At Blue Sky’s Studio, we’ve always prioritized making every detail perfect for our clients’ photography sessions. That’s why we hire professional stylists to help you select not only the right wardrobe and accessories, but to coif your hair, and create that picture-perfect makeup look. Here are a few of our secret methods to make you look your best on photo day!

Do you ever look at those photos of celebrities and wonder how much is PhotoShop and how much is just great styling and posing? We get it. And while we do perform tastefully subtle PhotoShop enhancements for some clients (wink, wink), we prefer to make you look your best from the start.

wardrobe details

Pay Attention to the Details

When selecting what to wear for your photography shoot we always recommend a few wardrobe changes for variety, but be sure to notice the details.

Ask yourself: how does it fit? Is it flattering to your body type? Does it feel good on you? Do the armholes fit? Is the hem in the right place. 

Be sure to test each garment, complete with any accessories, or layers you plan on wearing. Take some time to do a 360 view in the mirror to make sure it looks how you want it to. Try different accessories, shoes, skirts, pants, etc. until you find the right combinations.

If you don’t trust your mirror, take selfies or have a friend snap quick photos of you in your outfits so you have a better idea of how it will look for your professional pictures.

Can’t decide? No problem. Bring your wardrobe options to your shoot and our stylist will give you professional advice on which pieces work best.

Natural Blush & the Egg White Facelift

Most women apply blush to their cheeks after they’ve finished their foundation, but did you know that if you do the blush first (a little heavier than you usually would) and then apply foundation, you’ll achieve a more blended, natural look?

Niki Metz, of Jouer, also recommends that you apply egg whites to your face, especially around the eyes, a couple hours before you apply makeup. Then just before it’s time for makeup gently rinse off with warm water. The egg whites have a tightening effect on your facial skin.

Of course, if you’re using our stylist, you won’t need to worry about applying makeup after your faux facelift.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Spanx

Did you know that according to celebrity designer, Rob Zangardi, who styles stars like Jennifer Lopez, Ciara, and Rachel McAdams, that even models wear shape-friendly garments like Spanx?

It’s true! Shapewear helps smooth out your least favorite areas so the camera won’t even know they’re there. Rob also says that the must-have shapewear is the Spanx Short, to tuck in your tummy, hips and thigh areas. Just don’t forget to try it on with your clothing so you know how it will fit.

Prep Your Canvas (aka Your Face)

No matter how great your makeup, it will always look even better when your skin looks its healthiest.prep your face

A week before your shoot, be sure to get good sleep and drink plenty of water.

Don’t get any crazy new facial treatments or products that could potentially cause allergic reactions or discoloration. Also be sure to keep up with your normal skincare regime. And don’t forget to moisturize those lips!

The night before your shoot, avoid alcohol. Even a small amount can make your face a little puffy or dehydrated. And be sure you get a good night’s rest.

The day of the shoot, be sure to arrive makeup-free and ready for our stylist to work her magic!

Tailor It!

Let’s say you found that almost perfect dress or blouse, or jeans, but they’re not quite right. No problem, if you plan ahead.

Don’t be afraid to take it to a tailor or an alterations place and have them nip and tuck the garment so that it fits your body in the most flattering way. It’s a great way to speed up your shopping process too–as long as it can be altered to fit your unique body or style.

How You Feel

How you feel makes all the difference. In the end it’s important to pick a wardrobe that fits who you are. When it comes to completing your look with makeup and hairstyling, be sure to bring some pictures of the type of looks you like. Our stylist will work with you to create a look that feels natural and expresses your best self. dress in what makes you feel good

Bonus tip: We often use Pinterest to create mood or theme boards for different Orange County photography shoots. Even if you never use Pinterest for anything else, we recommend signing up and using their massive database of images to create your own board with the styles that feel like you! Then you can show us your board prior to, or at your session!

Hair Style

Be sure to schedule your hair color update at least a week before your shoot so that the color has time to mellow to it’s best shade and your roots won’t show!

Avoid getting a new hairstyle just before the shoot. And even if you’re just getting a trim, be sure to do it at least a week in advance, again so your hair settles into it’s usual look.

If your hair is on the dry side consider doing a professional deep conditioning a few days before your photography session.

Nail It!

An often overlooked part of your overall style is your hands and fingernails. Be sure to go get a manicure a few days before your shoot. You don’t have to do color, but trimmed cuticles, nails, and moisturized hands create that beautiful finished look in all of your photos.

get a manicure before your photo shoot

We hope you’ve enjoyed these styling tips. It’s always an honor to see the beautiful results our stylists achieve in our Orange County photography sessions.

Learn more about all of our Orange County photography services and book your session today!

Can we be honest about something? Even if we don’t always think the highest of celebrity’s morals or ethics, we certainly admire their sense of style. In our research for our upcoming Vanity Fair studio photography sessions we came across some truly stunning celebrity family photos that we think might inspire your next family portrait session.

Brad & Angie

When we think of stylized glamour and family fun, our first choice is always Brad and Angelina. Though their relationship may not have been made to last, who could forget their timeless vintage-inspired photo shoot in W magazine? Sure these were taken before the birth of their biological children and these kids aren’t even their adopted children.

