[if you’re still not sure, i have a guide that all my booked couples receive with more tips]
You are probably perusing through this blog because it’s “your first time” getting engagement photos done and you’re not sure what to wear? It’s ok– it’s typically everyone’s first time! I bet you the last time you had professional photos done was probably your senior photos and you were having a hard time trying to figure that out as well! So why would it be different to have your engagement photos taken?
Engagement sessions are meant to show off your personalities as well as get you and your person comfortable in front of the camera. I said comfortable, I didn’t say “so you’ll learn how to pose in front of the camera” – because we wouldn’t be doing too much posing but just really try and get you two to feel each other’s hands, look at each other the way you did when you first met, get to know how you fit into each other’s grooves. Of course we’ll have a few posed photos because those are the ones that mom likes to print and hang on her wall, but seriously – your engagement session is the time for you to have fun!
Imagine scrolling through your phone and seeing the selfies you two have together. There are probably photos of you on a date, grabbing a bite to eat, strolling down your favorite street, or on vacation together with the sun setting behind you! Engagement photos should capture that essence of you two but professionally. I’m pretty bias when it comes to photography (being a wedding photographer of course) but I think it’s nice to have more than a camera phone photo of your journey together because these are the photos you’ll print or hang in your home! These are also the photos that you’ll probably share on your wedding website, save the dates, invitations, or on your social media platforms that takes you from love birds to “oooh.. they’re seriously growing up!“
Ok, ok… so what do I wear?
- Something comfortable: T-shirt and jeans, matching or not! This is again you showing up as yourselves and we don’t always have to be so dressy, just be you! The setting could be in-home photos of you making coffee together, watching TV, taking the dogs for a walk, or having a picnic… just you two!
- A pretty dress: I love it when my couples do want to dress up too! This is how you would show up for a date! Something flowy for summer vibes, or short and fun for the city, or glammed up because you can and we’ll find some epic location to stage you in front of! And of course your counter part can show up with a nice dress shirt, clean slacks or jeans, or even a fun blazer and a bow-tie if that’s their jam!
- Location location location: I can’t stress enough that a location can also determine what might look nice or not? I had a couple wear some fun flannel shirts, hiking boots, and just played around on their favorite hiking trail because that’s them! I had another couple dress sophisticatedly in a suit and tie along with matching dress and walked around the beautiful architecture of the Palace of Fines Arts. AND of course another with just in jeans and barefoot on the beach!
I hope this helps! I really do… BUT you’re probably like, ‘wait– that didn’t help me at all because you’re just saying we can wear anything!’ AND you’re right! It’s your session! You can do whatever you please BUT you’re always more than welcome to ask me for advice on specific colors and looks that will work with the specific locations! That’s what I’m here for!
Featured Session
Photography: Simple Joie Photo | Location: Cooper Mountain Nature Park | Couple: Tiffany & Christian | Coordinator: Jaime Ta Creative | Makeup: Makeup by Sprout | Hair: Shades of Syrens
