What To Wear For Engagement Photos
Ultimately, you should wear what you feel most confident and comfortable in. Above all else, you should feel like your outfits are completely "you" and reflect your personality and style. The information that follows isn't to force you to wear something you normally wouldnāt, it's to guide you in the right direction to select the best options out of what you already own!
With that being said, here's a guide to help you choose outfits will photograph best so your photos turn out the best possible!
Colors
From experience, we've found that neutrals and earthy tones photograph best. This doesn't mean you can't wear colors- there's neutrals for every color!
Instead of green, try a soft forest green. Instead of bright orange, go with a burnt orange. Instead of yellow, go for a mustard yellow. Don't wear colors that are too similar to your partner, as you'll blend together in the photos.
White dresses aren't just for weddings! An off white, loose dress or romper photographs so well and is easy to pair with whatever your partner is wearing.
Since we are shooting outdoors in nature 99% of the time, bright fluorescent colors end up becoming more of a distraction which is why we recommend staying away from them.
Patterns
Patterns can really be hit or miss, which is why we generally recommend avoiding them unless you are bringing them as a spare option. Many times while shooting outdoors in nature, patterns can make the images too busy and distracting.
However, if your favorite shirt or dress that you are so excited to wear has a pattern, don't let this stop you from wearing it. If you wear a pattern, make sure that it's only ONE pattern between both of your outfits, please avoid both wearing a pattern as it will likely clash.
Soft, subtle patterns are fine. Flannels are generally fine as well, as long as they are neutral in color. Avoid at all costs: Stripes that are close together, as they create a moirƩ effect in camera. Big chunky patterns, logos and graphics can be distracting.
Movement
Movement is a key component to a good image. Outfit wise, anything that can show movement or catch wind is a huuuge yes!! Think flowing dresses, skirts, etc.
You'll be moving around quite a lot during the session, so please wear an outfit that allows for this- no super low cut shirts, short dresses, high heels, etc. Otherwise, it will restrict us from doing a variety of "poses".
We aren't picky when it comes to shoes. However, we recommend avoiding high heels as they restrict the amount of movement we can do. You can bring heels to change into for the static shots,ut we want to ensure you donāt hurt yourself while walking, running, spinning, etc!
ACCESSORIES & PROPS
HAIR & MAKEUP
MISC.
Some choose to have their hair and makeup professionally done for the session. We recommend doing whatever is going to make you feel confident and happy with your appearance! If you don't typically wear a lot of makeup, you probably want to avoid having heavy makeup done for the session since it won't look/feel like you. Either way, you may want to consider bringing a mirror, brush and makeup for touch-ups (especially if the session is during the summer when it's hot + humid).
Please iron your clothing, we do not photoshop out wrinkles.
If you have animals, it's a good idea to bring a lint roller to get rid of any visible hair.
Wear clothing that makes sense for your location. If itās going to be cold, opt for warmer materials that hold in heat like flannel or wool. If itās going to be hot, opt for cooler materials that can breathe.
Hats, sunglasses, scarves, jewelry, etc. adds interest to the outfits and photos.
Consider incorporating props into your session such as your dog, a bouquet, champagne to pop (or beers to shotgun!), a blanket to sit on, a picnic, your favorite foods (pizza, donuts, etc.), even your car or motorcycle.
