FAQ: Dresses for Photos | The Client Closet
Have a few more questions about the client closet available at my photography studio in Northern Virginia? You’re in the right place. Take a look at the most common questions below, and be sure to send me a note if you don’t see your question in the list.
How does it work?
It’s simple – I have a client closet of approximately 40+ dresses, and you are welcome to wear one during your session! This is a complimentary service offered with all of my signature portrait sessions. I have a variety of gown styles and sizes at the studio in colors and textures that photograph beautifully. Within the collection you can find maternity and bump-friendly dress options, along with options that will make you feel beautiful during newborn photos.
How we plan depends on your session location. See the chart below for more info!
How do I schedule a styling meeting to try on dresses at the studio?
After booking your portrait session, you’ll receive a link to schedule a styling appointment at the studio. You can also bring additional wardrobe options for the rest of the family if you have any items you’re considering. If not, no worries! We’ll discuss outfits in more detail at your meeting.
I booked a newborn session. Can I still try on dresses not knowing how they will fit?
Yes! Dresses that are “bump-friendly” work well for maternity sessions, newborn sessions, or regular portrait sessions. You’ll see that in the Fit & Sizing category. Many moms find their dress before their newborn session. You are also welcome to try on dresses the day of your session at the studio, or I can bring 2-3 dresses to you for in-home sessions.
I booked a maternity session. When should I schedule my styling appointment?
For maternity, we often start discussing wardrobe before your appointment. It’s hard to know exactly how big your bump will be at session time, so if we have the flexibility, it can be best to have your appointment close to your session date. That way, we have a good idea of what the dress will look like!
If you’re doing a studio session, you may even wait to pick the dress until the date of the session. However, I alway recommend having a backup outfit just in case for that option. Everyone has always found a dress, however, it’s better to be safe just in case. Even if we wait to have your styling appointment, we can still start planning wardrobe! Simply make a favorites list in the client closet gallery, and I’ll put together style boards with outfit ideas and shoppable links for the rest of the family. So by the time you try on dresses, you have a pretty good idea of what it will all look like together!
Am I responsible for cleaning the dress after the session?
No! I take care of that for you so you don’t have to worry about it. If you take a dress home with you to wear TO your session, please be mindful of keeping it in the provided wardrobe bag to keep it clean before hand.
How will you help me coordinate outfits for the rest of the family?
After your styling appointment, I will put together style boards based on your selections. They will include ideas for everyone else, along with shopping links. If you have something in your closet already that you would like to use, you can also send me photos of those items to use in the style boards.
I’m not able to have a styling meeting. Can you still make me a style board?
Of course! Just send me an email asking for one, and we’ll get started. You can even make a favorites list in the client closet gallery beforehand so I have a good starting point.
If I don’t use a dress in the client closet, can you still help me pick out what to wear?
Of course! If you haven’t filled out your portrait questionnaire, do that first. There are questions about what you want to wear in there, along with a portal to upload photos of clothing you already have, or links to items you want to buy. Once I have that, I can pull some ideas for you to help you get started!
If you have more questions, please email me at info@emilyalyss.com. I would love to help you out!
