Tips for choosing your engagement session outfit.
White Bear Lake Engagement session: Maizie and Michael | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.
When it comes to having your engagement photos taken by a professional, you might understandably feel stressed over how to look. This is perfectly normal and something that most couples talk to me about.
Here is a list of the best tips I have for how to show up looking and feeling your absolute best.
Tip #1 - Complement Each Other, But Don't Twin
Focus on coordinating, not matching. Go for complementary solid colors, but don't wear the exact same thing. Try to stay away from busy patterns, as they are an unnecessary distraction for photos. Unless, you're someone who loves patterns, maybe a flannel or a flowery dress represents you the most, then its okay! Some patterns can work if coordinated correctly. Graphics, however, are defeintely a no-go. Stay away from any branded clothes. You don't want your photos to look like an advertisement. The only time a graphic is acceptable is if you both are rooting for a specific sports team and want to incorporate your matching jerseys into your session.
Xcel Energy Center Engagement: Andrew and Rachel | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.
Tip #2 - Dress on the same level
Talk with each other to make sure that you’re both dressed on the same level of formality. It can be common for one partner to like dressing up more than the other, so finding a common ground can be important. You can always meet half way and wear something formal, and then choose casual for your second outfit.
Tip #3 - Layers, layers, layers
Be bold with layers and accessories — vests, sweaters, necklaces, scarves, belts, etc. all add dimension to your photos. Layers like jackets, sweaters, and scarves also make it easy to give yourself two “looks” without actually changing your outfit.
Tip #4 - Wear clothes that flow
Wear clothes that flow and are easy to move around in for the following activities: running together, spinning each other around, jumping and hiking on rocky/slippery surfaces. An important tip is to avoid sneakers, you can still opt for comfy shoes, but choose ones with less of a “workout” vibe. Dress up your look with a pair of leather, suede dress shoes, or thicker heels. You can always bring comfy slip-ons to wear in-between photos.
Hidden Falls, St. Paul, Minnesota Engagement: Tyler and Thuy | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.
Hidden Falls, St. Paul, Minnesota Engagement: Heather and Christian | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.
Tip #5 - Colors
Natural, earthy colors are gorgeous, but if you like brighter colors in your outfit, a pastel color scheme can be successful if coordinated well. Overall, dark greens, beige, gray, white, browns, and blacks all photograph beautifully, and they really stand the test of time with a classic feel. They can complement you and your partner without overpowering your whole engagement photo outfit look.
General rules to follow:
+ Socks should always be a few shades darker than your dress pants, or a few shades lighter if you're wearing jeans.
+ Add a belt to your pants for an easy layer.
+ Start with your thinnest layer, and end with your thickest.
+ If its Summertime, choose breathable fabrics, so 100 percent linen, cotton, or silk.
+ Avoid sandals because your toes will be a distraction.
+ If its Winter, bring blankets to your session to keep warm.
You should each aim to wear a different dominant color, but stay within a similar color palette family.
St. Anthony Main, Minnesota Engagement: Cody and Meghan | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.
Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis, Minnesota Engagement: Josh and Evy | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.
Rice Creek Regional Park, Shoreview, Minnesota Couples Photoshoot: Jerron and Carly | Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.
Be Yourself
Wear clothing that highlights the real you and your personalities. The more comfortable you’re in what you are wearing, the more comfortable you will look in your photos and the more fun you’ll have! Remember, the thing I really want to focus on during your engagement session is the interaction between the two of you. The focus should be on you, not your outfits. Your clothing should enhance the moment, but it most definitely shouldn’t steal the show. For more inspo, view my work here.