Stumped on what to wear for your engagement photos? You’re not alone. As these sentimental snapshots will appear on everything from your save-the-dates and wedding website to the walls of your first home, it’s important to put together looks that feel 100 percent you. It’s Dave with Dave McIntosh Photographics, Baltimore, Maryland wedding photography and videography, and today I wanted to put together a few tips on what to wear to your engagement session.
Complement Each Other but Don’t Match
Complementing your partner’s look is one thing, but “matching outfits and patterned prints aren’t ideal for portrait sessions. When deciding how you and your partner will dress, look for complementary colors and solid prints. Try to stay away from anything too busy, as it can be an unnecessary distraction in photos.
Opt for Classic Rather than Trendy Looks
You may love that black-and-white maxi dress now, but next year you may only be reminded of a referee when you see yourself in head-to-toe stripes. I always recommend looks that will remain timeless, rather than outfits that could make your images feel dated a few years down the road.
Think about the Season
Bikinis won’t work for a winter engagement, and a cowl neck scarf doesn’t work in the summer. Take advantage of the season you’re in by styling a look that’s in tune with the climate and location.
Wear Clothes that Make You Feel You
If you’re strictly a T-shirt and jeans kind of couple, now’s not the time to pull out a beaded ball gown and tux. You should feel comfortable in the outfits you choose. You should still look like yourselves, but at your best. Wardrobe choices that are extremely outside your level of comfort will make you look and feel awkward in photos. What I normally recommend for my couples is have two outfits ready. We can start with a dressier outfit then halfway through the session change into a more casual outfit. Check out the couples outfits in my engagement gallery for inspiration and ideas.
Choose Pastels, Cool Colors, and Neutral Tones
You’ll want to avoid anything neon, lest you’ll end up looking like a hot, blinking sign. I also find orange is the least photogenic color, while red is the color your eye is drawn to immediately—and you don’t want your shirt or skirt to be the focus of your photograph. You want your faces and the love between you to stand out. Neutral colors, whites, blues always work but usually a few accessories to give a pop of color look great.
Use this opportunity to test with your makeup artist
If you have booked a makeup artist for your wedding or you are thinking of booking a makeup artist for your wedding the engagement session is a good time to do a trial makeup run with them. I only ask that you allow plenty of time for makeup and hair before the session so you can adjust the look if needed and still make it to the session on time. Don’t overdo it we want you to look great but also very natural.
About Dave McIntosh Photographics
My talent helps you remember each moment fondly. This means not only gorgeous photos and video but also a positive experience. When you look at the photos, you recall how you felt. Capturing special moments is more than picking up a camera. Sometimes is it creating a safe space for you to relax and be yourself. Sometimes it is creating a moment. Once you relax and be in the moment, the magic begins. I will guide you to create memories perfectly suited to you based on over 10 years of photographing weddings.