Hey everyone! Thank you for being here! I'm a photographer located in Northwest Montana that specializes in fun days and timeless images. In this blog post I am going to go over a few things to keep in mind when choosing your outfit(s) for a couple/engagement session.
First I will say....
No two couples are alike and no engagement session should be either! Before your session look at other sessions and see which images resonate with you. If you can't decide reach out! I help all of my clients create the perfect engagement session by getting to know them and working with you to hone your vision.
Styling Your Session
Want your photos to look more editorial or formal? Bring a little extra something with you! Whether you want to incorporate larger items that have significance to you, or smaller ones like blankets or hats, even planning for just one extra styled item could be a fun way to make your session more unique. You can bring a small bouquet, hat, jewelry, blanket, etc.
Because you’ll always want to remember this. Here are some good place to get your outfits for girls: Morning Lavender / Rent the Runway / Stylist LA
for guys: Top Man / Nordstroms / Express I like these sites for inspiration: http://www.inspiredbythis.com/ 100 layer cake Dress It Up
Style Tips: For Her
Have you thought about rocking a romantic gown, tulle skirt or flower crown but just never had an occasion for it? This is your chance to do it up! Remember: There is no such thing as “too dressed up” when it comes to your portrait session, so don’t be afraid to have some fun! If you don’t want to add a new permanent piece to your collection, a lot of my clients love Rent the Runway for their session because it’s such an affordable way to feel like a million bucks. Other clients love having a great excuse to bring a new permanent piece (or two!) into their closet! QUICK TIP: There’s no such thing as too dressed up.
Say Yes to the Dress
Dresses and skirts look most stunning because they really flatter every female body, especially on camera — which is probably why the red carpet is always full of so many dresses and not very many pantsuits! I recommend avoiding pants and shorts for your session, and saying yes to a dress or two instead. Long, full-length, flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos. Especially when juxtaposed with nature, like the desert, forest, plains or beach. Consider softer fabrics like chiffon or tulle which allow for beautiful movement in the images. Choosing Colors When choosing colors for your outfits, I recommend selecting softer, lighter tones and more muted shades and they you can have a pop of color with the skirt, cardigan, jewelry and shoes. I would avoid patterns The camera loves shades of soft pink and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light neutrals like heather gray, creams, leather brown and white. That softer color palette with a pop of color fits beautifully into almost all natural outdoor environments.
Flattering Your Features
In my experience, every woman, regardless of her shape has an area of her body that she’s self-conscious about, so recognizing what area that is in advance is key. Choosing flattering silhouettes and colors that complement your natural features is the best way to ensure you’ll love the way you look in your photos. Three-quarter length sleeves and flutter sleeves create an awesome slimming effect on all arms. So be on the lookout for an option with a longer length sleeve. You could also bring a cute jacket, blazer or cardigan along, too. Skinny straps or strapless dresses have the opposite effect of arms on camera. So I recommend avoiding those whenever possible if your goal is a set of slimmer-looking arms. Heels elongate women's legs, making them look fabulous. Closed-toes heels in particular look great on camera because they carry out the line of your leg all the way down to your toe. If your toes are showing in a peep-toe heel, you might want to schedule a pedicure before your session so you don’t regret letting your feet show. These little tricks make all the difference!
QUICK TIP: Bring a pair of flats to wear when moving from place to place. Your feet will thank you later!
Make a Statement Pairing an accessory or two with your outfit can really help bring some extra dimension to your images, and be a nice tie-in when you’re coordinating with a group. Big statement necklaces bring a lot of pop to the photos, while the smaller, delicate ones are not be as noticeable on camera. Belts, bracelets and earrings bring great visual interest, so choose one or two that don’t compete for attention. Fresh florals in a crown can be a really romantic touch. Although it might seem counter-intuitive, we recommend that you do not get a spray tan before your session, even a few days prior, because it tends to photograph orange even when it’s applied subtly and by a professional. Your actual skin tone will photograph the most beautifully and naturally.
Go Pro: Hair & Makeup
Professional hair and makeup is on the top of most of our clients’ checklists because it looks amazing on camera and removes the stress of getting ready on your own. This is the time to treat yourself! Whether it’s lash extensions or blown-out hair, professional hair and makeup will give you an extra boost of confidence in front of the camera, and it always photographs like a dream. When working with a makeup artist, have her apply your makeup in natural light. So that it looks fresh and not too heavy. Plus, that’s the type of light we’ll be shooting in, so it’ll give you the best expectation of how it will translate on camera. Most of our clients feel like their professional makeup is “too much” at first. Since it’s more than you would wear on a normal day. Also they're false lashes look too big, so if you feel that way at the beginning, don’t worry! Good makeup artists know how to get it all just right for the camera — and our clients always love the final result.
QUICK TIP: Confidence. It’s always the best accessory.
Fashion Tips: For Him
Because dapper and debonair never go out of style.
The Best Fit Long, fitted pants and closed-toed shoes are the most sophisticated and masculine looks for men. They draw attention away from his legs and feet and place it where you want it: on his handsome face. So, for your session, it’s best to leave the shorts, sandals and jeans at home. As well as any pants that are loose or baggy. Fitted dress pants or fitted colored pants work best on camera. Solid shades of gray or navy are a strong compliment to most women’s outfits. Whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye. We also recommend staying away from graphics and logos.
Mix It Up
Many of our guys love to mix a suit coat, blazer or sport coat with a different pant color. It adds some extra visual interest, and break up the color tones. We’re big fans of this fresh take on a timeless classic. Layered Looks Next time you walk by a store like J. Crew, you’ll notice the male mannequins and models are always wearing several layers at once. Layers on men look great on camera, so even when it’s hot outside, it’s worth an hour or two of discomfort for photos that will last you both a lifetime. Adding another layer will bring extra dimension and visual interest to your photos. Blazers, vests and coats up the level of any look. If the temperature permits, he could even consider adding a v-neck sweater with a pop of color from a long-sleeved collared shirt and tie underneath. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers!
*Don’t hesitate to check out photo shoot locations beforehand. I encourage you to find a spot that reflects your love and a place that you will both feel comfortable. Please note that there is no such thing as an ‘ugly’ location....there is beauty everywhere...we just have to find it! I have shot pretty much every location imaginable (dumpsters, septic tanks, graffiti walls, etc) so please know that the location doesn't necessarily have to be pretty at every corner.
It’s always fun to bring along props. Details Every engagement session is like a mainstream shoot--complete with models and props and scenery. I want every engagement shoot to look like it could be in a magazine, so feel free to bring things that really reflect fantastic personalities. For instance, I’ve had a couple bring along a soccer ball because they met on the field. Another couple brought cotton candy and had fun eating it together. Another couple had matching iPods, so they brought them along because they’re both really into music. The list is endless!! Suggestions bikes, pets, a favorite journal, magazines you enjoy reading. Anything! don't hesitate to bring anything that truly reflects you individually or as a couple. Browse Pinterest and Etsy. Keep in mind the location you are shooting at and ask your photographer for advice on what to wear at that location! If you are on a beach then maybe shorts and a nice button down is the way to go. These are your photos without the pressure of a wedding day so make them what you want.
The Most Important Thing To Remember
Wear clothes you feel comfortable in and feel like yourselves in. If you hate dresses and know that seeing yourself in a dress just for engagement pictures would make you cringe then wear something else! These are very generic, overall suggestions for what looks nice on camera. please feel free to reach out with any questions. Congratulations on your engagement! you guys are going to do great!