What to wear to your session!
Wardrobe Guide
If you're anything like me, figuring out what to wear may be one of the most stressful parts of the portrait session! Here are some tips on how to pick out your outfit for your portrait session.
1. Keep it simple.
Have you ever heard the saying: Keep it simple, silly? It sounds dumb, but when it comes to picking out a wardrobe, simple is best. Stick to solid colors and try to avoid large logos. You want your images to be a timeless reflection of the bond between you and your horse.
2. Flatter your shape.
Portrait sessions are all about showing how amazing you are both inside and out. When picking out your outfit, make sure you choose something that fits and flatters your natural body shape. Another tip would be to make sure to choose something that looks nice. Portrait sessions should be relaxing but also a special occasion. So choose something that isn't too casual.
3. Keep it relaxed and natural.
Your clothing, makeup and hair should look natural. Again, the goal is to show off your amazing, unique self. So my recommendation is less is more.
4. Plan ahead of time.
Plan your color palette and the vibes you're going for. Are you trying to aim for equestrian chicc? A long fancy dress? If it's a group session, make sure you view the outfits together beforehand. Don't "wing it" when it comes to outfit planning. You may think it'll be easy, but the last thing you want to do is be scrambling on the day of your session.
5. Be yourself!
At the end of the day, you want your photos to look like you! So keep the above recommendations in mind, but ultimately wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident! Don't save a new style for the day of your session. Try it out beforehand and make sure it's something that you like and ultimately reflects you.
Need some inspiration? Check out these links!
I can't wait for your session! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Alex
Prepping for your session!
Your session is right around the corner! Here are some tips to help you prepare!
Are you ready?! Your portrait session is one week away and it may sound silly, but I cannot wait to meet you! Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your upcoming session:
1. Practice beforehand.
If you're dream is gallop bareback on the beach, that's amazing! My first couple of questions are: Have you galloped your horse bareback before? Has your horse been to the beach before? Does your horse load?
Our goal should always be to set you and your horse up for success. The best way we can do that is by not surprising your horse during your session. I recommend practicing anything you would like to incorporate into your session beforehand. This can be anything from allowing your horse to get used to a big, frilly dress or bringing your horse to a new location at the barn that you typically don't visit, but you'd like to take photos at.
2. Treat yourself!
Portrait sessions are a special occasion! You work so incredibly hard and it's ok to treat yourself! Consider going that extra mile for yourself by scheduling a manicure or a pedicure. Or if you want to go really crazy, maybe go for a massage or schedule a hair and makeup appointment before your session. You want to make sure are feeling relaxed and absolutely amazing for your session!
3. Be early... but not too early.
Each session start time is designed to give you the best light for that gorgeous golden glow! Because of this, it's really important to be on time for your session. If you are running late, that's ok, but just understand that we may start to run out of light.
On the flip side, if you start prepping your horse too early, you may wear out your horse before your session even begins. My biggest recommendation is to lunge or ride your horse the morning of your session day. Give him a bath right after, then let him chill and graze in his stall. You can then be free to take care of yourself and he will only require minimal clean up once we are ready to go.
4. Preparing your horse.
Lunge or Ride your horse the morning of your session.
Bathe your horse. (Make sure you allow enough time for drying.)
Braid your horse's mane and/or tail. (Optional based on personal preference.)
Feed your pony. (Nobody likes a hangry person or a hangry horse.)
Clean your bridle and bit. (Saddle and other tack if used during session.)
Paint your horse's hooves.
5. Preparing yourself.
Pull out your outfit the night before. Make sure it's clean, ironed and ready to go.
Go out to lunch with friends.
Style your hair.
Apply makeup.
My biggest recommendation of all is to just relax and have fun! No one expects you to walk out as America's Next Top Model or your horse to stand like a statue. The odds are that I've already seen it and we can make sure those amazing moments are captured.
Alex
Final Tips!
Your session is tomorrow!! Eek!!
Here are some final tips to prepare for your shoot:
1. Lunge or ride your horse.
A tired horse tends to be a quiet horse. Ride or lunge in the morning, bathe, then spend the rest of the day on you!
2. Don't forget the fly spray.
There is nothing worse than getting attacked and eaten by bugs! Your horse will thank you for remembering this small detail.
4. Give yourself plenty of time.
The goal is to relax and have fun! Give yourself plenty of time to avoid that stressful "rushed" feeling. **On a side note, don't forget to feed you and your pony to avoid the hangry feelings too!**
5. Have fun!
The biggest tip is to have fun! Forget about work. Forget about the to do list. This time is about you and your horse and the love between you.
I can't wait to see you!!!
Your friend,
Alex