Blog » Jo Boucher Photography

What to Wear for your Photo Session

The question “What do I wear?” is something I hear ALL the time, so I’ve decided to make a post about what to wear for your photo session! Whether you’re having an engagement session or family photo session, many of the same rules apply.

1. Wear clothes that make you feel like yourself

First things first, when thinking about what to wear for your photo session, ensure you are dressing in something you’re comfortable in! If you’re a jeans and t-shirt kind of person, I don’t recommend wearing a ballgown to your photo shoot. Wearing something that you don’t feel comfortable in can result in feeling awkward, which usually shines through in the photos. Wear something that feels like you. After all, the most important thing in your photos is that you have a genuine connection with your family or partner.

2. Coordinate, rather than matching

Find a way to coordinate without matching completely. Remember that you don’t have to wear exactly the same colour – the same colour palate works well (different tones of the same colour). Another important thing is the style of the clothing. If one person is dressed to the nines, the others shouldn’t show up in a ball-cap. Try to keep it consistent.

3. Choose from a colour pallet: choose pastels, cools, and neutrals

Choosing a colour theme for a photo session can seem like a daunting task. My advice is to stick to a few neutral colours for you and your family or partner. Stay away from too many bright colours as the base, and save those for accents (mentioned below). This will keep your photos looking more timeless, which in my opinion is a really beautiful thing.

4. Accessorize

Accessories are a great way to jazz up an otherwise plain outfit. This could be shoes, scarves, jewellery, etc; or you could accessorize in the way of props. A picnic blanket and wine glasses is a super cute prop, and doubles as a way to loosen you up a little for the shoot! Other props like bicycles, vintage cars, musical instruments, or other items that have meaning to you are always fun to incorporate.

5. Don’t be afraid of colour

I know I mentioned earlier to keep things cool and neutral, but an accent colour pop photographs so well! Especially if one (or more) family members are wearing neutral colours, don’t be shy to bust out a bright skirt or top. It will be a great focal point in your photo session.

7. Location

Although not directly related to your outfit, the location is also a very important aspect of your photo session. I usually try to encourage couples and families to choose a location that is special to them. Whether it’s a favourite beach or cafe you love to spend time at, it adds a personal touch to the photos.

7. Have fun!

Last but not least, is to remember to have fun at your session. Focus on you and your family or partner, and make this about what makes you special! Don’t try to recreate someone else’s Pinterest board. Hang out and interact with each other the way you normally do. It’ll be fun, I promise 🙂

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Cherry Blossom Wedding Shoot

I’m a Cherry Blossom fiend. Always have been, always will be. I try to make it down to High Park in Toronto every year at the beginning of May to see these beauties put on their annual show. However, if you’ve ever spent any time in High Park during Cherry Blossom season, you are aware of how ridiculously busy it gets (and for good reason!) For this reason, finding another (less populated) area to see the cherry blossoms is key!

This year, when Sara from Beyond the Pines contacted me to take part in a Cherry Blossom shoot she had been planning at Cherry Avenue Farms in the Niagara region, I was BEYOND excited! Finally, a place less busy to enjoy the incredible blooms.

When I arrived the day of the shoot to see all the incredible vendors’ hard work coming together, it was like a dream. The tablescape was so beautiful, the forals were stunning, and the wedding dresses were perfectly chosen for the occasion. There was even a horse there (with a matching flower crown!)

As the sun began it’s descent, we photographed our amazing model Alli Walker and her husband Eric. Alli and Eric were naturals, and so clearly in love with each other, making the shoot even more incredible. The scene was like one from a dream; beautiful golden light peeking out between the incredible cherry blossoms and magnolias.

This was definitely a bucket list shoot for me, and I am so thankful and happy I was able to be a part of it! See below for some of my favourite images from the shoot, and check out the amazing vendors listed below!

Vendors:

Photographers: Beyond the Pines & Jo Boucher Photography

Dresses: Sash and Bustle

Hair & Makeup: Rachel Jones B Pretty

Decor: Beyond the Pines, Bide & Bee Vintage, Ethereal Creators, Thunderloft Paper, Rose et Vin

Florals: Narbail Designs

Video: Carmela Ferro

Jewellery: Kim Drosdick

Event Planner: Truemate Weddings

Cake: Lipstick Baker

Models: Alli & Eric

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Creating Great Lighting At Your Wedding

Lighting is one of the most important factors of your wedding day. If you’re like most people, this probably comes as a surprise! However, if you’re a wedding photographer (like me), it is likely that your entire approach to a wedding day is dependent on available light. Of course, as a photographer, I am equipped to shoot in any lighting situation. But when the light is GREAT, it takes things to a whole new level for creating something gorgeous together. Here are some of my favourite tips for creating great lighting throughout your wedding day.

Getting Ready

The area where you decide to get ready for the big day should have plenty of natural light. That means large windows, open floor plans, and limited clutter. Dark and cluttered hotel rooms mean adding lamps or flashes to the light available, which never looks quite as good as even, natural light.

great lighting tips wedding

First Look/ Reveal

Some couples opt for a first look before the ceremony. If you are planning a first look, here are some tips for great lighting! Usually the reveal happens in mid-afternoon, which means harsh lighting and squinting in photos. If you’re planning your first look outside, think about finding some shade for this part of the day. If your first look will be indoors, window light is your best friend! Finding an area with large windows can be perfect for a first look.

The Ceremony

If your ceremony is indoors, ensure you speak to your officiant and venue about lighting! Old churches and venues can be very dark, and certain officiants may not allow flash during your ceremony. You should always speak to your venue/officiant to see if there are any photo restrictions, and be sure to let your photographer know! If there are flash restrictions, inquiring about additional lights being turned on or lighting candles can be a game changer.

