Ok. So you have already scheduled the engagements, picked a fun location and now narrowing down the particulars.
Here is a list of some "helpers" of what to wear or not to wear for engagement pictures.
1. Try to stay away from busy patterns.
Busy styles, small striped patterns, and clothing with logos and prints
should all be avoided. If one of you have a slightly busy pattern, like a
wide set plaid, a sweater vest. Then the other person should wear the
simple solids.
2. Solid colors usually work best
If we are shooting your picture in the winter, and at a location with
little color then as the two in the photos, you should contain the
color. Perhaps a bring colored coat, or a brightly colored scarves with
some shoes to match.
3. Dark Colors help bring out certain features
Don't be scared away from using color when I say this:) Dark colors do
help bring out your features. Plus if you are at all concerned about
your weight then dark colors always help in ones favor.
4. Don't be two matchy matchy.
In my opinion wearing identical white shirts and matching blues jeans
creates a little cheezy or cliche of a look. Or in other words it looks
like you're trying too hard. The colors the two of you wear should
coordinate together rather than all be the same.
5. If you're a guy and are wearing black shoes I recommend having black socks. (in most cases anyway)
Although white socks might easily fly under the radar for day to day
attire with your black leather shoes, when we shoot your engagement
pictures I might have you sit on the ground against a wall or on the
steps. This is one of those cases that the details count:)so our
attention is not driven to your feet.
6. Think of what attire best fits the surrounding.
Are you going to be climbing over rocks or hills in high heels? Is the
chilly weather going to leave your nose red since you didn't bring a
coat. Even if these are things you take on and off between sittings,
they are still a good idea to have depending on what you wear. Think
about the terrain, the weather (you might want to bring an extra outfit
in case it starts to pour rain.
Also, be sure to consider the type of location and what fits best with
it. For example, wearing formal attire among classic styled buildings,
nice columns and steps would go well together. If the location you are
shooting at is more contemporary then this might vary a bit. For
example glass, metal and smooth textures typically go well with a
semi-formal approach. On the other hand, a contemporary location that
is warmer and perhaps a little rougher in textures goes well with casual
and formal looks.
Say perhaps the location is more of an urban, run down, or generally
decaying one. One thought that you might consider when picking out your
attire is the contrast. Beauty against grunge brings out the beauty
even stronger.
7. What's Your Style?
Are you the kind of couple that wants to do something a bit different?
Then don't be afraid to step out of the box. Try wearing something a bit
more unique and fun such as a
vintage theme for your
engagements.
Are you the more formal type? Or more casual. If you can't decide on
one then bring 1 of each. Don't get too carried away though! Several
outfit changes can take away from session time, available light etc.
8. Be Comfortable
It is important that you can be yourselves in your pictures and having
uncomfortable clothing can take away from that. If you want to wear a
pair of heels while we are walking around a lot downtown be sure to
bring an additional pair of shoes to interchange between the two.
9. What story if any will your pictures tell?
Do you plan to go along with a certain theme. Will that theme or story require a certain kind of look?
Here is an example. I asked a couple what they liked to do together for
fun. After some thought they told me they liked to goof off at the
arcade or supermarket with those vending machines, you know... the ones
with the horrible claw that never catches anything and scams you out of
your money:0 Anyway they still enjoyed the thrill of it together so for
one of the locations for their engagements we shot some pictures at an
arcade. Sold bright colors would have been my recommendation for this
session.
10. Be yourselves!
Regardless of the look you want, whether it is in this time period or
not, make sure that the clothes you wear are something you both feel
like yourselves in.
