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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. But be sure to mix up the texture too.
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 cheesy 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. If you both wear a sold color, then try mixing up the type of fabric at least to make it look like you aren’t twins or siblings.
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.
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