What to Wear: Lysandra Cook Oahu Family Photography

With every session I offer a free consultation, either in person, on the phone, or via email. Without fail every consultation I am asked "what should we wear?"

In general I suggest you wear something you feel amazing in because that really shows in the photographs. Here are some more specific suggestions:

1. Show your personality! You are more than just khaki pants and a white dress shirt show it! If orange is your favorite color, wear orange. Like stripes? Great! Bring them with you. Simple patterns and bold colors look great on in person AND in photos. Choosing a bold color that is similar to your eye color is an awesome choice too. Choose clothing and locations to suit your style.

This family rocked it out matching their clothing to the location and style of the shoot they were after.


2. Add LAYERS and TEXTURE. Think scarves, hats, jackets, blazers, ties, denim, knits and corduroy. Long sleeves under short sleeves, leggings under skirts/dresses. Fun shoes like tall boots or sassy heels. A variety of textures will give your photos some extra punch to go with your great smile.

3. Be a head turner. Wear that top that fits just right. Or that dress that makes you feel like a million bucks. It is a fact; clothes that make you feel good make you LOOK good. If you have the option, why not wear something that makes you want to smile?

4. Avoid logos, bold patterns and character-wear. Leave Dora and Diego at home. Character-wear and logos may be precious in person but will leave you clueless in twenty years when you look back on your photos and try to figure out who that is on your shoes. Keep it timeless and focused on your faces, not your clothes.

5. Along the same lines, pick clothing that fits nicely. It should be neither too tight nor too loose. The clothes should hang on the bodies well, without folding or creasing. If you want the focus on your beautiful face don't skimp on the clothing.

6. Dress for full-length shots, which means socks and shoes that also match and are in good shape. For beach sessions I think barefoot is best.

7. Dress for the location we are shooting. Beach sessions are casual, fun, romantic, not stiff and stuffy. The light is soft and beautiful and we want colors that are enhanced by the lovely light and do not fight against it.

8. Coordination is the name of the game for family shoots. Don't wear a uniform but do coordinate the color palette and style. Please don't mix board shorts with ballgowns (unless that style expresses your inner freak).


This wonderful family came to me and agreed to show you an example of what to wear and what not to wear.

Leave a comment and tell me something great about their styling for this shot and you may be picked to win a free $50 print credit for your next session (1 random winner selected 3/15/12)




Here is a shot of things to avoid.

First Family of the New Year: Lysandra Cook Oahu Family Photographer

It is the new year and I have big plans to update my blog more often. There are many sessions that didn't make it up on the blog last year, some were because of internet shyness on the part of the family but most were because I didn't make the time. I pledge to do a much better job this year. You can always view my Facebook business page to keep up on my latest work.

This beautiful, young family was my first session of 2012. We met at Kalama Beach Park in Kailua, one of my favorite places to shoot on the Windward side.

Their one year old cutie was not shy in the least. In fact when we met in the parking lot before the shoot he immediately put his arms out for me to hold him. As soon as we hit the park he wanted down and was on the go. I swear the little guy was the fastest crawler ever.

He also had the biggest smile.


He was zooming around while I shot a few pictures of Mom and Dad.


He loved playing with Dad.


He loved exploring the sand, and eating a little.


He was fascinated with the sights and sounds of the beach.


I had a wonderful first shoot of the new year! Here is to many more!

Loving Couple: Lysandra Cook Oahu Couple Photographer

It was such a pleasure to shoot this beautiful couple at Ala Moana Beach Park. This lovely lady has been living and working in Hawaii. Unfortunately for her and her adorable boyfriend her visa has expired and she is heading home to Japan. I know they have planned his first visit for February.

It was my pleasure to shoot them together during their last days as a couple on Oahu.







Aren't they adorable? I wish them all the best in the future.