Flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos, especially when juxtaposed with nature, like our dramatic Florida beaches, Preserves, and grassy hillsides. Consider a cut that allows for beautiful movement in the images.

If the location you've chosen might be windy (as many beaches and open fields are) I recommend a mid-thigh or longer hemline. Wind is our friend most of the time because it creates drama and movement, but not so much when you have to keep one hand on your backside to keep the dress down. ​Consider a cut that allows you to move freely so you can really work the shoot!

We all have that one pair that makes up feel like a BOSS! Heels elongate women’s legs, making them look fabulous. If you are going to wear heels to your session, consider a few things:

1. Closed-toed heels in particular look great on camera because they carry out the line of your leg all the way down to your toe. If your toes are showing in a peep-toe heel, you might want to schedule a pedicure before your session so you don’t regret letting your toes show.

2. If there will be a lot of walking at our photo location (or if your heels are particularly uncomfortable), you might consider packing a pair of flip flops for swapping out in between picture spots.

3. ​If your session is at the beach, plan to be barefoot, because your feet will likely get sandy and maybe a little bit wet. In this case, you would wear a pair of easy-to-kick-off sandals or flats to wear from the parking lot to the sand

4. Heels can add a dramatic element but seem out of place or impractical in certain settings. For example, on grass. Make sure you wear something that will make you the most comfortable!

When choosing color(s) for your outfits, I recommend selecting soft, light tones, muted shades, or bold jewel tones. By avoiding distracting colors, like neon, it will help bring all the attention to your face.

*Black, though slimming, becomes very shapeless and deep in photos. Avoid black if you can, but if you must wear it, you better slay.**

Long, fitted pants and closed-toed shoes are a very sophisticated look for men. They draw attention away from your legs and place it where you want it: on your handsome face. Fitted dress pants or fitted solid-colored pants work best on camera. Denim looks great if it's nice denim. Pinstripes and plaid patterns tend to distract the eye unless its coordinated. I also recommend staying away from graphics and logos for more formal looks.

Ties, bowties, pocket squares, colored socks, belts, tie clips, suspenders, vests and watches are sharp complements to any outfit for men and boys alike. This is a fresh take on a timeless classic!

Next time you walk by a store like J. Crew, you’ll notice the male mannequins and models are always wearing several layers at once. Layers on men look great on camera. Adding another layer will bring extra dimension and visual interest to your photos. Blazers, vests and sweaters up the level of any look. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers!

Before you go unloading your whole family's dressers and drawers, you can simplify this process with a plan. And the plan is to pick a palette. Pick 3 core colors (1 color + 2 neutrals, or 2 colors + 1 neutral) and build all the outfits using primarily those colors. As I mentioned above, the camera loves soft pastel colors like peach, lavender, blush, sky blue, sage green, golden yellow, mixed with light neutrals like heather gray, creams, tans, leather, denim, and soft white. So pick 3 core colors and try to grab a top and bottom for each family member from within those 3 colors.

If you want to add a bit of variety, or if you can't find a complete outfit from your 3 core colors, add in one or two accent colors, to be used less frequently than the core colors.

For the last step, it helps to lay everyone's outfit out and get a bird's eye view of how all the outfits coordinate with one another. Consider adding in additional, nonessential pieces such as sweaters, jackets, and hats or statement accessories such as watches, bow ties, bracelets, and jewelry, all from within the 3 core color palette plus your accent color(s).