How to Choose an Outfit for Your Engagement Photos
Ok, but what should I wear for my engagement photos?
This is one of the most popular questions I’ve gotten as a photographer right before a session happens and although I feel it is an easy answer, it has a lot of layers to it (see what I did there?) Many times, YOUR OUTFIT WILL BE THE BEST OR THE WORST PART OF YOUR PHOTOS, so let’s look at this topic and break it down into different points:
1. Make your outfit fit the location
You don’t wear a bikini to a church, or a dress shirt to the beach. (All rules can be broken btw and I have seen people pull it off)
There are many locations that are hard because literally any outfit could fit the location, but a question I encourage you to ask yourself is “Is this a mountain outfit?” Or whatever the location you’re taking the photos at.
2. Be comfortable
Try the clothes you’ll wear before the session, and if you’re wanting a playful session, make sure you can run, jump, walk, etc in whatever you choose. I want you to focus on having a great time, not on your shirt riding up or down or your heels sinking into the sand.
3. Think of color coordination instead of matchy matchy
I recommend to wear colors that look good together. Not only with each other, but with the colors that the location will have.
For example, for this session, Mireya and Javier chose Balboa Park in San Diego and the buildings are tan, there’s green, there’s brown, etc. The colors they chose are neutral and the location colors AND their colors, compliment each other beautifully.
I highly suggest NOT wear the very same colors and textures, for example: white polos and jeans. WHY? Because it blends in making it seem like a monster of two heads, if that makes sense lol. If your REALLY want to wear the very same color, my recommendation would be to wear different textures or fabrics, like satin and something woven.
4. Think of the weather
Believe me, you don’t wanna be sweating nor freezing. I know that many couple’s goal is to have a beautiful summer session, but at least here in San Diego, the weather throws surprise temperatures.
Prep an outfit, and then think of what you could add or remove if the weather were to change.
5. Stick to two outfits
No matter how long your session will be, I recommend to have 2 outfits as a max. This will make you focus on the session and each other instead of constantly having to go change and start over.
As the session progresses, the couples get more comfy so I try not to interrupt that if I can help it. Also, my suggestion always is to go from NICER TO MORE CHILL. That way you get the more formal photos out of the way first and you end it on a very chill vibe.
Alright, scroll down and take a look at Mireya and Javier’s outfit picks for their engagement photos!
