Planning fashion for the photoshoot
Dispelling the myth of high-budget photoshoots, my experience is that styling kids can be achieved with very little when you are thoughtful about location and clothing. Whether you’re curating content, capturing family moments, or building your portfolio, follow these savvy steps.
1. Opt for a Free Locale
While dreamy studio spaces may tempt, their rental fees can sting. Instead, seek out cost-effective settings that offer picturesque backdrops without breaking the bank. I’ve produced product photos on the steps of a nearby church and outside the walls of a cemetary. Pumpkin patches or apple orchards offer a two-for-one experience, allowing you to take photos while enjoying the activity. You’d be amazed where you can find a spot near you when you have a vision. I’m always on the hunt for places with neutral hues and European-inspired architecture.
2. Harness the Power of Color Theory
Selecting a harmonious color palette is key. Limiting your choices to four main colors alongside neutrals ensures a cohesive look. Consider your location’s colors—whether it’s the beach’s blues and beiges or the forest’s greens—and let nature’s palette guide your selections.
Analogous Colors: These are colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel. For example, if you choose a primary color like blue, you might pair it with its neighboring colors, such as blue-green and blue-purple. Analogous colors create a harmonious and cohesive look because they share similar undertones and blend seamlessly together.
Complementary Colors: These are pairs of colors that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel. Examples of complementary pairs include red and green, blue and orange, or yellow and purple. When used together, complementary colors create contrast and vibrancy, making each other appear more intense. This pairing adds visual interest and excitement to your overall color scheme.
Nature-Inspired Colors: Drawing inspiration from the natural world allows you to create color palettes that feel organic and harmonious. Instead of adhering strictly to color wheel principles, you can look to the hues found in landscapes, flora, and fauna. For example, a palette inspired by a forest might include earthy greens, rich browns, and vibrant pops of leafy yellow or berry red. This approach to color selection adds depth and authenticity to your design, evoking a sense of connection to the world around us.
3. Raid Your Closet First
Before hitting the shops, scour your own wardrobe for pieces that match your chosen palette. Opt for simple, graphic-free garments, mixing textures and patterns for visual interest. Contrast is key, adding depth and dimension to group ensembles.
4. Embrace Preloved Finds
Don’t overlook the treasure trove of preloved fashion. Reputable online shops offer top brands in excellent condition at a fraction of the cost. Dive into vintage-inspired children’s wear and embrace sustainable style without sacrificing quality or style.
Here are some of my favourite preloved, consignment shops for kids that are Canadian:
- minissentials.ca – Women-owned, high-end brands, very well priced, cool style
- littleonescloset.ca – Women-owned, small shop in East-end Toronto, carefully curated
- canopykidsworld.ca – Women-owned, small shop in East-end Toronto, Scandinave selection
- fabrickcollective.ca – Women-owned, small shop in West-end Toronto, diverse selection
5. Visualize Your Concept
Craft a vision board to refine your concept and arrange your chosen pieces. Whether using a design software like Canva or a simple collage, visualize your aesthetic and streamline your shoot’s direction before hitting the shutter button. The simplest method to creating a vision board is to remove the background of your images and organize them into a Word document, Power Point or Pages.
6. Choose Your Photographer Wisely
If you’re not confident behind the lens, the investment in a skilled photographer who understands your vision is the really important. Four Toronto-based photographers that we have worked with that I highly recommend (for style of photography, bringing vision to life, professionalism, and just amazing people to work with) are: Zurry Donevan, Jenna Marie Wakani and Lucy Tran.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to thoughtfully craft a beautiful photo setup for your next family pictures, social media content, or branding project. Embrace your creativity by using unique locations and color theory to make any photoshoot look stylish and elegant.
