Mini Sessions in Downtown Canton
This year, I’m hosting mini sessions in Downtown Canton—a location full of charm and a variety of beautiful backdrops that allow us to create a diverse gallery of images in a short amount of time.
We’ll begin at the old courthouse, where the tall white marble building reflects beautiful natural light and creates a timeless, elegant backdrop. And if the sun decides not to make an appearance, no worries—we’ll still have the advantage of off-camera flash to create beautiful, polished images. The simplicity of the courthouse also helps keep the focus where it belongs: on you and your family, without a distracting background competing for attention.
From there, we can make our way to the gazebo area just across the street. With multiple trees, interesting architecture, and different views of the surrounding buildings, we can easily move from one vignette to another and create a variety of looks throughout your session.
Below, you’ll find a few examples of some of the backdrops we’ll be able to use to capture sweet moments with you and your family. There are plenty more to choose from, but these are a few of my favorites from a session I photographed there over the summer.
As a bonus, it had just rained right before we stepped outside, and the soft light and lingering moisture created the most magical glow around this sweet couple. Downtown Canton has so much character, and I can’t wait to use it as the backdrop for your family’s memories this year.
What to Wear
The most important thing? Wear something that makes you feel good. You truly can wear whatever feels most like you, but if you’re looking for a little guidance, here are a few things I recommend when planning your outfits:
Do coordinate, but don’t match exactly.
Choose colors that complement one another rather than putting everyone in the exact same outfit. Mixing coordinating colors, textures, and subtle patterns can add visual interest while still making everyone feel cohesive.
Avoid competing patterns.
Patterns can photograph beautifully, but try not to pair multiple bold patterns that compete for attention. For example, a large, bold plaid paired with a busy floral may feel visually overwhelming. If one person is wearing a statement pattern, consider balancing it with solids or more subtle textures for everyone else.
Wear color!
Don’t be afraid to incorporate color into your outfits. I especially love rich jewel tones and earthy shades—think mustard yellow, sapphire blue, emerald green, burgundy, rust, or deep plum. These colors tend to photograph beautifully and add warmth and personality to your images.
One color I typically recommend avoiding is hot pink or fuchsia, especially when it’s very bright or fluorescent. Those tones can sometimes reflect color onto skin or become distracting in photographs.
Choose comfort.
If you put something on and immediately feel uncomfortable, restricted, or unlike yourself, it may not be the best choice for your session. You’ll be moving, sitting, walking, hugging, and interacting with one another, so choose clothing you can comfortably move around in. When you feel good, it shows in your photos.
Be mindful of very thin stripes.
Thin, tightly spaced stripes can sometimes create an unusual visual effect on camera called moiré, where the pattern can appear distorted or wavy. Wider stripes or more subtle patterns are usually a safer choice.
Think about the whole outfit—including shoes.
Shoes often make their way into photos, so try to choose something that complements your outfit. You don’t necessarily need to buy new shoes—just avoid anything you wouldn’t want photographed.
Add layers and texture.
Sweaters, jackets, cardigans, textured fabrics, dresses with movement, and thoughtfully chosen accessories can add dimension to your photos. Layers can also give you a little variety throughout the session without requiring a full outfit change.
Avoid clothing with large logos or distracting graphics.
Unless it’s intentional and part of your personal style, large logos, characters, or prominent graphics can pull attention away from the people in the photo. Simple, timeless pieces tend to keep the focus on your family and the moments you’re sharing.
And finally, don't overthink it! These are simply suggestions, not rules. The goal is for your photos to feel like you, so choose outfits that reflect your personality, make you feel confident, and allow you to focus on enjoying time with the people you love.