The one question I get asked most often as a photographer is, “what should we wear for our engagement session?!?”
Trust me, I totally get it. Sometimes it’s hard enough just to pick an outfit for yourself, let alone coordinate an outfit with your partner as well. And to be able to find something you’re both comfortable in? Oof…
While I’ve never considered myself to be a fashion icon, I love helping couples pick out outfits for their engagement sessions – I promise it’s actually much easier than you think!
Tip #1
I always like to encourage couples to bring at least two outfits for their engagement session – one casual, and one that’s a bit dressier. For some couples, this means rocking jeans and a t-shirt for one outfit, and a sundress and a button up and khakis for the other. For other couples, it could mean a suit and gown. I like to leave it up to each couple’s discretion on what they consider to be dressy!
Now, by no means do you HAVE to bring two outfits, nor do you have to limit yourself to two. I’ve found that having the second outfit option provides you with a range of photos that you can use for save the dates, social media, thank you cards, prints around the house, or even prints to use at your wedding or engagement party!
Tip #2
Make sure to wear something that you both feel comfortable and confident in! This is crucial.
When we don’t feel good in what we’re wearing, it shows, especially in photos. Plus, these are your engagement photos – they’re a big freaking deal! So go for it, wear your favorite outfit or the dress you’ve been dying to wear for months now!
If you’re struggling to find something nice to wear in your wardrobe, splurge a little on a new outfit that makes you feel gorgeous. Make a date out of it! Drop by the mall and try on a bunch of outfits and have a mini fashion show for each other, or order everything online and have the fashion show at home!
Either way, you deserve to feel confident and comfortable in your engagement photos!
Tip #3
This ties into the previous tip, and it may be a no-brainer, but make sure to show off your style! AKA, be you.
I joke about this on social media, but I mean it when I say, if you and your partner have a cool hobby you do together, and you want to show it off, GO FOR IT! I’ve photographed cosplay couples, couples who play airsoft together, and fishing couples. The most fun sessions are the ones where you get to show off who you are as a couple.
Any time you get photos done, they should be a representation of you. Your engagement photos are no different. I can’t stress this enough. I love being able to see the uniqueness in each of the couples that I work with. Please don’t feel like you have to show up dressed like the Pinterest-worthy engaged couples you see online if that’s not you. Every love story is unique – because every love story is made up of unique people. Own it.
Now that we’ve covered the most important bases, these next tips will get into the nitty gritty of it all…
Tip #4
Neutrals and earth tones are your best friends – especially when taking photos in nature. However, the location can play heavily into what colors will work best, so it’s always a good idea to keep location in mind when choosing outfits. The colors you choose can have an impact on the overall vibe of the photos.
I will say itβs best to avoid super bright colors at all costs β so definitely keep the neon green shirt at home. π
When coordinating with your partner, trying to match their colors to the exact hue isn’t necessary. Instead, try to find colors that compliment each other. Think of the color wheel that we learned about in art classes!
Tip #5
When working with patterns, make sure to balance out patterns and solid colors. For example, if one individual opts for a pattern shirt or dress, the other should opt for a solid that matches a color within the pattern. I would not recommend trying to match two heavily patterned outfits (plaid shirt, floral dress).
Above all else, your engagement photographer honestly just wants you to be yourself, to have fun, and to document your one-of-a-kind love story. That’s what it’s all about. And we will be here every step of the way to help make your dream engagement shoot a reality. π
Are you ready to book your engagement session?! Shoot me a message via the contact form on my website and we can start planning your session today!
