If you followed my blog for long, you probably recognize my friend Christy and her beautiful family in this family portrait session I shot yesterday. Christy had never had family portraits shot at the Park at Harlansdale Farms, and it was a perfect choice for this fall portrait session. The weather and the light were perfect and the girls had so much fun roaming around the farm. Christy and I have been friends for years, so I’ve known Haley since she was a toddler, and Hannah & Emily since birth. I actually photographed Emily being born. They are some of the easiest children I ever photograph and we always have so much fun.
Since Christy is often my guinea pig for trying new things, I was excited to have her be the first to try out a new service I’m offering to my clients to help them decide what to wear for their family portrait sessions. I don’t know about you, but for me, deciding what to wear is probably the most stressful part of planning a portrait session. I’ve never felt particularly good at it, even as the photographer. I often have an idea in my mind what I want, but actually finding the pieces in all the correct colors and sizes to purchase never seems to be easy. So I wanted to find a way to make that process easier on my portrait clients. I’m happy to announce that every client will now have access to the Style & Select tool. Style & Select is an interactive style guide and outfit coordinator on the web.
When you book a portrait session with me, you will be sent a link to the Style & Select questionnaire and a password to use the service. You will then fill out the survey based upon the needs of your family. The questionnaire will ask you the number of people being photographed, their ages, and your styling preferences along with what color scheme you would like to choose for your portrait session wardrobe.
The quick results page will show you photo-approved clothing pieces for each family member and you can view outfits side-by-side while favoriting items. You can play around with it until you have selected the perfect outfit combo! Click the email button to send yourself the selected items or shop for the clothes right away by clicking the shopping cart buttons. You don’t have to purchase the items recommended. You can also use them as inspiration for shopping at your favorite store, on Amazon, or even in your own closet.
Christy’s thoughts on using the Style & Select Tool
“The Style & Select tool was an easy way to get coordinated outfits in the style and colors I like. I was able to come up with several family outfit selections without spending a ton of time scrolling online or actually shopping! I love that it offered several price points and at stores I frequently use (aka Amazon). I was even able to upload a couple of dresses we already had to make sure it all coordinated. I just love how everything came together. It was so easy to use and fun too!”
And I am just thrilled with the results. Emmy’s dress, recommended by Style & Select, is one of my favorites. They look so gorgeous and coordinated without being too matchy. I’m very pleased with the first session to use the service and hope that all my clients find it to be a helpful tool to make planning portrait sessions less stressful.
If you haven’t booked Fall Family portraits yet for your family, I still have a few spots left, so book yours today! I also have two spots left for Holiday Mini Sessions at Country Cove Farm on October 11. The Mini Sessions are great for small families, older kids or kids who are used to working with me. If you have a large group or think it may take some time for the kids to warm up to me, you may want to book a full session.