How To Choose The Perfect Engagement Photos Outfits
Engagement Session Guide
You've booked your photographer!
One more thing you can check off your wedding planning list. Take a deep breath and enjoy another accomplishment.
I’m guessing your thoughts are likely turning to one of the most important parts of wedding photography - your engagement session. And soon, your mind will start to race wondering where to have it, what engagement photo outfits should you wear, etc. Don’t worry, this guide is going to help you find the answers to all of these questions.
[The Truth Behind Wedding Photography Styles]
Why Is The Engagement Session So Important?
There are 3 main reasons why the engagement session is so vital to the success of wedding photography. As a matter of fact, it's so important I include an engagement session with most of my wedding collections.
First Time Being Professionally Photographed
If you’re like most couples, the engagement session will be the first time you have ever been professionally photographed. The engagement session is a great way for you to learn about your photographer’s work style and how they approach making professional photographs. This will ultimately help you to feel more comfortable being in front of the camera. Your photographer is there to help you. They will guide you with posing and offer ideas so you get the most of your photos. This entire experience might seem like a small detail now, but it will pay huge dividends come the wedding day!
2. Better Managing Of Your Photo Sessions
I love engagement sessions because of the time I get to spend with you. This is a great time for us to learn about each others personalities. This is an essential part of building a trusting relationship and forming a personal connection. I also get to see how you and your partner naturally interact with one another - your "couple style." Are you more of a romantic couple or are you more playful?
How you interact with one another will impact how we manage your engagement session. This will help me avoid trying to get you to engage in activities that are way outside your comfort zone. I will be able to get the best out of you and get the most out of your session.
3. The Perfect Dress Rehearsal
Lastly, the engagement session serves as the perfect dress rehearsal for the wedding day. However, because you're not dealing with the stresses of a wedding day, it's a very relaxed atmosphere focused on having fun!
Without the benefit of an engagement session, couples often feel a lot of stress when it comes to their photography. Their wondering if their photographer will be friendly, helpful, creative, etc. The engagement session is going to melt these worries away. This will allow you to get more enjoyment out of your wedding day and be in the moment.
How To Choose Your Location
Where Should You Have Your Engagement Session?
This is obviously one of the first questions you will have when looking to schedule your session.
I always recommend to couples they first consider locations that have a special meaning to them. It might be the location of your first date or where you first said "I love you" or maybe it's where your partner proposed to you. Selecting a location with a little extra meaning can offer a unique perspective to your story.
If you don’t have a location with special meaning or it doesn’t work well for pictures, don’t worry. I work with couples all the time facing this situation and there are plenty of beautiful locations that are perfect for your engagement pictures! I’m happy to offer some location ideas that support the look and feel you would like for your photos.
What To Look For When It Comes To Choosing A Location?
When selecting your location, it's important to remember that you want it to be a place that makes you feel comfortable. For example, If you're a private person and don't like being the center of attention, you might want to avoid very public settings.
Another important detail to consider is the surroundings in the location. Ideally, it's best to choose a location with pleasing backgrounds - trees, bushes, flowers, brick walls, etc. You most likely want to avoid locations with obtrusive or distracting backgrounds, unless of course, you're trying to create a very specific "look."
How Should You Dress For Your Engagement Session?
This is one of the mot important, but often overlooked aspects. Your attire can either serve to enhance your pictures or cause them to look distracting and displeasing. Remember, we want the focus of your images to be on you!
Tips For Choosing Your Engagement Photos Outfits
Select Attire That Makes You Feel Comfortable And Confident
Please understand that "comfortable" does not mean sweatpants or anything similar. These are going to be professional pictures that may be used for save-the-date cards, table settings at the wedding or displayed on the walls in your home.
Avoid Restrictive Clothing
It's definitely a good idea to avoid restrictive clothing. Engagement sessions usually require you to be fairly mobile and they usually require at least some walking. We certainly don't want you feeling uncomfortable or irritable because your clothing is making it difficult for you to maneuver.
Consider Color
When it comes to selecting the color of your attire, there are a few rules that need your attention.
Don't choose clothing that is entirely all one color - all white or all black for example. We want your photographs to have contrast, depth, and texture. Dressing in all one color will make the images appear flat.
Don't wear neon or fluorescent colors as they create ugly color casts on skin and hair. Color casts are usually impossible to resolve in post-production.
One last rule when it comes to color. Avoid outfits with your partner that are "matchy-matchy!" For example, it would be wise to pass on the idea of you both wearing white shirts and blue jeans. This is "matchy-matchy" and again, we're striving for contrast, depth, and texture. Be sure to choose clothing that compliments each other from a color perspective.
Accessories
Accessories are a great way to add a splash of color, especially if your attire includes more neutral tones. Earrings, watches, shoes, bracelets, scarves, etc. are all great ways to add contrast, depth, and texture.
Avoid Distracting Clothing
We want your engagement pictures to be all about you, not your clothing. Your clothing should only serve to enhance your pictures; therefore, you will want to avoid the following pieces of clothing:
Large logos
Bold or distracting patterns
Stripes
Reflective surfaces
Clothes that look worn
Clothes that are very tight
Clothes that are overly loose
It's also a great idea to steer away from clothing that is trendy. You don't want to look back at these pictures 10 years from now and say, "what in the world was I thinking?" When selecting your attire think classic.
Dress With Same Level Of "Dressyness"
This is by far one of the most common mistakes couples make and regardless of how beautiful the location is or how perfectly you pose, the photos will look awkward.
Your outfits should compliment one another and work together in promoting the overall feel you want your photographs to have. Whether you decide to go formal or casual, just be sure you're both on the same page.
Consider The Location
This is another fairly common mistake I see. Couples often dress in a manner that contradicts the location. For example, if you want to have a country engagement session at a barn, dressing in formal attire fights the environment. But if you want an urban setting, a more formal look will likely look great!
Location can certainly have an impact on the style and color choices of your attire as well, so don't forget to account for the location.