But we love the mid-century inspired Steven Klein shoot in Palm Springs.

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See all of the photos from this feature in W Magazine

And who could forget their charming, cozy, and candid family photos announcing the birth of their twins, Vivienne and Knox?

angelina-jolie-and-brad-pitt-twins

Royal Family Photos

Now let’s hop the pond for a moment and take a gander at the beautiful, somehow down-to-earth portraits of England’s Prince William and Kate’s darling family.

Their fall family portrait in stylishly regal coordinated wardrobe highlights their children’s adorable character while showing a less perfectly-posed side to the royal parents.

Prince William and Dutchess Kate with their children

Celebrity Mother-Daughter Portraits

Some of the most stunning celebrity mother-daughter shots are classic beauties we can reproduce in our studio.

Look at these beauties:

Beyonce and Blue Ivy. Vogue, 2013

Gwyneth Paltrow and Blythe Danner. 

Celebrity Family Photos by a Celebrity Photographer

And no celebrity family photo round-up would be complete without selections from the photographer who is just about as famous as most of her subjects, Annie Leibovitz.

Katie Holmes, Tom Cruise and Suri, just after her birth:

katie holmes and tom cruise

Mark Zuckerberg and pregnant Priscilla Chan:

t-mark-zuckerberg-priscilla-chan-annie

And even the Obama family have had their portraits taken by Leibovitz:

https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2009/10/barack-obama-annie-leibovitz

Vanity Fair

When it comes to evocative, gorgeous family portraits, we hope you’ve enjoyed this inspiration. We look forward to capturing stunning images of your own family celebrities.

Let us know which celebrity-inspired photos you might like to reproduce with your next family photography session!

While most of the country thinks that Orange County lives in a state of perpetual summer, we locals know better. Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year here. Sure, there aren’t as many leaves that change color, but we at Blue Sky’s Studios have some choice locations at the ready for fall family portrait sessions.

Check out some of our favorites from our Fall Orange County Photography collection and be sure to check back soon for a fresh batch of new autumn family photos:

Fall family photos in the park, with the poochies, too.

Boho kids photography in the park:

Orange County Family Photos in the park, with key props to set the scene:

Coordinated outfits look great in fall family photos:

Don’t be afraid to play in the leaves!

And don’t forget, the whole family is welcome!

I hope you enjoyed this little collection of some of our favorite Fall in the Park photos, we’ll have more to inspire you soon.

Orange County Family Photography: Fall in the Park 2017 Edition

fall-in-the-park

Last week we took the beautiful Velasco family out for a autumn-inspired family photography session in Laguna Niguel park. We just loved the way the photos turned out. It was hard to pick just a few for this post. Maybe these shots will inspire you to take advantage of our Fall in the Park promotion (details below).

orange-county-family-photographer-fall-in-parkmom-dad-kids-orange-county-photographerkids-fall-photos-professional

 “Sometimes you never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”

-Dr. Seuss

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Capture your family memories during our Fall in the Park promotion.

Book now and you’ll receive:

$50 OFF YOUR SESSION FEE

Plus, the first 10 people to book their session

will receive a $100 print credit.

Book Now!

 Picture your family in the unmatched beauty of nature’s changing leaves.

Note: Offer expires Oct. 29, 2017, or when sessions fill, whichever comes first.


It’s that time of year again where the weather begins to cool down (well, maybe not so much in Orange County). The kids are getting ready to start a new school year. We’ve been prepping for one of our favorite family portrait seasons: autumn.

Fall is a beautiful time of year to have a family photo session in Orange County, not only is the more neutral, earthy color palette a gorgeous backdrop for your family, but the cooler(ish) temperatures make accessorizing and layering even more fun and feasible.

Here are some children’s fashion trends to help you dress your little munchkins in fall fashion for their photography session.

Denim is In

Check out these cuties in their indigo:childrens-photographer-orange-county

Ballerina Skirts

Not just for dancing anymore, these adorable frilly skirts aren’t just fun to wear, they bring a playful beauty to your child’s photos:

 playful-skirt-kids-fashion-orange-county-photography

Layer up

Layers and accessories are a great way to add texture to your child’s fall portraits. Plus it really brings home the seasonal feel.

Classic Black with a Little Texture

If you want to keep your wardrobe low key, but still interesting, classic black with a touch of modern texture will really show fall colors and your child’s beautiful features. This sweet little girl looks stunning as she plays in the fall leaves.

classic-black-fall-fashion-2017

Speaking of Classic

Traditional styles are always in fashion and give children’s photography a timeless look. Dress your children in varying shades of the same color palette to produce a family photo that is simultaneously interesting, yet focused on your children’s faces.

traditional-classic-childrens-photography

Boho Babies

Layered, accessorized Boho is still in and especially fun for fall children’s portraits as it ties in to the feel of the season.

boho-babies-childrens-fashion-orange-county-photography

No matter what your adorable children wear for their family photo session in Orange County, we’ll help you choose the right themes and looks. We are honored to help you capture those precious fleeting years of childhood.

Book an Orange County Family Photography session today!