Tips for your Engagement Session!
Just Relax and have fun!
The number one thing is to simply be YOU! Wear, do or bring something that really feels like yourself.
What to wear:
Compliment and Coordinate
Compliment each other! You want to coordinate your outfits, but not necessarily match. Although I have seen this done and done well, but it’s hard to do and they were mixing textures - so there are exceptions! The general rule of thumb is not to be too matchy matchy!
Pay attention not only to color but also look at patterns, textures, the flow of fabrics etc. Textured fabrics and layers photograph really well! Mix a solid with a texture or mix a neutral with a color. Smaller patterns are better and more flattering!
What to Avoid
Avoid clothes with characters, writing, large logos or super bright colors.
Keep in mind, colors can reflect color! A bright coral colored shirt can reflect a coral hue onto your faces causing the coloring to be off. For this reason I recommend wearing more toned down or muted colors.
Season and Location
Keep in mind the location! If you know we are photographing in the city avoid heavily patterned outfits as you may become lost in the business of the city-scape! If we are photographing in your home, cozy, relaxed every day outfits look best!
Keep in mind the season! If we are photographing in the winter - layer, layer, layer. Layers look SO much better than a big bulky coat while still keeping you warm! If we are photographing in the summer, something light and flowy works great.
How many outfits?
I recommend bringing 2-3 outfits! Typically couples will do a more formal outfit, a casual one then one just for fun or a third if you can’t choose! If formal isn’t your thing that’s ok - just keep it casual. Sometimes a “just for fun” outfit is a bold and risky outfit choice for you or maybe it’s wearing your Vikings jersey and your favorite jean jacket!
I also recommend starting in your most formal outfit as this may be harder to change into and saving your most YOU outfit for last.
Accessories and Shoes
Keep it simple. Add in a bracelet, a fun bold ring, leather watch or a scarf! Bring a hat that can be added or taken out if you’d like! Accessories should be fun, but less is more.
As for shoes, I would avoid heels or running shoes. Wear comfy, but nice looking shoes because we’ll likely be walking a bit! Avoid workout shoes. If it’s winter time, wear wool socks and some cute boots! Those toes will get cold!
Be comfortable! You want to be able to move, snuggle, dance! You don’t want to feel restricted or not like yourself.
Ladies If you feel l like pampering yourself, definitely get your hair, make up and nails done, but don’t feel like you have to! If you do not have it done professionally, I recommend going slightly heavier on the make up because it really makes your face pop in photographs! If you are going to have painted nails try and paint them that day or the day before your session - chipped nail polish can be distracting or just rock the natural nail look without any polish! Keep your hair as natural as possible! You want to look like yourself! As for your skin, if you go tanning I don't recommend getting a spray tan the day before or overdoing it because it can cause unwanted lines and look dirty. We don’t want that! Plan ahead as much as possible!
Men Shy away from wearing tank tops and opened toed shoes. Be sure to shave your face before your session, unless your style is to rock that beard then I recommend giving yourself a trim!
How to make your session feel more personal
These ideas can really make your session feel more like you and also simply make it more fun!
Incorporate some of your favorite food or drink
Do you love making pancakes every Sunday morning? Do you both adore pizza? Do you buy each other ice cream to cheer each other up? What about popping a bottle of champagne to spray and share a toast?
Incorporate some of your favorite activities
Do you like hiking or biking together? Do you go on picnics? Do you play guitar or sing together? Do you love to play cribbage?
Incorporate some of your favorite items
Maybe you have a favorite blanket someone made for you or the journal where you both write letters to each other. Maybe its your old truck you used to drive around in. Maybe this means the necklace he gave you when you first started dating! Or of course, your pets!! Pets are always welcome in sessions!
Incorporate your favorite or meaningful location
Maybe this is your home that you just bought together? Is it a coffee shop where you had your first date. Do you both just adore fairs or farmers markets? Maybe its your family’s cabin or where you proposed.
