PORTRAIT STYLE GUIDE
FOR A STRESS FREE EXPERIENCE
I'm so excited for your portrait session on film. I'm so honored to help you create memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime. I've created this guide to help you get the most out of your photos, and by the time you’ve read through this guide, you'll have all your questions answered and feel more than ready and prepared for your session.
If you have questions, just shoot me an email hello@jenniferhubbell.com. I'm here to help. Happy planning!
Mood
My goal for your session will be minimalistic and romantic. Film is intentional and is a slower pace. Be prepared to take some time for me to set-up the shots, this includes finding good light, and getting you comfortable and relaxed.
CHOOSING THE BEST LIGHT
Film loves light. I love natural light because it feels fresh, timeless and true. I begin all portrait sessions two hours before the scheduled sunset or within two hours of sunrise.
To get the most out of your session, please plan a buffer when getting ready so you can arrive a few minutes early to your session and be ready to start on time.
I’m only able to shoot when natural light is still in the sky, so we’ll want to take advantage of every minute we have together before the sun goes down.
If you’re wearing multiple outfits, wear your traditional outfit first, and if you’re wearing one, arrive in that.
SAY YES TO THE DRESS
Dresses and skirts look most stunning because they really flatter every female body, especially on camera — which is probably why the red carpet is always full of so many dresses and not very many pantsuits!
Long, full-length, flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos. Especially when juxtaposed with nature, like the desert.
THINK LIKE A MINIMALIST
When choosing outfits, the goal is to capture your essence with clarity and focus. Opting for clean, uncluttered clothing in neutral tones like off-white, charcoal, beige, and gray helps to draw attention to the subject's features and expressions without distraction. Simple yet well-tailored pieces enhance the elegance and timelessness of the image, allowing the viewer to connect more deeply with the subject's emotions and personality. Minimalist styling in photography film creates a sense of purity and authenticity, elevating the visual narrative by emphasizing the raw beauty and sophistication of the subject in a way that transcends trends and time.
CHOOSING COLORS
It does matters what you wear in my type of photography. If you are drawn to my work, it’s because I have a sophisticated and contemporary feel. Opting for clean, uncluttered clothing in neutral tones like oatmeal, beige, gray, taupe, ivory, cream, off-white, charcoal, khaki, sand, or slate colors helps to draw attention to the subject's features and expressions without distraction. Floral print dresses are also a great option. Jewel tones also translate beautifully to film, colors like: emerald green, sapphire blue, amethyst purple, topaz yellow, and aquamarine blue.
Choose SOLID colors, they will help bring all the attention to your faces and let the eye focus on the way you feel. Pops of color can be added in your jewelry, scarves, or painted nails.
To maintain a timeless look, AVOID ultra-bright, bold and neon colors, and graphic tees and lettering/words on clothes. They are so distracting.
The goal is for the second outfit to be in this color scheme but not necessarily the traditional one.
FLATTERING YOUR FEATURES
In my experience, every woman, regardless of her shape has an area of her body that she’s self-conscious about, so recognizing what area in advance is key. Choosing flattering silhouettes and colors that complement your natural features is the best way to ensure you’ll love the way you look in your photos.
Three-quarter length sleeves, off the shoulders top or sheer sleeves create a wonderfully slimming effect on all arms. You could also bring a cute jacket, blazer or cardigan along, too.
I love heels! They will elongate women’s legs, making them look super fabulous. Closed-toed heels in particular look great on camera because they carry out the line of your leg all the way down to your toe. If your toes are showing in a peep-toe heel, you might want to schedule a pedicure before your session so you don’t regret letting your feet show. These little tricks make all the difference! If you’re not a heels type, please don’t show up in heels. It’s okay to wear flats or ballerina flats.
Quick Tip: Bring a pair of easy-to-kick-off flats to wear when moving from place to place in between photos. Your feet will thank you later!
MAKE A STATEMENT
Pairing an accessory or two with your outfit can really help bring some extra dimension to your images. Big statement necklaces bring a lot of pop to the photos, like squash blossoms (my personal favorite!).
Belts, bracelets and earrings bring great visual interest, so choose one or two that don’t compete for attention.
GO PRO: HAIR & MAKEUP
Film is an investment so be sure to look your very best. Professional hair and makeup is on the top of most of my clients’ checklists because it looks amazing on camera and removes the stress of getting ready on your own. This is the time to treat yourself! If you’re working with a makeup artist, have them apply your makeup in natural light, if possible, so that it looks fresh and not too heavy or over-the-top. Plus, that’s the type of light I’ll be shooting in, so it’ll give you the best expectation of how it will translate on camera. Think fresh and natural.
Most of my clients feel like their professional makeup is “too much” at first, since it’s more than you would wear on a normal day, so if you feel that way at the beginning, don’t worry! Good makeup artists know how to get it just right for the camera — and my clients always love the final result.
If doing your own makeup remember film is very soft and loves a ton of light. With this in mind, be sure to add some pop to your eyes and lips. If you were to go in your everyday makeup it may wash you out. Try faux eyelashes like Ardell’s naked lashes and a pop of color on your lips (try the Make Moves color from Maybelline). Quick Tip: Confidence. It’s always the best accessory.
FASHION TIPS FOR HIM
Long, fitted pants and closed-toed shoes are the most sophisticated and masculine looks for men. They draw attention away from his legs and feet and place it where you want it: on his handsome face. So, for your session, it’s best to leave the shorts, sandals and ripped jeans at home, as well as any pants that are loose or baggy. Fitted dress pants or fitted colored pants work best on camera. I also recommend staying away from graphics and logos.
LAYERED LOOKS
Next time you walk by a store like J. Crew, you’ll notice the male mannequins and models are always wearing several layers at once. Layers on men look great on camera, so even when it’s hot outside, trust us when we say that it’s worth an hour or two of discomfort for photos that will last you both a lifetime. Adding another layer will bring extra dimension and visual interest to your photos. Blazers, vests and coats up the level of any look. If the temperature permits, he could even consider adding a v-neck sweater with a pop of color from a long-sleeved collared shirt and tie underneath. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers!
MIX IT UP
Many of my guys love to mix a suit coat, blazer or sport coat with a different pant color. It adds some extra visual interest, and breaks up the color tones. I'm a big fan of this fresh take on a timeless classic.
IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS
Brown leather dress shoes complement almost every look, whether he’s wearing a full suit or a blazer and colored pants. Ties, bowties, pocket squares, colored socks, belts, tie clips, suspenders, vests and hats are sharp complements to any outfit for the guys. If you bring two outfits to the session, you can start with a traditional necktie and belt, then switch to suspenders and a bow tie for your second look. If two looks are too stressful, no problem! One will do the trick! Also, remember to steam iron your cap and gown. Wrinkles will show up and are difficult to edit out.
HOW TO PREP YOUR GUY
Most guys aren’t overly excited to take photos for an hour or so, because they don’t have an expectation of what’s to come and why it’s so important to you. Take fifteen minutes to educate and empower your guy. Trust me, once he knows it’s important, he’ll light up the camera for you! The most common thing I hear from guys before photo sessions is this: because of a bad experience in the past, they don’t like taking photos or don’t think they’ll be good at it. By the time we’re done, though, they can’t believe how fast it went and just how much fun they had!