WHAT TO WEAR: Engagement and Portrait Sessions
Just a few guidelines to help if you’re feeling lost about what to wear
Here’s the rundown
I get it. It can definitely feel pretty daunting picking what to wear for photos. Here are a few guidelines for picking your outfits so you look AMAZING and are FEELIN’ GOOD when we shoot. This is just what I’ve found to work best from trial and error from past shoots. These are only guidelines - not rules! You can show up wearing Dinosaur costumes for all I care.
Ultimately, the most important thing to me is that you feel and look like yourselves. Feel free to dress how you normally would, so you can be as comfortable as possible!
Bring options
First off, I always recommend bringing options. Don’t bring your whole closet though - about 2-3 pairs of bottoms and 3-4 tops each, dresses, accessories, jackets, etc. Just make sure they’re stuff that you feel amazing in. To get the best results, I’ll help you pick and pull from the options you bring to change into for each location we shoot at OR you can text me a few photos of your outfit options and we can pick them together beforehand. Keep in mind that if you plan on bringing options or changing outfits, depending on the location, you will most likely be changing in the back of a car. If you aren’t down with that - just wear one outfit and text me beforehand!
Make sure it makes sense
Think about the conditions and locations we are going to shoot in and plan around it. If we are going to be hiking around the mountains, bring comfortable shoes with good grip so you don’t accidentally trip. If we’re shooting at the beach, it would look pretty weird if you’re wearing shoes haha. Heels are usually a bad idea unless you’re freakishly good at walking in them haha! If it’s cold outside, bring and wear lots of layers! If it’s hot, wear breathable fabrics so you don’t sweat or overheat! Just be as comfortable as you can be!
Movement
Make sure you’re able to move comfortably around in your outfit. If you’re in brand new jeans that are still stiff and tight, you might be distracted and uncomfortable. You can bet that I’ll probably ask you to run or dance! I especially love it when people bring clothing or accessories that can show movement when catching the wind, because it adds so much energy and magic to a photo.
Colors
I recommend sticking to neutrals and earthy tones. Neutrals doesn’t just mean grays and browns. There are neutrals of every color (mustard yellow, forest green, navy blue, burnt orange, etc). Stay away from bright, fluorescent or distracting colors. Check with me if you’re not sure!
Patterns
Avoid big, loud or crazy patterns. The smaller or more subtle, the better! Loud patterns distract from your faces. Try to avoid pairing too many patterns together, because it can make things look a little hectic. Also be sure to iron your clothes beforehand so there aren’t any huge, distracting wrinkles!
I especially love when people bring hats, sunglasses, jewelry, etc. It can be really fun to pair them with different outfit options. However avoid wearing watches or hair ties on your wrist, so they don’t distract from your faces in close-up shots!
Props
Personally, I would avoid the cheesy chalkboard signs and arts & crafts store props. Props don’t have to be cheesy! It can be a cool car, a motorcycle, your pets, throw blankets, etc. If you have props you want to incorporate, just let me know and we can brainstorm a way to incorporate them!
Hair + Makeup
Do whatever makes you feel your best and confident! If you plan on scheduling an appointment to get either done by a pro, make sure it’s at least an hour before you have to leave for the shoot so you aren’t late.
Welp, that’s all guys!
If you have anymore questions, don’t hesitate to let me know! If you’re still freaking out about choosing what to wear, just text me a picture of your options. Overall, just wear what you feel most like you in. Whether it’s a pair of beat up sneakers or a hat your mom hates… DO IT. Just do you and I promise the photos will turn out amazing!