My Top 5 Styling Tips for Children’s Photo Shoots | Pittsburgh Children’s Photograher

PinExt My Top 5 Styling Tips for Childrens Photo Shoots | Pittsburgh Childrens Photograher

THE MOMENT YOU HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR.. THE WINNER OF THE FREE WORKSHOP IN PITTSBURGH, PA IS………….

OK, before we get to that.. Since we are having a contest to giveaway a free workshop.. we felt we should give a little preview as to some of the topics we will be covering..

So, with that said…Here is Natalie, our Photo Stylist that will be accompanying me to all the workshops this spring/ summer giving you a little sneak peak of what to expect from the styling segment of our Workshop, as well as some fabulous images from many of the shoots she has assisted me on! 

LASTLY…

THE PITTSBURGH WINNER IS ANNOUNCED AT THE END..SO KEEP READING….!!!!!!

 

Hi everyone!! For me, styling a photography shoot is so rewarding.  I truly enjoy that creative time and  taking a little idea and wathching it develop into a beautiful image.  When Jen calls for my help in styling a photo shoot, there is a definately a process that I like to use.  I thought I would share with you, some ways and ideas that I believe to be a good approach to styling and preparing a client for a children’s photography session.  I hope they can help you!

1. Get Inspired

Pinterest- Pinterest has approximately 11.7 million unique users and has recently entered the top 10 social networks! Pinterest is just oozing with inspiration and ideas from great outfits, to makeup and hair, set ideas…the list goes on and on!

Catalogs – If your mailbox is like mine, on any given day, it’s usually packed with catalogs.  I love to sift through them and tear out color combinations, clothing, and decor that speaks to me.

styletips3 3 My Top 5 Styling Tips for Childrens Photo Shoots | Pittsburgh Childrens Photograher

Favorite Brands and Websites - Here are a few of my favorites that I often look to for inspiration…

Crewcuts

Zara Kids

Olive Juice

Pink Chicken

Polyvore

2. Get Informed

Questionnaire – To help to better plan for the shoot and ensure that the client will be comfortable with the styling, I’ve created a form with questions that will help define the client.  I like to know what they enjoy, their personal style, favorite colors, and specific spaces in their home that they plan to display their images.   This information helps me guide the styling in the right direction.

styletips5 5 My Top 5 Styling Tips for Childrens Photo Shoots | Pittsburgh Childrens Photograher

3. Execute

Once the ideas have been tailored to meet the clients wants, it’s time to plan the details!

Location Selection-Scout out spots that will give you the look, feel, and lighting that you’re envisioning.

Set Design-Once the location is determined, the set can be designed around what the location already provides.

Wardrobe Selection – This can make or break your shoot, right?   I like to take control over the styling of the session and work with the client to  figure out a budget and items needed, then direct them in what to buy and where. 

Accessorizing – Accessories add the wow factor to your shots by providing those extras that enhance your images.  I find that accessories can be just as important as the wardrobe itself!

Props – Props are meant to help in telling the story of your image.  There is a lot of great stuff out there, but don’t  ”over prop” which can lead to taking the focus away from the subject.

styletips8 My Top 5 Styling Tips for Childrens Photo Shoots | Pittsburgh Childrens Photograher

styletips1 6 My Top 5 Styling Tips for Childrens Photo Shoots | Pittsburgh Childrens Photograher

4. Break The Rules

Use your Instinct-Who says a little girl can’t wear boots with a bathing suit?  Why not pair two patterns together?  The great thing about photographing kids is their ability to look adorable in just about anything and the way that they make it their own!

styletips2 2 My Top 5 Styling Tips for Childrens Photo Shoots | Pittsburgh Childrens Photograher

5. Overcome the Obstacle

Sometimes certain shoots can throw a few hurdles in your direction…don’t worry!  In these situations here are some tricks I use…

Styling Siblings-Matching outfits aren’t always the answer.  I like to choose one item I definately want in the picutre, whether it be a tiny bow tie or fabulous dress, and build the looks from there.

Styling Families-As a general rule for styling families, I like to start with the smallest child.  They are usually the easiest to attire, so I choose their ensemble first, then play off the colors and patterns in their outfit to dress the others.

 

styletips4 4 My Top 5 Styling Tips for Childrens Photo Shoots | Pittsburgh Childrens Photograher

 

styletips6 My Top 5 Styling Tips for Childrens Photo Shoots | Pittsburgh Childrens Photograher

                                                                      THANK YOU FOR READING! DON’T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR OUR WORKSHOPS THIS SPRING AND SUMMER TO LEARN TONS MORE TIPS AND TRICKS AND IDEAS YOU CAN TAKE STRAIGHT BACK TO YOUR CLIENTS!  SIGN UP NOW..LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE  …CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS..

Thanks for Reading! xo

Natalie/ Photo Stylist

    AND NOW DRUMROLL…….. 

there were some duplicate entries between facebook comments on the blog and the actual comment section..so after sorting that out.. 

THE WINNER IS!!!

KATE MORRISON

Congrats Kate so glad you will be joining us in Pittsburgh for The Workshop!! 

winner 1 My Top 5 Styling Tips for Childrens Photo Shoots | Pittsburgh Childrens Photograher

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
About Jen

Jen Carver specializes in children's portrait, commercial and editorial fashion photography. She also teaches children's photography workshops around the country and online. Her work has been published in numerous publications, from educational formats such as "Photographing Children", to fashion magazines such as Babiekins Magazine, Model Life Magazine, Little Industry Magazine, Elite Child Magazine, Beauty Bliss and Beyond the Camera Magazine. Her work has landed the cover on Kids Life Magazine and she has photographed several commercial children's brands in the footwear and apparel categories. In addition to her photography experience she brings with her 17 + years of Marketing and Creative directing for several large nationally recognized brands and retailers. She is a wife and mom to two beautiful girls.