whole process so much smoother. My advice, start with your (mom’s) dress! You will most likely have the most specific vision for your outfit. By picking one outfit you can easily choose other outfits that compliment each other
PATTERNS
Dresses for the win! Yep I will stand by this! A dress is the perfect way to level up your images and allow them to feel more luxury. Extra bonus, you won’t have to match pants to a shirt. One less step in your wardrobe process.
like I said above, you (mom) typically have the most specific vision for your outfit. Follow these tips to pick the best outfit that fits your style and then your families outfits will fall into place. Below are my tips on how to look and feel confident
HER
for
Tips
the Outfit
If this is a maternity or newborn session keep in mind, your body is going through lots of changes. Finding a dress can be frustrating! Stay with me because I’m about to give my fool proof tips to get you feeling confident and photo ready!
Note to my maternity and newborn mamas:
When looking for dresses there are lots of things to keep in mind. For now, let’s just focus on how your dress fits.
My foolproof tip is to find a long dress that has lots of flow. (It lays beautifully over your maternity belly or hides your postpartum pouch.) I want you to feel confident and love the way you look in your final images. This look will be extremally flattering while also giving an elevated feel.
The upper arms is a very common insecure spot for most women. Picking a dress that covers your upper arms is easiest way to help you feel more confident in your photos. Don’t box yourself in with long sleeves only. You can choose a short sleeve or even off the shoulder.
sleeves
flow
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
Shop Döen
Anthropologie
Free People
Baltic Born
Coven & Co.
Revolve
Red Dress
Lulu's
H&M
Vici
Nordstrom
One Loved Babe
Fillyboo
Don't know where to find a dress?
Take a look at the list below!
Don’t sacrifice comfort for style. Discomfort can put you in a bad mood and this can show on your face. I want you to be able to relax and enjoy your session. Avoid zippers! Zippers are often on dresses that have no stretch. This creates a dress that is more form fitting and less comfortable. Look for an elastic waist for maximum comfort. Bonus it will add a stunning waist line!
Comfort for the WIN
Start with a light colored shirt. You can go tell your husband I am sorry because his favorite t-shirt with the hole in the armpit is not going to cut it! All jokes aside a button down, polo, or plain tee will work. Take a look at your (mom’s) outfit. If it is fancy then I would go with a button down, but if it is more casual I would lean towards a polo or tee.
Choose a neutral colored pant to go with it (Tan, blue, beige). You can pick from casual slack, khakis, or even nice jeans. Once again you can blame me, shorts are not the way to go! Sorry guys. Just like in step one, take a look at your (mom’s) outfit and match the style accordingly.
Let’s not overcomplicate this one either. Look at the dress you chose and then go look in your man’s closet. Chances are he will have most of the items you will need.
HIM
for
Tips
shirt and pants
I will be honest, I think they are the hardest to dress. Why? There are so many options!!!!! Options create stress! Here is how you can eliminate options…go with a dress or romper. Choose light colored, plan or minimal pattern dress or romper that goes with your color pallet. If she is super little I suggest bloomers so we don’t see any undies or diapers in the images.
FOR the Kids
If it’s just you and your husband there is no need to read any further. Your outfits are picked out and your ready for your session! If not, that’s ok too because you are halfway there! I want to make the kids outfits as easy as possible for you too. Let’s get right into it so you can start your planning.
Girls
Boys are super simple too! You can follow all of the same tips as dad. Don’t try to overthink this and go to crazy especially if you have lots of family members. If your struggling, choose a white shirt and khakis or a neutral pant.
Boys
When it comes to your little baby you don’t need to worry about a thing. I bring a clean white swaddle with me to the session. Before we begin, I will wrap your little newborn which will help them fall asleep. Swaddling will help keep them warm, happy, and cooperative throughout our whole time together. At the end of the session I will place your baby on my posing bean and get images of them stretching and waking up (these are always my favorite)!
for NEWBORN Sessions
Your little one will be the star of the show! Choose an outfit that will allow them to show off their moves and groves! One piece outfits are key! You won’t have to worry about a dipper showing or pulling up their pants. We can just let them go and pose themselves for the photos. Just follow the color pallet guide lines above!
for MILESTONE Sessions
Some outdoor locations require a little bit of walking. I advise you wear flip flops or slip on shoes you can wear when walking to the location. You can the quickly change into your shoes once we reach our destination.
SHOES
The most exciting part!
I don’t have much to say when it comes to shoes. Just ensure they match the style of your outfits. Crocks with a beautiful dress will look a little silly! lol
Outside
In-home sessions are made to be comfy! This means no shoes! If you would like to wear something on your feet you can wear simple ballet slippers. The boys can always wear white socks.
Inside
Add a peacoat, tights, scarves and heeled booties to a form-fitting cocktail dress.
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 wrong with neutrals!
for COLD WEATHER Sessions
Cold Weather:
Snow Sessions:
Arrive 15-20 minutes early to ensure you have enough time to settle and get ready before your big moment. I suggest changing your kids at the location so they don't get stains on their clothes. I do not do spot editing for mini sessions.
Family Portrait Event
Portrait events are different from my other sessions. They are short and quick. These are my best tips to endure you look your best in your images.
Arrive Early
I suggest not wearing sunglasses for the drive to the session. Sunglasses leave red marks on your nose. Like I said above because of the volume of sessions I have for mini sessions I don/t spot edit therefore you will see those red marks on your final images.
Sunglasses
** If you would like the full Lizzy Grace Experience you can email me at elizabeth@lizzygracephot.com
Let’s give everyone something to look forward to! Plan a fun family activate that can be used a a reward after your session. You can keep it simple with a game night, or you can go out to the park and have a picnic lunch! Make sure its something your child will enjoy. We can also remind them of their reward waiting for them after the session.
Snack and Water
Who doesn’t like a snack? Bring a non messy snack such as gummies or cheerios to your session. Snacks are great when your child needs a break or when we need to negotiate a smile!
Family Reward
Patients is key! In all my sessions I let the kids take the lead. If they want to be held pick them up, if they want to sit then we sit. Helping keep them happy ensures we will get the smiles we need! remember I am not here to judge, I am here to help. I will pull out all my tricks to help you have the greatest experience possible.
Patience
TIPS for the Kids
one
Final
note
Thank you so much for reading to the end! I am looking forward to working with you and your family. Please reach out if you have any questions. I am here to be a helping hand through the entire process!
xoxo,
-LIZZY