“Clothing can make or break the shot.”
Tamara Lackey.

Thank you for contacting Dream Come True Photo!  Yes, I am so excited to hear from you and help you to design a special experience to boost and preserve your brand, your self-confidence, your unique personality!

I know, we've already talked about our session in depth, settled on some goals and budget, time to discuss the juiciest details: your outfits, dear!

Even I've got to admit: when it comes to clothing selection, Glamour and Personal Branding photoshoots are the most fun to prepare.  With just a few basic guidelines to keep in mind, this is that one session where you can get the most adventurous, the most authentic, the most elegant, the most stylish, the most daring and the most... YOU!

What do you need?

Dream Come True Photo Artistic Contemporary Glamour Portrait headshot with a stylish pink grey scarfDream Come True Photo Artistic Contemporary Glamour Portrait headshot with a stylish pink grey scarf Think 4-6 outfits. Think variety of textures and styles.  Think accessories.  Think hats, scarves, necklaces, rings!!! Skip shoes.  Ok, ok, I got it!  That pair is too precious, yes, it belongs with the outfit and yes, of course I'll figure out a way to incorporate it into a shot.  No, we don't have to photograph each of those, but it is better to have a selection... 

Wait, darling! Not every outfit is right for the job: we'll cover in detail what photographs best.  Yet, even before you head into your closet, I have a created a special Questionnaire that helps my clients (and me!) identify their goals for the session, stylistic preferences, unique personality and create the look that would work best for every single one of those.  What, you already filled it out?  Good gracious, you are the best!!! Yep, once you have a clear vision what we are about to create, let's get those zippers cracking, those heels clicking, those saches flailing! 

And... this is the spot where every one of my clients usually says they have absolutely nothing to wear.  Yep, its' true... and then they show up with a suitcase full of hundreds of combinations and outfits!  That's fine, I like options.  I'd photograph them all if the time allows, but we can always pick the best options together...

Dream Come True Photo Artistic Contemporary Portrait of a beautiful girl in her forties. Moms exist in family images!Dream Come True Photo Artistic Contemporary Portrait of a beautiful girl in her forties. Moms exist in family images! What you really need to remember:

1. It is not that complicated!  I promise!
2. I am here to help you at every step. Yep.
3. Still in doubt?  Call me, text me, email me, send me a snapshot and you'd find me even more excited to listen and discuss the details than your girlfriends. Still not sure? Bring it all. Things that would not work as well, we don’t have to photograph. Things that you don’t bring, I can’t photograph.  
4. Moreover, ask me about my Design and Style Consultation - I absolutely love to meet you in person and help you hand-pick every item that will be the right choice for your special experience.

Feeling better?  Then let's get to...

4 Types of Outfits to Bring

Just like the bride needs something old, something new... you need: something light, something dark, something sassy, your trademark!  Yep, silly, but easy to remember ;)

1. Something Light: I love both light colors and light fabrics (not necessarily in one package).   Silky flowy pieces that fly in a breeze, shimmer and sparkle as you give it a go, allow you to play with it as you dance and have fun.
2. Something Dark: nothing can beat the elegance of all dark outfit.  Your favorite business suite, or a little black dress, or a navy lace top over jeans, or a long velvet Dream Come True Photo TImeless Artistic Maternity Photos in Marlboro NJDream Come True Photo TImeless Artistic Maternity Photos in Marlboro NJ gown - awwww, all of them are timelessly stunning.
3. Something Sassy. Or Sexy.  Or something you like to wear for going out. Or THAT special dress you are still waiting for THAT rare occasion to wear!  
4. Your Trademark!  Your very special look: not something you get to wear every day, but something that looks like it is "you and all of your dreams"...  think of your favorite designer, style icon, movie character, celebrity, magazine, personality traits, things you love to do: is it going to be Chanel or Anthropology?  Lace or sequin? Audrey Hepburn or Lady Gaga?  Short bohemian tutu or long pair of ripped jeans? Your dance flowing skirt or workout yoga pants?  We've created looks based on a work attire, Halloween costumes, gym comfies... it is all about You!

Quick and Easy Dressing Dos and Don’ts Dream Come True Photo Beauty Glamour sweet charming smiling authentic personalityDream Come True Photo Beauty Glamour sweet charming smiling authentic personality

These are not hard and fast rules.  These are my favorite guidelines for getting the best look in the images.  Still, keep in mind, that if it is special for you, true to your personality, I’ll find a way to make it look good in a shot.  Some of these may look familiar... some may be specific to this janra.

5 Quick DOs:

1. You can pick as many outfits, changes of clothing as you like.
2. Don't forget your accessories: hats, scarves, necklaces all make your look more personal and the experience - so much more fun!
3. Find things that you love, make you feel good, stylish, fun - whatever the feeling you'd like to portray. Feel free to go shopping.  No need to cut the tags - still images allow us to hide them.  Or...
4. Use your home as an inspiration!  I am notorious for fashioning curtains to look like skirts, scarves as strapless tops, even dresses out of throws...  keep in mind colors in your home: thinking of spaces where your artwork can be displayed can help you integrate your clothes style and color scheme with your favorite interior design decisions.
5. Please stick to solid color clothing - clothes can be as much fun as you'd like, but it is YOU who is the most important. Contrasting colors can distract from faces. Feel free to pick bright, fun, anything that suits you, but in one outfit Vary the TEXTURES, not colors.
6. Get layers - blazer or vest over a blouse (as additional option), two-piece, shawl over a dress... more variation!
7. Keep it timeless!  You want to enjoy looking at these clothes 10-15 years down the Dream Come True Photo: clothing selection for a curvy girlDream Come True Photo: clothing selection for a curvy girl: pick fitted clothes! road.

3 Easy DON’Ts:

1. Please skip patterns, stripes, letters and trends. Stripes and patterns create optical illusions. Logos and letters are really-really distracting. Minute trends date the images. I’d like to create portraits for you that are as pleasing to the eye in 10-20-50 years from now. Timeless. Emotional. Touching.
2. Avoid loose or baggy clothes: it is all about shape! No matter what size you wear, stop hiding your body!  I can shed 10-20 pounds with lighting, posing and a gentle retouch. Form fitting clothes make you look slimmer while baggy ones... well, you got the point.
3. When it comes to colors, avoid extremes: too bright, too contrasty. Again, these images should be about you.

Review more clothing ideas on our Glamour Pinterest Board and use them to create your own!  

That’s it! Really!

Still stumbled or excited? Time to give me a call: 732 595-2121.

Dream Come True Photo Artistic Contemporary Authentic Portrait of a beautiful girl in her thirties with uniquely long hair. Moms exist in family images!Dream Come True Photo Artistic Contemporary Authentic Portrait of a beautiful girl in her thirties with uniquely long hair. Moms exist in family images!