WHEN CHOOSING OUTFITS FOR MY ENGAGEMENT, ANNIVERSARY OR ‘JUST BECAUSE’ COUPLES SESSION, WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN?
It’s easy as 1, 2, 3! Ask yourself…
What do your best selves look like? This is a time to capture your true personalities in images but also dress it up a bit. If you’re like me, you’re usually found in leggings and a comfortable, well-worn t-shirt. It’s the “real me” but it’s not the “best me”. Our clothing speaks volumes about our personalities. Show off the absolute best of yourself by choosing to dress up a bit for your session!
What season is it? The most important thing is that you’re comfortable. Please don’t make yourself sweat in autumn clothes in July or be way too chilly without appropriate outerwear in November! Your physical comfort translates in your images.
What colors do you have in your home or what are your wedding colors? If you hope to display your images in your home, let your home decor be your color inspiration for your session outfits. If you don’t have any orange in your home, it may not be best to have orange in your session wardrobe. If you’re engaged and you think you may want to use your photos for save-the-dates or for displaying at your wedding, it’s best to coordinate your outfits with your eventual wedding colors.
WHEN PREPARING FOR YOUR SESSION AND CHOOSING YOUR OUTFITS, CONSIDER…
THIS, NOT THAT
👍 Mix patterns and textures
👎 Match your partner in the same fabric and color
👍 Coordinate varying colors that compliment each other
👎 Stick to the same color or pattern for both of you
👍 Ensure your clothing is well fitted
👎 Settle for sizes that just aren’t quite right
👍 Dress appropriately for the season and weather
👎 Force anyone to be shivering or sweaty
👍 Wear clothing that compliments what you’re confident in
👎 Wear clothes that make you feel self conscious, need to be constantly adjusted or tugged at, highlight a feature you don’t love to show off
👍 Opt for lighter colors and shades
👎 Choose dark and heavy colors and fabrics
👍 Dress as your best selves and use this as an opportunity to get fancy
👎 Wear your sweaty, everyday baseball cap
👍 Aim for dressier shoes
👎 Wear flip flops or sneakers
👍 Choose clothing with no visible branding
👎 Wear graphic t-shirts or clothing or shoes with large logos or sayings
Other Important Tips:
Don’t forget to groom! If you or your partner have facial hair, be sure to clean up the edges, purposefully groom/trim it and make it look cared for! This goes for preventing bed-head and hat hair too! If “scruffy” is your vibe, that’s great but make sure it’s still a clean, well-groomed and purposeful scruffy.
Choose patterns on clothing that are larger than a pencil eraser! Smaller patterns can create an undesirable effect on camera called moiré.
Consider your undergarments carefully. Before your session, be sure to check all outfits with the undergarments you plan to wear. Of course, neutral/skin tone garments are best. Are your socks an eye sore? Do your bra straps keep slipping? Take a twirl, check yourself out in natural light and ensure there is no chance of visible bra straps or cups, underwear peeking through pant fabrics or fabrics sitting uncomfortably or clinging.
Your hair and makeup are really important! The camera softens makeup a bit so it’s recommended to apply a tad bit heavier than you would for a normal day. False lashes or lash extensions are a fantastic extra touch - just avoid heavy under-eye liner. You could also consider scheduling a blowout for your hair on the day of your session!
While you don’t have to get your nails done, please at least be sure that no polish is chipping or too grown out.
Rarely, rarely, rarely (if ever) would I recommend wearing black or red for your session!
Leave your smart watches at home, please!