style guide.

do - dress for the weather you have, not the weather you want. georgia can throw us some curveballs in terms of temperature, with unseasonably warm days popping up in late fall and cold fronts blowing through at random times of year. cloud cover, wind, and shade all play a role in the temperature and comfort of a location. being comfortable goes a long way in keeping kids (and dads) cooperative and happy! layers are a great way to play with texture while also keeping warm. jean jackets, boots, scarves, leggings for girls, and vests for boys are all a stylish way to keep cozy during an outdoor session. alternatively, don’t overdress! our summers tend to run a little long here. even when shooting your yearly fall/christmas cards, choose light, breathable fabrics in fall/winter colors to get that seasonal vibe without sweating through the session.

do - coordinate (but don’t necessarily match). this sounds complicated but it’s actually pretty easy. start with one color, print or palette and go from there. pinterest has some great examples of seasonal color palettes to give you an idea of what goes best together. generally, sticking to the same color family is also a great guideline. earthtones, jeweltones, pastels, or neutrals are all examples of pulling different colors from the same family into a cohesive family look. when incorporating a bold print, try to pull colors from smaller elements of the print into the outfits of other family members. try to stick to just one print though, as too many can be busy and distracting. trying adding texture with different fabric types, like knit or chiffon to really add that extra pop. follow the link below to a few seasonal style boards:

https://www.pinterest.com/amymikanphoto/

do - say yes to the dress. there is no such thing as ‘too dressed up’ for photos. don’t be afraid to have some fun! long, full-length, flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos. consider softer fabrics like chiffon or tulle which allow for beautiful movement in the images. if you’re an expecting mother, I always recommend floor-length gowns or maxi dresses. these dresses create the best silhouettes to flatter your figure and really highlight your bump. dresses and skirts look most stunning because they really flatter every female body, especially on camera!

do - dress comfortably. we all love shots of a voluminous evening gown floating through a field but that’s not everyone’s personal style. feel free to be as dressy or casual as you’d like. these photos will be a lifelong reference to this time in your lives. wear clothes that fit well and are lint and wrinkle free. i photoshop out any stains obtained during the shoot (from sitting on natural elements or running/playing/wresting during all the fun candid shots) but don’t automatically include retouching for any picks/wrinkles/tears or stains incurred before the session. feel your best in what you wear and you’ll be relaxed and confident during your session!

do - remove all sunglasses, activity tracking watches/devices, hair ties, and cell phones from your body and pockets. cell phones, especially in the front pocket create unsightly bulges. it is not fun to photoshop these out (see below).

do - mind your lengths. mini skirts are fun and stylish but be sure to wear a length that is appropriate for sitting, standing, and walking. the same with vintage length girls dresses, cropped shirts, and boys pant legs. during our session, we will be moving, posing, and interacting in a variety of ways. make sure your clothing is up to the challenge.

don’t - wear logos, character wear, or bright neon colors. this includes children’s sneakers with pops of orange or red or accessories, like watchbands or bracelets. neons can often ‘cast color’ on your image which can alter skin tones or distract the eye. logos and cartoon characters, no matter the size, are also distracting and don’t photograph well.

don’t - wear all black or all white. although black can be a thinning and flattering color, it can often be a nightmare to photograph. if you’re set on your favorite little black dress, try to break it up with an additional layer (a stylish jacket) or pop of color (bright scarf). or try navy! navy photographs beautifully and is easy to coordinate with other colors. similarly, while white is a beautiful and clean color, it can be hard to expose for and doesn’t showcase dimension well. try a light cream with tan or gray layers mixed in to create texture.

don’t - be afraid to ask! i’m no master stylist but i will guide you when i can. feel free to send outfit samples before your session or ask questions about the location. i’m here to help make your photos beautiful.

tips to looking great during a session

• go light on the foundation. even the lighter foundations can hue orange in certain light. i’ll do my best to color correct for your most accurate skin tone but when in doubt, focus on accentuating your other features (eyes, lashes, lips) and let me worry about smoothing your skin. a certain amount of subtle smoothing comes with my post processing.

• stand up straight. focusing on good posture elongates the neck and torso and helps avoid rolls and double chins. you’ll often find me up on my stepladder to get the most flattering angle of your face and body but stand tall and you’ll look your best no matter the angle.

• don’t lean. when posing next to a shorter child or spouse, you may get the urge to lean in with your head or body to close the gap. don’t do this. if there’s too much space between you and someone else, don’t worry, i’ll reconfigure you closer.

• mind the undergarments. if you plan to wear a dress with wider necklines, be aware of any straps that be visible. the same with short hemlines and visible undergarments (diapers and socks with the kiddos). try shorties for the girls and neutral socks for the boys. i’ll catch these things when i can but please keep your eyes open as well!

• be natural. the worst photos are when subjects look too stiff or posed. be yourself, be confident, and enjoy the experience. the most beautiful you is the most authentic you.

  retouching after the session

• i do retouch any scuffs or stains that occur during the session.

• i do mild skin smoothing when needed.

• i do color corrections for skin tone if you feel your natural tone was lost in the edit.

• i don’t do major retouching relating to body shape. fixing double chins, muffin tops, and protruding bellies is best done with good posture and favorable camera angles. if you are truly self conscience about an area of your body, let me know ahead of time and i’ll work to make sure we take shots that are flattering.

• i can retouch blemishes, cuts, scrapes, bruises, eczema, and chapped skin. this is quoted based on size, complexity and number of images affected. prices range from no additional charge to $12 per image. ask me for details.

• i can retouch crows feet, frown lines and age spots beyond the mild smoothing already provided. this is quoted based on size, complexity and number of images affected. prices range from no additional charge to $12 per image. ask me for details.

• i can retouch clothing to remove wrinkles, stains, lint spots, contouring from cell phones, and to lengthen hemlines. this is quoted based on size, complexity and number of images affected. prices range from no additional charge to $12 per image. ask me for details.

• it’s human nature to be most critical of oneself. if there is a feature you are sensitive about, let’s chat before the session. these aren’t just photos, they are captured moments in time.

baby wipes or soft tissues - colder months inevitably bring runny noses and warmer months often result in a little excess perspiration. quick access to your softest wipe or tissue is a must!

comb or brush - candid shots can sometimes get a little crazy, silly, and wild, but they are always fun. i encourage running and playing during sessions because i love capturing genuine smiles and joy. have a brush ready in case a few flyaways need fixing.

colorless snacks or treats - photos sessions can be arduous for the littlest ones. i try to keep things exciting and fast paced to keep their attention but sometimes a sweet reward is extra incentive to participate. choose snacks that won’t discolor mouths. smarties, vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or marshmallows. save the lollipops, m&m’s, and brightly colored gummy treats for the end.

comfy shoes - sometimes a prior rain can leave the ground muddy. and i’ve been known to go off-path for that ‘perfect spot.’ bring an extra pair of sneakers or flats to your session to keep those heels clean and your feet in good shape.