What do I wear?!
The most important & only rule: Wear what represents YOU!
So many times we browse Pinterest and envision the perfect outfit, poses, location, and then you turn to your closet and realize… I have nothing that matches those photographs. I want to tell you that this is not a bad thing. I want your photographs to represent your own style.
Does that mean don’t go out and buy new clothes if you want? No. What it means is to keep your unique style and jazz it up as you see fit. Do you love to wear hats? Go for it! Do you commonly wear jeans and a vintage t-shirt with vans? Go for it! These are YOUR photographs and YOU get to choose how you want your style to shine through.
Colors
One of my biggest tips is to wear earthy tones. Earthy tones are tones that are naturally found in nature. Depending on what time of year and the location, the tones may change. Wearing earthy tones will help you to compliment your surroundings. Imagine your photographs being on the walls of your house for years to come, the early tones will help keep a timeless feel. A key thing when putting outfits together is to not “match” each other but to “compliment” each-other. An exception to this is typically blacks, denim, or whites- these colors do compliment well together.
I have linked my color palette inspiration here: https://pin.it/2JOoZNJ
Patterns
When it comes to patterns, less is more. Patterns can become a distraction is they are loud or large. Pick patterns that won’t distract from your faces and the emotion in the photographs. I always suggest that if one person is wearing a pattern, have the other wear a more simple outfit without patterns. For example, a simple floral maxi dress paired with a plain button up shirt or t-shirt. Try to avoid one wearing two separate patterns in one setting.
Props
Props are anything that you bring along to the photoshoot that isn’t your body, daily jewelry (don’t forget the ring ;)) or your clothing. When thinking through props, think of details you can bring that will show off your style, relationship, or your passions. Some go to props might be a blanket, wearing a hat, your pet/farm animals, a drink…or two, deck of cards, a vehicle, a favorite food (let’s have a picnic!!!!), a bouquet of flowers, jewelry pieces and the list goes on. One thing to remember is that your props should be meaningful to your relationship.
Comfort is KEY
My hope for all sessions is to capture the real emotion and love in a relationship. This can get tricky if you are not comfortable in your clothing. With remembering to stick to your style, picking out an outfit that you feel comfortable in physically and when looking into the mirror is key. During the photoshoot you are going to be moving, laughing, sitting, and hopefully having fun. This can get tricky if you are wearing outfits that you are constantly fixing, make you feel physically uncomfy, something you wouldn’t want to sit with and etc. Looking and feeling good in your clothes can help make the photoshoot that more relaxing and carefree.
Last tips & tricks
- Make sure the outfits make sense with the location.
- An engagement session can be a perfect opportunity to have a trial wedding day makeup and possibly even hair if you are planning on doing relaxed style
- Bring options, it never hurts to have a few shirts, pants, dresses, props, etc to pick through (I can also help give suggestions on spot)
- LAYERS!!! Adding layers can make a huge difference in style. This is also a way to get two/three different looks without a complete change! So yes, bring the on the denim.
- For engagement photographs I always suggest at least two outfits. Typically one outfit would be more casual (similar to going out to eat a local bar/restaurant on a Saturday night) and one outfit would be slightly more formal (a nice date night or celebration). Adding another outfit is okay, but please remember that it will take up time to change clothes and details. I typically say to wear casual first and more formal second (can change depending on locations).
That’s all I’ve got for now!
I am here to help you! Please let me know if you have any questions. If picking out outfits is causing you anxiety/stress, please reach out and I can Facetime you, set up a Pinterest board with you, you can send me pictures, or much more. So, go dig through your closet or get to shopping! Remember, the one and only rule is to wear what best represents YOU!