Engagement sessions are a wonderful opportunity to capture the love and excitement of your upcoming wedding. It’s also a great way to get to know your photographer before the wedding day. These photos will be cherished for years to come, so it’s important to choose outfits that not only reflect your personal style, but also look great on camera. Here are 10 tips for choosing the right outfits for your engagement sessions.
- Coordinate, Don’t Match
Coordinating outfits means selecting clothes that complement each other without being identical. Choose a color palette that works well together, and incorporate different shades and textures to add depth and interest to your photos. - Consider the Location
Your outfits should suit the location of your shoot. If you’re taking photos in a natural setting like a park or beach, opt for casual and comfortable clothing. For urban or formal settings, dressing up in business to business casual matches well. To give a small example, wearing green in the forest may make you blend in with the background, depending on the shade. - Dress for the Season
The time of year can greatly influence your outfit choices. Light, breathable fabrics work well for summer sessions, while cozy layers and rich colors are perfect for fall and winter shoots. Of course living in the Pacific Northwest, we definitely get used to wearing dresses and shorts on those cold fall days. - Stay True to Your Style
Wear something that feels like you. Your engagement photos should reflect who you are as a couple, so choose outfits that represent your personal style and make you feel confident. If that includes bringing a cosplay to put on at the end of your session, or to theme the engagement session around, do it!
- Pay Attention to Fit and Comfort
Ensure that your clothes fit well and are comfortable to move in. Engagement sessions often involve a lot of movement, so you want to feel at ease and look natural in your poses. Especially when you choose a photographer that uses prompts to pose with motion, rather than stiff posed photographs. - Limit Patterns and Logos
Busy patterns and logos can be distracting in photos. If you do choose a pattern, make sure it’s subtle and not overwhelming. Solid colors or simple patterns often photograph best. - Accessorize Thoughtfully
Accessories can enhance your look, but be careful not to overdo it. Choose a few key pieces that complement your outfits without taking the focus away from you and your partner. Also beware of things like hair ties, and apple watches. - Think About Hair and Makeup
Your hair and makeup should match your outfit and the theme of the session. Consider hiring a professional for anything complex. You can also practice at home to make sure you feel joy from it before the session. - Consult with Your Photographer
Your photographer can offer valuable advice on what looks best on camera. Share your outfit ideas with them, and ask for suggestions. Especially if your heart is telling you to wear something that is busy with patterns and may be a bit hard to move in, your photographer will know exactly how to guide you through it. - Engagement Sessions Can Be Themed
Like I mentioned before with staying true to your style, this can include props such as swords, masks, or even tarot cards. Engagement sessions can be a ton of fun when you get to show up being entirely who you are as people.
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