What To Wear

{Couples, Engagement, Singles }

Once again your choice of Outside Vs Inside shots will significantly affect the style and type of images that you will receive. The more adventurous and creative you are the better. If you choose a wheat field or an old run down house, a favorite park, favorite cafe or a country track then make sure you dress appropriately for the type of images you want to receive.

Wear something that you love, and make sure it’s ‘you’. It’s best not to wear something you are going to wish you didn’t wear in a few weeks, this will also depend on the type of shot you are wanting, if you wanting something formal then more formal clothes are required, if you are wanting something laid back then jean, coloured shirts / shorts with thongs.

Think about what you like and how you should dress for the occasion. Formal images in a non formal setting can look very cool. It’s not a good idea to wear tight jeans or other clothes that are overly tight as this might restrict movement and make those parts show that you might not want shown. Darker colors are slimming and they are also easier to photograph. Blue, Red and Greens (Dark). As already advised a touch dressier than a normal night out can be fun, just make sure it’s still you. Wear clothes that are complementary in style and color. Don’t be too matchy. For example, you could both wear different shades of blue. Have the clothes match the location and season of the photo shoot. If it is cold rug up, if it is hot you might want to have less layers.

Avoid Big baggy clothes (unless this is the look you are going for) is not good as this makes you look bigger than you actually are. Look around your house and look at the things that you are drawn to, this will help define the type of shots that you might like, for example you might like country shots out on a property, or along a old road, you might prefer to have city style shots instead. You might be creative type and be happy to set up a themed shoot, the choices are endless. Choose your locations well and discuss this with me.
If you want to have your dog / favourite animal in some of the photos, it would be best to have a friend come along to watch him/her while we are taking other shots.

Here are some websites to provide some clothing motivation:

http://www.frenchconnection.com.au/

http://www.calvinkleininc.com/collection

http://www.jacquie.com.au

http://www.tarocash.com.au

http://www.jag.com.au/

http://www.rmwilliams.com.au

http://www.countryroad.com.au/

{ Maternity }

Planning on photographing your beautiful baby bump, then here are a few things to think about before your shoot. One of the best clothing choices for maternity is none at all that’s if you are comfortable. Mothers to be, can be overwhelmed at how elegant and beautiful they look with a bare belly showing resulting from various positions and camera angles. The aim is to show just enough. If you do not feel comfortable to bare all, then there are still many options available that will still result in you getting those Belly shots that you want ! Fitted clothing is a must, just make sure if you intend on showing all, then avoid wearing tight clothing that will leave a mark. Black is a great choice, however you might also like to bring your fav maternity frock, or fav maternity lingerie.

You are encouraged to bring any props to make your shoot extra special (Particularly if they are inside studio style shots). If you see some shots from magazines that you like, then we can attempt to recreate that look (although this may not look exactly the same). Props might include – baby booties or baby clothing, Lilly’s or flowers, your partner and if you already have children they will most certainly be involved. Of course this will all depend on what look you are after !!

The choice of inside Vs outside will directly effect what your choices will be. If you would prefer the shoot in the comfort of your own home, then this can be arranged as well.   Dads also need to be aware that they will be involved and if comfortable will be asked to remove their shirt for a couple of shots (if that is the style you are after). Often skin on skin shots make for wonderful Black and White’s for your wall.

http://www.bloommaternity.com.au

http://www.queenbee.com.au/

http://www.bellybutton.com.au

http://www.fillyboo.com.au/

{Newborns}

People have asked me before, what is the best age to photograph my new baby ? If you want the “Very New” look then within the first 1 – 4 weeks when there are nice and small. Otherwise any time is a good time. Make a choice if you want studio style images, outside images or images taken at your home, as these choices will significantly affect the type and style of images that you will get. Also please be aware that if you choose outside baby shots, then these could be done out in a paddock or in a barn, or on a dirt track, so please make sure that you bring enough warm clothes for the baby and be prepared to travel. If you already have a great idea for a location let me know.

NOTE – - New baby shots do take a lot more time than normal, to allow for feeding, nappy changes etc etc, just keep that in the back of your mind, as it is the baby who controls the shoot, and they will normally let you know when “enough is enough”.

