What do we wear to our engagement session? Is one of the first questions I always get asked by my couples.
I started photographing couples in 2018 and have been full-time every since. I eat, sleep, breath engagement sessions, elopements, weddings, and everything in between. There can be a lot of thought, detail, and intentionality that goes into preparing for a photoshoot.
So, to help, I created a comprehensive guide to help you choose your outfits for your engagement session! Keep reading for more on what to wear to your engagement photos and how to best prepare for your session.
Do You Need to Have an Engagement Session?
This is a question many couples ask, and my answer is always yes, you should have an engagement session. There’s so much value in having an engagement session! One of the top reasons I suggest having one is that it allows you to practice being in front of the camera and get you comfortable with your photographer.
I always recommend doing engagement photos with the photographer who will be photographing your wedding. This way, you get a trial run with the photographer, and you can see how you work together. Your photographer will also learn how to best photograph you and your partner and what prompts work best with you.
Another reason that engagement sessions are important is that this is a truly unique chapter in your relationship, as this isn’t a phase or season you are going to experience again, and I believe this chapter deserves to be thoughtfully documented.
What to Wear to Your Engagement Session
When it comes to your engagement session, your outfits matter. What you wear during your shoot will impact the overall look, vibe, and feel of your photos.
I always recommend avoiding the following as you begin planning your engagement outfits:
- Clothing with logos (even small logos)
- Bright, neon colored attire
- Busy patterns
- Colors that match your skintone too closely
What to wear to your engagement session
First things first, let’s discuss color. When it comes to color, I personally recommend leaning into neutral/earthy tones (especially if you’re located in Duluth / North Shore) as these colors not only photograph beautifully, but they also create a timeless, cohesive look.
As you select your colors, keep the location for your session in mind. You want your outfits and location to work together to create a cohesive look.
I also recommend choosing clothing items with soft florals, subtle stripes, or muted textures, as these also photograph beautifully, and from there, you can pull colors from that pattern to style the rest of your outfits in a way that feels natural and well-balanced.
Also, don’t forget layers and texture! Adding a jacket, flannel, hat, or another small thoughtful detail can elevate your look and make your photos more dynamic.
Also, consider how your outfits move. Flowy dresses, loose fabrics, and pieces with movement add an effortless feel to your images!
As one of my clients, I will also give you an outfit guide to help you pick the perfect outfits that not only look great in the photos, but that you are also totally comfortable and confident in.
How to Prepare for Your Engagement Session
For my couples, this experience is intentionally designed to feel easy and natural. I always tell my couples all you have to do is show up, and I’ll handle the rest. I use movement-based prompts to keep things flowing and natural, verses stiff or overly posed. I’ll also help you choose a location and pick the perfect time for your session so we get the best photos possible. I will also give you a comprehensive outfit planning guide so you truly don’t have to worry about a thing.
How to Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera During Your Engagement Session
It’s totally okay (and normal) if right now you feel nervous about your engagement session. Having a camera in front of you is not a typical day-to-day experience for most of us. My goal is to always try to help my couples feel as comfortable and like themselves as possible.
If we work together, you’ll have guidance throughout each part of the process. We’ll choose your engagement session outfits together, and then I’ll take care of the rest. I’ll bring a Bluetooth speaker to your session (you get to pick the playlist) and I’ll instruct you on where to put your hands, where to look, and guide you with action-based prompts. I will have you two laughing, smiling, and having fun throughout the entire process. The most important thing to remember is to have fun during your session!
For me, a general rule of thumb for these types of sessions is the sillier the prompt, the better. I preface this to my couples ahead of time by saying something like “Many of the prompts I use are silly, but that’s intentional. Trust the process!” Personally, I have found that if I want you to have an authentic smile, a giggly photo, the worst way to go about that is to say, “Give me your best fake laugh.” I’ve discovered there are many better ways to make your images genuine by using playful prompts that take off the pressure and make you feel much more like yourself.
I also like to suggest to my couples to invest in professional hair and makeup for their session. Treat yourself to professional hair and makeup! You can also head to the nail salon for a manicure. I recommend working with the same hairstylist and makeup artist that you’re planning to use for your wedding – this is a great trial run with them as well.
My final tip is to choose outfits that you feel good in! If you’re wearing something that makes you uncomfortable, the truth is that this will show up in your final images. Choose clothes that you truly love and feel your best in.
Pro tip: If you’re still feeling nervous, I recommend planning something fun to look forward to after your session, like dinner, drinks, ice cream, etc!
Ready to Book Your Engagement Session?
I hope you found all this info on what to wear to your engagement session and how to prepare helpful.
Now all you need is a photographer for your engagement session! I’m a wedding and elopement photographer based in Duluth, Minnesota, specializing in playful, true-to-color photos for couples who love Lake Superior and the North Shore of Minnesota.
You deserve nothing less than the absolute best when it comes to your engagement session, and I’m here to make sure that’s delivered. The goal is to make the process of choosing a photographer for your engagement session as simple and enjoyable as possible.
What’s included in my engagement sessions:
- 1 Hour of Shooting Time
- Personalized Location Recommendations
- 1 Location
- Outfit Changes
- 75+ High Resolution Photos (Mix of color + B&W)
- Full gallery timeline received digitally within 3-weeks
You can click here to learn more about my wedding photography services or head over here to get in touch. I can’t wait to connect with you!
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Breathtaking Winter Grand Marais Elopement
Your Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Minnesota Elopement on the North Shore
