What to Wear for Engagement Photography
Photo by Melissa and Gary
“If you look good, you feel good”; a great motto to guide you through finding the perfect outfit for your engagement session. For some, engagement photos are the first time taking professional photos as a couple. Feeling comfortable behind the camera can be hard and it can be even harder if you don’t feel comfortable in what you are wearing. Jeans that are too tight leave you feeling like you can’t move. A shirt that is a little too low cut, keeps you constantly tugging and missing moments. Do you feel the best in a dress? Or with your hair pulled back? Think about what makes you and your partner feel the most like yourselves and start there.
Once you have decided what you feel most comfortable in, decide how that fits your session location and the time of year. Getting photos taken on a gorgeous horse farm in Kentucky or a snowy mountainside in the winter would warrant very different attire. If your fiancé will only wear jeans and boots, maybe don’t book a beach session. Be sure your location also suits you and what you feel comfortable in. Regardless of location, it is important to keep it neutral.
Photo by First Loved Photo
Bright colors tend to be reflective and overpowering. They can also cast colors, changing skin tones and drawing attention away from you. Keeping tones more muted and soft will keep the focal point on you.
Photo by First Loved Photo
Selecting colors that complement rather than match is a great way to add dimension to your photographs. The same goes for patterns. Simple patterns, like plaid, flannel, and florals are great for adding interest and dimension. However, really tiny or busy patterns end up looking pixelated or are known in the photography world as moiré. Mixing patterns is usually not suggested. If one person is wearing a pattern, try to pick a complementary solid color to the pattern for the other. If you really want to mix patterns, make sure they are different in type and size.
Photo by Melissa and Gary
Also consider how patterns look with movement. You won’t just be standing still and cheesing the whole session so it is important to think about how you look or like your outfit at all angles. If you are feeling like you need to suck in to make it work, don’t wear it. Regardless of your figure, movement of material will enhance your photos. Flowy materials add dimension. Whether that is through a long flowy dress that can catch the breeze, or even a flowy shirt with your favorite jeans.
Accessories & layers are another great way to add dimension. Layers can be through a sweater, jacket, vest, or even hats. Whatever you do, do not try to be too trendy. Timeless is always the best solution when picking out outfits for photos. You will look back on these for years to come and you definitely do not want to regret what you wore. Classic is key!