Engagement sessions are a great opportunity for couples to capture their love and excitement to announce their big day. They also serve as an opportunity for the couple and their photographer to work together for the first time. Your outfits for the session can play a significant role in the overall look and feel of these photos.
My opinion is that wardrobe selections can be made by these two principles:
Just Be Yourself: The more convenient of the two options, this allows you to choose outfits already in your wardrobe. The clothing is meant to fit your style and offers familiarity and comfort.
Be Whoever You Want to Be: Here's your chance to use your imagination and capture the images that are sure to knock the socks off your family and friends.
In addition to these principles, here are my 13 tips for choosing your wardrobe for engagement sessions:
1. Casual and Comfortable: Consider starting with casual outfits. Jeans, t-shirts, and comfortable dresses can help you feel relaxed and natural during the shoot. These outfits are great for capturing candid moments.
2. Personal Style: Don't be afraid to showcase your personal style. If you both love vintage fashion, for example, you can wear retro-inspired clothing. Let your outfits reflect your interests and personalities.
3. Coordinate Colors: Choose a color palette that complements both of your skin tones and the location of the shoot. Coordinating colors, rather than matching, can create a visually pleasing contrast.
10. Location Consideration: Think about the location of your engagement shoot. If you're planning a beach shoot, consider flowy dresses and casual beachwear. For a more urban setting, opt for trendy city-inspired clothing.
3. Seasonal Attire: Consider the season when planning your outfits. Light, flowy dresses and pastel colors work well for spring and summer, while cozy sweaters and earthy tones are perfect for fall and winter.
4. Classic Black and White: Black and white outfits can create timeless and elegant photos. A black suit or dress paired with white or cream can give your engagement session a classic touch.
5. Complementary Patterns: Subtle patterns like stripes or polka dots can add visual interest without being too distracting. Make sure patterns don't clash and overwhelm the photos. 6. Formal Elegance: For a more sophisticated look, opt for formal attire like suits and dresses. This can be particularly effective if you plan to take pictures in a more upscale or romantic setting, such as a fancy restaurant or a beautiful garden.
8. Accessories: Don't forget about
accessories. Statement jewelry, scarves,
hats, or even props like a bouquet of flowers can enhance your outfits and add character to your photos.
9. Layers: Layering can add depth to your outfits. For example, a blazer or a stylish jacket can be thrown over a casual outfit to instantly make it more polished.
11. Comfortable Shoes: Remember that you'll likely be doing a fair amount of walking and posing, so choose comfortable footwear. If you plan to wear heels, bring some flats or Crocs for walking between locations.
12. Hair and Makeup: Professional hair and makeup can make a significant difference in your photos. Consider scheduling hair and makeup trials on the same day as your engagement session to ensure you look your best.
13. Costumes and Themes: Yes, I said it. Costumes are a way of letting the world know this will NOT be your usual engagement and to be ready for one doozie of a wedding!
Remember that the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in your chosen outfits. Your engagement session is a celebration of your love, so make sure your wardrobe choices reflect your personalities and style as a couple. Additionally, consider discussing your wardrobe ideas with your photographer, as they can provide valuable insights and guidance based on the specific location and lighting conditions.
Based in New Braunfels, Texas, Johnny Guerrero is a Wedding, Portrait, and Boudoir Photographer. He is the owner of Magnolia Gruene Photography and is also the host of The Business End of the Lens, a Facebook Group created to foster an environment of Community Over Competition among fellow photographers.
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