Sweet summertime - sunshine, lush trees, tanned skin. It's one of my favorite times of the year!
I'm really looking forward to more summer sessions this year. I already have style guide posts for spring, fall, and winter/holiday looks so I thought I should put together some mood boards for summer styling. I also have lot of outfit examples on my Client Styling Board on Pinterest AND a new Amazon shopping list for your convenience and visual pleasure.
Here are the top styling tips:
Pick one or two main colors, and one accent color. I suggest using colors that compliment the colors you use when decorating your home, then your photos will match when you hang them up.
Avoid tiny patterns and text, opt for texture and layers instead. If you want to use a pattern, use one that is subtle (some small patterns create an optical illusion in camera called moiré and it's almost impossible to edit out). Texture brings a lot of visual interest to your images. Think tulle, chiffon, denim, lace, ruffles, smocking.
Coordinating, not matching. You want to look cohesive but not in the exact same outfits. Variety is key: dresses with pant suits or rompers, suspenders and bowties, button ups and solids.
Summer is the perfect time of the year to go bright and cheery! I'll share some of my favorite bright outfits and also a more subtle look for those of you who don't go for a lot of color. I also have some hairstyle suggestions toward the end.
COOL TONES WITH A WARM POP
Choose a color family (cool tones or warm tones) and then add one surprise pop of color for interest.
WARM AND BRIGHT
Go for the color temperature. It's hot outside, so dress in warm tones and play with the sun.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Maybe you prefer to match your surroundings. These are the colors of the flowers in the wildflower field we'll be using for minis in June. You will look perfectly matched in this beautiful field on a hill.
MUTED EARTH TONES
While I normally go for a lot of color, if you're getting photos with flowers or in an environment with a lot of color, you could go with a little more neutral or subdued colors. In the wildflowers, denim and shades of white look really good. I usually steer clear of greens in an earthy environment because Lancaster County is very green in the spring and summer and it might camouflage you a little BUT a little green here and there will look beautiful with other earthtones.
HAIR
If you're like me and don't like being hot, getting your hair off your neck will help you keep your cool during your session.
For warm weather, I suggest updos, braids, and natural curls to combat the heat and humidity. These styles look beautiful when they're blowing in the breeze as well!
I'm happy to be as involved with styling as you'd like me to be. I always provide a very detailed session guide with every session that books with me. And, as always, I'm happy to look at photos of your outfit choices and help you narrow down what will look the best on camera. Just shoot me an email!
All of the images in this post are from Pinterest, Carters, Old Navy, Amazon, and Baltic Born. I also love the kid's sections at Target and H&M. I do not have any affiliation with these companies or websites and do not profit from you shopping there.
Tasha Skye Creative is a family and portrait photographer & graphic designer based in Lancaster County, PA. Capturing authentic people in a bright and bold way.
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