Styling Guide | Jordin Shuntel Photography

What to wear

The outfits you choose for you session are very important. The colors of your outfits can change the outcome of your photos. Some colors photograph much better than others. I know this part is a little stressful, so I'm happy to announce that I have started up a client closet that is available for all clients to use for their session! My client closet contains women's photoshoot worthy dresses, kids clothing, and mens tops. I know that picking a wardrobe for yourself and your family can be the most stressful part of planning a session. Here are a few guidelines to hopefully help make this a little easier for you! I offer this styling guide, my client closet, and personalized styling - I choose your outfits and send you options.

First off, do not feel obligated to go out and shop for new clothes for the shoot beforehand. If you feel more comfortable in something you already own that's in your closet that you absolutely love and feel yourself in, then lets discuss and go that route! Show me your options and we can pick and choose between them. This way we can make sure the outfit(s) compliment the environment so that the focus is on you, not on any distractions, which yes, some outfitts can be a distraction. BUT, if you'd prefer to shop, these guidelines and tips are for that as well!

When you’re figuring out what to wear, start with mom! Yes, mom should pick her outfit first then work everyone else’s around her’s. Mom should feel confident in her outfit choice and that sometimes doesn’t happen when she saves her outfit choice for last.

Colors

I recommend staying away from being too matchy-matchy. It doesn't tend to photograph too well and could make your pictures look flat. I highly suggest avoiding bright neon fluorescent distracting colors and tones.

Earthy and more neutral tones work best. I highly recommend sticking with colors such as rust/burnt orange, browns, tans, gray, khaki, ivory/cream, mustard, mauve, warm tones, black, or deep jewel tones (emerald, navy, burgundy, forest green, mustard yellow, etc.)

For women, flowy skirts or maxi dresses give lots of movement and that brings dimension, which photographs beautifully. I suggest aiming to avoid short and tight dresses, they tend to be more challenging in posing purposes.

I suggest 2-3 colors for the family.

Think about the season and go with colors that compliment your location and that season.

Patterns + Textures

Patterns and textures always add to your photos, it's all about how you do it! I would suggest aiming to avoid big, loud, busy patterns. The smaller or more subtle are better! If the pattern is too loud it will distract from your faces. Try to avoid pairing too many patterns together because it will make the photos a little too busy and distracting from your faces as well and your location. Also, be sure to iron your clothes before so there's no wrinkles distracting from your faces too. Textures are great! Natural textures like lace, linen, and knitwear add some great detail and depth to your photos and can actually elevate a basic outfit and bring unique style to the outfit and the person.

Accessories

Feel free to accessorize! Jewelry is also an easy way to add more detail (necklaces, hair accessories, hats, earrings, etc…). It’s all in the details! The little things bring flair and just add to your photos. Remember to leave phones out of pockets, they make unflattering bulges in pockets in photos and also sometimes they stick out which is also a distraction and can take away from your photo. Also, be sure to remove hair ties and apple watches from those wrists.

Shoes

Choose shoes that go well with the outfits, but make sure your kids have broken them in first. Sometimes new shoes give kids blisters and quick, and then it’s all the kids can think about. That can make the session a bit unpleasant for them. It’s better to go with broken in shoes as long as they aren’t too broken in! Depending on your location sometimes you could even stick with going barefoot for a more natural, earthy, or boho look.

Here a few shops I recommend

Baltic Born: women's dresses + beautiful maternity dress options

Joyfolie: little girl's dresses + women's dresses

Asos: men + women's dresses, women's maternity

Old Navy: good option for men's button-up shirts + pants

Zara Kids: kids clothes

Rylee + Cru: kids clothes + accessories

Indie Blue: little girl dress options

H&M: kids clothes

Lulu's: women's outfiits + some maternity friendly dresses

Amazon: I do believe they have some very great options for anyone!

Reverie Threads: baby, toddler + kids