Just the photographs you’re paying good money for that are going to be shared with everyone you know, hang on your wall, and stay in your family for all eternity — no pressure, right? Professional photos can come with a lot of stress to look and feel just right, so I’m here to make sure none of my clients have any regrettable elementary school photo moments! I’ve put together some tips to make sure you can go into your session looking and feeling your best:

The absolute last thing you want is to be is uncomfortable during your shoot. Aside from not being able to enjoy yourself, I promise you will LOOK uncomfortable in your photos. The very first thing to consider is where and when your shoot will be. As a Telluride photographer who has shot these locations many times before, I promise the heels you love because they make your legs look awesome are just not worth it if your chosen location is in the rustic mountainside. Shooting in the winter? A paper-thin dress might not be it. As a family photographer, let me tell you this is ESPECIALLY the case for your littles. The more comfortable they are, the better they will cooperate, and the better the photos will be. Best bet? Layer, layer, and layer some more! No matter what the weather throws at us, you will be prepared. Plus, you’ll be serving a variety of looks with zero wardrobe changes!

Next thing to consider — what do you expect your backdrop to be: colorful fall foliage, the the earth tones of downtown Ouray, dusty yellow summer hues, white winter wonderland? Consider wearing colors that will pop against or coordinate with your backdrop, and you will be so much more blown away with the art you get in return! Offer a little contrast with your wardrobe, and you will stand out against the landscape. Coordinate with the colors, and you will create a vibe that will give off the feeling of the magic of Telluride. With portrait and family photography, we need to make you the star and let the beautiful backdrop be your stage.

If you want to give your photos a little umph, there are things you can wear that will take your photos to the next level. First of all, loose, flow-y fabrics are your friend. Anything that can be whisked around and flow in the wind adds pizazz and artistry to your photos. Fringe, feathers, trains, capes, tulle are all our friends. Give me things to play around with, and believe me, I will! Funky hats, the bests of your crystal collection, bold lipstick, slits in dresses, open backs, all allow me to take advantage of some extra spicy photo-ops.

My job as your photographer is to turn beautiful, treasured moments into art you can have forever. Of course great art goes all the wall, so if you have a color scheme or vibe you like in your home, try incorporating the same feel into your wardrobe choices!

In my book, the most important thing to do when dressing for any shoot is to do you! We all want the PERFECT wedding photos, family photos, senior photos. Let’s be honest: there’s millions of those out there, and they all look the same after a few dozen posts in your feed. The reason I do what I do is to is to capture YOUR moments being YOU! I want you and everything that makes you, you to shine. Have an awesome back tat? Choose an outfit with an open back, and let me showcase that bad boy. Hate wearing dresses and being uncomfortable? Opt for an oversized knit sweater and comfy tights. Have rambunctious little ones who aren’t stoked to have the picture taken? Bring along their favorite butterfly wings and superhero cape to throw on for a few photos. Portraits capture who you are in a moment in time. In 30 years, when you look back on these captured moments, the time your sweet little batman and butterfly danced together in the mountainside will hit a lot harder than that “perfect family photo” you think you need.

So with all this in mind, create your vision. Then, don’t forget to meet with my stylist. All that’s left to do is go get dressed, and let’s make some magic together!