what to wear for engagement photos??
First and foremost, there are no hard and fast rules – at the end of the day, you do you! However, we have some tips that might make things a little easier as you navigate finding that perfect outfit for your e-session. We’re so glad you’re here. You are loved!
No matter what season you find yourself in, it’s always important to dress accordingly. Layers are always the key (especially in the winter). You can always take a layer off if needed. We don’t recommend shorts for guys in the spring/summer, and we do suggest dresses for the ladies but only if that’s your jam. If it’s jeans then wear the jeans dang it!
Think jackets, touques, hats, scarves etc…
Plan your outfit around the location and weather conditions. Feel free to bring an extra outfit as a wardrobe change. It not only brings additional combinations to the table but literally a completely different vibe. At the end of the day have what you need to make sure you’re comfortable and feeling ready to crush it.
Do away with the whole matchy-matchy look and compliment each other instead. You don’t want to look like your partner’s twin, do ya? Complimenting each other creates visual harmony like peanut butter and jelly if ya know what we mean? On the other hand, matching can make you look like a clump of colour melded together with no clear indication of where you end and your partner begins. eww! Ok, you know what to do.
As we said at the start – do you! Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and downright awesome in. If you’re a jeans and t-shirt kinda person then do it (but don’t both wear the same colour jeans). If you want to dress up to the nines and show off your style profile, then make it happen. If Seattle grunge is making a comeback in your wardrobe, then show it off. At the end of the day, wear what you want to see yourself wearing when you hang those magical photos in your home.
Let’s get more specific now… pick fabrics that move and flow with you. Outfits with texture like linen and cotton are always a solid choice. Earthy colours are typically neutral and what we mean by that is softer tones, less aggressive/bold colours. Colours are dependent upon the environment. For example, a mustard top will be epic in a green forest, and black may work perfectly in a field or urban environment. Just be conscientious not to blend in!
If you want to be upstaged in your engagement photos then wear large prints, patterns, and logos. All of these things if used incorrectly have a way of stealing the show. It’s not that they can’t work in some situations, but we don’t recommend them for engagement photos. And at the end of the day, they’re generally distracting, and it’s about the two of you. It’s not like Nike or Adidas is cutting you a cheque anyways, right?
There is a fine art to accessorizing and perhaps you have the knack for it. Hats, sunglasses, and jackets can really spice up your accessory game. But beware of watches as they can really stand out and look weird in photos as you hold each other – so watch for that! haha – pun totally intended.
It’s always good to bring a small bag of accessories just in case you want to season your session with a pop of flavor here and there.
The big moment has arrived and you have found the one your soul loves. It’s time to put that epic love on display and create some magic your grandkids will brag about. Just relax, live in the moment, and most importantly – have fun! You’ve got this!
bring your a-game!
Do you remember that colour wheel you learned about way back in grade school? It turns out it’s pretty relevant after all, and you finally have a golden chance to put it to use. Basically, you want to go for colours that are opposite each other on the wheel. Those are your complementary colours. We’ve added the Canva colour wheel so you can play around and see what combos make your heart sing with happiness.
Do you still need a photographer? We got you! Why don’t you have a peruse and if you dig what you see, hit us up!
Cheers!
Shane + Jenny
Reed Photography
lookin’ good!
Shane and Jenny of Reed Photography are wedding, commercial, and portrait photographers working out of St. Catharines, Ontario serving the Niagara region, Hamilton, and beyond.