Mum, Dad you will also be involved in these shots, even if you are just used as a backdrop, bring throw rugs, little beanie or hats for the baby’s head, also bring some wraps. Parents you might like to bring a long/short sleeve black shirt as well.

Once again depending on the style of shots you are after, there is nothing better than skin on skin shots of you with your new baby, dad can be shirtless for some shots, and mum could wear a strapless top, either way this will depend on the shots that you will have taken. Images like this are often tightly cropped. Bring along as many props as you can, this might include cane baskets, wooden bowls anything that you can think of to put your new bub in or on. Bring bubs fav toy or teddy, most of all please bring enough food and changes for bub.

Please discuss with me at the time of your enquiry if you would like Home shots, outside shots or studio style shots.

If you are not sure – here are a few websites to get the brain working:

http://www.pumpkinpatch.com.au

http://www.bucketsandspades.com.au/

http://www.rosiepose.com.au/

http://www.seedchild.com.au

{ Children }

Grab out that Spiderman suit, ballerina dress, hot pink gum boots or their favorite “Costume” – Kids are about fun, enjoyment, excitement, colour. Don’t forget that John Wayne hat in the cupboard or that Big old hat and sunglasses that you have not worn since the 60’s last Melbourne cup. Your choice of outdoor Vs studio style will significantly affect the look and feel to the images. These individual shots give your child a chance to show their character and personality. Don’t be afraid to dress them in patterns, bright colours and if they want their model toy car toy or favorite fairy dress with the hot pink gum boats then not a problem.

We were a kids once so dont be afraid to let them be J The most superb shots are those that allow their children to dress up or put on a pair of gum boots with angel wings and simply just let them play. If you have more than one child, think about having a tea party or something that will keep them interested. The more enjoyable we can make the shoot the better, and you won’t be disappointed.

Please discuss this with me so that you can get the very best out of your children on the day. Above all it is about dressing for the condition and type of shoot you want your child to look. Please note that I do hold a current blue card and parents must travel at all times with the children at all times.

{Glamour Portraits}

The key to having a great glamour portrait has a lot to do with “Hair, Makup and Styling” All hair styling is done by a professional hairdresser on site (additional cost) to create a style that you are after. A makeup artist can also be arranged should you choose. These are traditionally done in a studio style environment where greater control over lighting etc can be used. It is important that you dress the part for these shots. You may decide to do a relaxed glamour shots if this is the case then jeans are fine, alternately you may wish to dress formally. Please bring a couple of options with you including jewelry etc. If you have a style or theme in mind, don’t forget to let me know in advance, happy to discuss this with you at length.

{ Boudoir / Implied Nudes / Lingerie – Men, Women and Couples }

No Way – I hear some of you say !! and that is fine if the thought of bearing skin is not for you, the simple fact is that there are a lot of people (more than you would expect) who are happy to express their femininity or their masculinity, in fact there is something about these images that leave people overwhelmed when they see the finished product. The aim is to show just enough to give the illusion. Because of the nature of the images, you simply must be over 18. Most importantly if you want to get this style of images in a tasteful and professional way then all you need to do is ask, you would not be the first or last and you would probably be surprised at the amount of women and men who have done boudoir and or implied nudes for their partner prior to their wedding day or as a gift or birthday present, or just to make themselves feel better, so don’t be shy to ask. If the thought of “Bearing All” (within reason) does not excite you then you might decide to do a lingerie/underwear styled shoot, or even a couples / themed shoot of your choice if you feel more comfortable.

Ladies, I insist that you bring along a trusted friend, boyfriend, girlfriend etc to the shoot, guys if you like you are also welcome to bring someone as well. Please bring a dressing gown or robe so that once you are in position the robe can be removed by a friend. You might be more comfortable doing these shots in your own house or in a studio style environment, either way is fine, just please talk to me about what you want to aim to achieve.

Be advised that your images will be treated with absolute confidentiality. Having your hair and makeup done professionally is expected and can be arranged at an additional cost.

http://www.victoriassecret.com/

http://www.ellemacphersonintimates.com/

http://www.mossimo.com.au/

http://www.cku.com

http://www.calvinkleininc.com/underwear/