Portrait Session Style Guide

PORTRAIT SESSIONS

CAPTURING YOUR JOY IN EVERY MOMENT

Full Session

Full sessions offer a complete, personalized photography experience designed to capture your unique story. With the 1 hour session, we have the flexibility try different poses and incorporate a variety of backdrops.

The hour session allows plenty of time for multiple outfit changes. This allows us to showcase different looks and styles. A change in outfit can reflect your personality or the mood you want to capture. Whether it’s a romantic couple’s session, a milestone celebration, or creative portraits, a full session ensures we cover every detail.

Relax, have fun, and let’s create a collection of images that truly tell your story!

Mini Session

Mini sessions are a perfect way to capture beautiful moments in a shorter timeframe. These sessions are quick, fun, and relaxed. They last around 20-30 minutes. This gives us just enough time to create stunning images without the pressure of a long photoshoot.

There’s not time for multiple full outfit changes. Adding a coat, scarf, or hat can be a simple way to switch up your look mid-session. Mini sessions are ideal for families, couples, or individuals looking for updated photos or celebrating a special season of life.

Bring your best smile, a touch of personality, and let’s create memories you’ll treasure forever!

Color 

Seasonal Themes
  • Spring: Pastels like soft pinks, mint greens, and light yellows.
  • Summer: Bright, vibrant colors like coral, turquoise, or sunny yellow.
  • Fall: Warm earth tones like mustard, rust, burgundy, and deep greens.
  • Winter: Cool tones like icy blues, silvers, whites, or festive reds and greens.
Neutral Base with Pops of Color
  • Choose a neutral palette (white, beige, gray) and add one or two accent colors for versatility. This keeps the setup clean and timeless
Complement Skin Tones
  • Select hues that enhance different skin tones. Avoid colors that might wash out or overpower certain complexions.
Avoid Overly Bright or Neon Colors
  • These can create harsh highlights or distractions. Stick with rich or muted tones that photograph well.
Coordinate with Backdrop or Location
  • Match colors with the session’s environment. Earthy tones blend well for outdoor shoots, while brighter colors can pop in nature. Indoors, ensure the palette complements the backdrop or props.
Stick to 2-3 Main Colors
  • Avoid overwhelming the frame with too many colors. Limit the palette for a cohesive look.
Consider Timelessness
  • Choose colors that won’t look dated in a few years, ensuring your photos remain cherished.
Let Clients Shine
  • Avoid colors that may clash with common wardrobe choices. Share a style guide with clients to align their outfits with your palette.
Incorporate Trends Wisely

If you want to incorporate trendy colors, do so subtly to maintain longevity in your photos.

Texture

Balance is Key
  • Mix one bold element (a patterned backdrop or textured prop) with simpler, solid elements to avoid overwhelming the composition.
Stick to Subtle Patterns
  • Opt for patterns like stripes, polka dots, florals, or plaid that are not too busy. Smaller, repeating patterns photograph better than large, bold ones that can dominate the frame.
Incorporate Textures for Depth
  • Layer soft textures like knit blankets, fuzzy throws, or linen fabrics for a cozy feel.
  • Use harder textures like wooden crates, wicker baskets, or metal accents to create contrast.
Avoid Clashing Patterns
  • If using multiple patterns, ensure they are complementary. For example:
    • Pair a large floral with a small polka dot.
    • Combine neutral stripes with a textured solid.
Timeless Over Trendy
  • Stick with classic patterns (like gingham or herringbone) and neutral textures that will look good for years.
Seasonal Textures and Patterns
  • Spring: Light cottons, lace, soft florals.
  • Summer: Breezy linens, tropical prints, natural fibers.
  • Fall: Cozy knits, plaids, burlap, leather.
  • Winter: Velvet, faux fur, cable knits, snowflake patterns.
Be Mindful of Reflection and Shine
  • Avoid overly shiny or reflective surfaces, as these can distract from the subject.
Think About Movement
  • Flowing fabrics (like tulle or chiffon) can add a dynamic, dreamy effect to the composition, especially for kids or whimsical themes.
Match Patterns and Textures to the Mood

Keep textures earthy and rugged for outdoor or adventure themes (burlap, canvas).

Use soft, romantic textures for love-themed sessions (lace, silk).

Add playful, vibrant patterns for family or children’s mini sessions (bold polka dots, cheerful stripes).