What to wear – engagement shoot
What to wear for my engagement shoot? – Whether you have booked an engagement shoot, a pre-wedding photo shoot (for those who have been engaged for a while) or a family portrait shoot. Your photography experience should be fun and relaxed, reflecting your personality and the connection you have with your partner or family.
One of the most asked questions I hear is what to wear for my engagement shoot? Or what to wear for my family portrait shoot?
Well, the most important thing to consider is to be yourself! My main goal is to capture who you are and your personalities. As a result, if you pick an outfit that just isn’t “you”, it might make you feel uncomfortable, consequently translating into awkward photos.
So my advice is to wear something comfortable, casual but smart, or more formal if that’s the look you are going for.
Whatever you pick it will work perfectly in most Sunshine Coast locations.
A few pointers to consider:
1. Coordinate colors not match.
Long gone the days of couples wearing white matching shirt and jeans, remember? Instead, pick a couple of colors and choose clothes that will fit in this color scheme.
2. Look at your home decor.
Do you like bright colors? Neutrals? I’m guessing you will be hanging these photos on your walls or will be framing a few. Therefore, you want to make sure the colors of your clothes go with the color scheme of your home.
3. Don’t forget accessories.
Accessorize! Add a few accessories to your outfit, they not only will make you look good but they are fun to use. Hands are one of the most difficult things to pose or to know what to do with when being photographed. That’s when accessories come in handy. They will give you something to do with your hands, and you won’t feel so awkward. Hats, scarfs, ties are a few ideas.
4. Limit patterns.
Personally, I love colors and enjoy adding an outfit in the mix that has all the colors in it. However, not everyone in the photo should wear patterns as it may be a bit distracting. So leave that Hawaiian shirt at home.
5. Say no to logos.
Stay away from shirts with big logos or lots of writing, it can be super distracting. Plain shirts are the way to go.
6. Think classic.
I believe a photo is not a photo until have been printed. Call me old school, but a digital file can’t be hanged on your wall. Please print, print and print your photos. These be will be hanged on your walls and treasured for many years to come. By choosing simple, classic clothes you will help give your images a timeless feel. They will never be outdated!
A few shoot tips…
Makeup Trial.
If you are planning your wedding it’s a great idea to have their hair and makeup trial on the same day of the engagement shoot/ pre-wedding shoot. Not only will help the girls feel a little more ‘done-up’ for the shoot plus it gives you an idea of what your makeup will look on photos, giving you a chance to tweak your makeup if you need to.
That goes for any shoot, whether a family portrait shoot or a maternity shoot, it’s always nice to pamper yourself. I’m not saying you should do this AT ALL!! However, what I can say is that in my experience, girls want to feel pretty and confident…and sometimes spending a little extra time getting ready achieves just that. If you’d like recommendations for fantastic hair and makeup stylists, I’d be happy to pass a few along who’ll take amazing care of you!
Check blog posts.
Before the shoot, be sure to check out my blog for engagement and family portrait sessions. I’ve also discovered that when the camera-shy client views my work in advance, it helps them to feel comfortable in front of the camera. Girls are usually more prone to model or what I lovingly refer to as “work-it” in front of the camera. Guys, on the other hand, are sometimes not as comfortable. However, if they see some of my images beforehand, they know that I’m only there to make them look extra handsome. Here’s a specific link to my blog that’ll bring up an engagement session, link here, and a family session link here.
Props are fun.
It’s always fun to bring along props. I view every session like a mainstream shoot–complete with models and props and scenery. I want every shoot to look like it could be in a magazine, so feel free to bring things along that really reflect your personalities. For instance, I’ve had a couple bring along skateboards because skating is one of the fun things they like to do as a couple. Oh, extra points if you bring your furry friend. Dogs are always fun to photograph, plus they are a big part of the family.
Be on time.
Super, super important! Please be on time. I’m a natural-light photographer, so the sun dictates how long I can photograph you. Please make proper considerations for traffic, hair delays, and fashion emergencies! An average shoot lasts 1-1.5 hours…if you show up 30 minutes late, the session is not extended, but, rather, ends at the regularly scheduled time. Please don’t think I’m being too harsh…I just want the BEST photography experience for you. And being on time achieves exactly this! 🙂
Thanks for reading what to wear – engagement shoot. x
Now, let’s do this! Would you like photos like these? Book your session today. Enquiry here.