For outdoor ceremonies, there are a couple of options. First of all, think about scheduling your ceremony later in the day when the sun is low in the sky, around 4pm (or even later into the evening in the summer months). If the wedding will be taking place in mid-day sun, think about a location with open shade for more even lighting. Not only will your photos look amazing, but your guests will thank you for shade from the blazing summer heat!

Portraits

I’m sure you’ve heard of “golden hour” before. This is the hour after the sun comes up, and the hour before it sets! The dreamy light that happens at golden hour is seriously THE BEST for portraits. To me, golden hour is the definition of “great lighting”. I always encourage couples to plan a few minutes of time for portraits during golden hour (about 30 mins before sunset). Look up what time the sunset is on your wedding day, and add in an extra 15 minutes or so for photos. Trust me, it is so worth it. The lesser known “blue hour”, or the hour after the sun has gone down, is also beautiful for portraits.

It is also important to have a plan for indoor portraits, should the weather be nasty. Again, window light will be your best friend!

great lighting tips wedding

Reception

The reception is the part of the day where you really have the freedom to get creative to achieve great lighting! I prefer to avoid flash when possible at a wedding reception. This can be done when there is plenty of available light, whether it be candles, string lights, lanterns, or many other light sources.

great lighting tips wedding great lighting wedding reception

Talking to your photographer or wedding planner about how to achieve these lighting looks can go a long way! Feel free to get in touch if you ever have any questions about lighting for your wedding. Happy planning!

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Missy & Leigh | Gold Coast Wedding

Missy and Leigh’s incredible Gold Coast Wedding was one for the books.

Missy has been a close friend of mine for many years. We met in our first days at the University of Guelph in residence. Living in very close proximity to each other, we spent pretty much every day together. After rez, we moved along to living together off campus.

Spending countless days studying, nights partying, and sharing pretty much everything between our amazing group of friends was a blast. When Missy’s studies were complete, she went to Australia to complete teacher’s college. Her dream had always been to move to Australia, and being the competitive and over-achieving person she is, Missy made that happen.

Missy met Leigh while completing her internship. It wasn’t too long before they started to travel the world together. Leigh even popped the question at Machu Picchu (talk about epic proposal locations!) I was so excited when they asked me to spend their special day with them. Australia has always been on my bucket list, and the Gold Coast is such a beautiful area.

The Wedding

The wedding was truly magical, from beginning to end. The day started out at a beautiful home in a small town called Casuarina in New South Wales, where the wedding party prepared for the day ahead. After a quick trip in the most beautiful sky-blue VW bus, we were at Hastings Point for the ceremony. With the waves crashing as a backdrop, the sun shining, and the ocean wind whipping around them, Missy and Leigh celebrated their commitment to each other with their closest family and friends from around the world.

The reception portion of the day was held at Osteria, an incredible intimate restaurant venue. Beautiful greenery adorned the tables, and string lights filled the room. Dinner was followed by speeches, and soon, there was a full blown dance party happening. Missy and Leigh’s guests really knew how to have a good time! With Canadian flags and props, there was even a little slice of home.

Months after the wedding is over, I still find myself reminiscing about their big day. Not only because Missy is a dear friend and I was overcome with happiness to witness her marry her soulmate, but just because of the amazing vibes surrounding the couple throughout the entire wedding. Missy and Leigh, thank you so much for allowing me to play a small part in your wedding day. Cheers, mates!

gold coast wedding

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Brittany & Kevin | Brantford Wedding Photographer

You might remember Brittany and Kevin from their insanely adorable engagement shoot at Apps Mill in Paris, Ontario. We had such an amazing time together at the engagement shoot, I just knew coming into this wedding that it was going to be a good one. Oh man, was I right!

The Morning

I arrived at the groom’s Dad’s house where the guys were getting ready. Immediately I was offered a “beermosa” (orange juice and beer) – a great start to the morning! After spending some time with the guys, I headed over to the historic Arlington Hotel in Paris, ON. Brittany and her girls were getting ready for the big day in the “Jane Austen” suite. This beautiful room had an amazing view of downtown Paris.

First Look

After spending an hour or so with the girls, we headed across the street to the Dominion Telegraph Event Centre. There, Brittany and Kevin shared an intimate first look. They were both so nervous, it was the sweetest thing! Shortly after, the bridal party and family joined us for more fun and photos. I really had a blast with this fun group.

The Ceremony

The bridal party piled into their limo and headed off to the wedding ceremony, located at Bethel Stone Road Church in Paris. Brittany & Kevin’s friends and family gathered to share in their commitment to each other. Brittany & Kevin’s big day happened to fall on one of the coldest days of the year, with the weather hovering somewhere around -20°C. This meant that our time for outdoor photos was very limited – but after the ceremony we hopped in the limo and drove out to take a few snaps in the frigid cold! What troopers these guys were, braving the cold temps for a few photos.

Reception

Soon we were back in the limo and headed to the reception. There were many heartfelt speeches, and Brittany’s brother played guitar and sang for their first dance. Shortly after dinner, the dance floor erupted! These guys sure know how to have a good time! My personal favourite was the shot ski, labelled “Take a Shot, We Tied the Knot!” It was used pretty heavily throughout the night.

Brittany and Kevin, thank you so much for trusting me to document your wedding day. If all weddings were like yours, I would be one happy photographer 😉 THANK YOU!

brantford wedding photographer

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