Engagement photos are the best way to get to know your wedding photographer. They also create the perfect opportunity for save the dates and wedding invitations. Whether you’re having a local or destination wedding, it is a great way to get used to being in front of the camera. While my job has me frequently around cameras, when I actually got my own engagement photos done I realized just how important they are. I am so used to being behind the camera that I felt super awkward in front of the camera. A good photographer can help you get really comfortable during your engagement session and get truly authentic and timeless engagement photos. Speaking from experience, your engagement will fly by way faster than you expect it to. During this time full of joy and elatement it’s definitely a good idea to have an engagement session to get some awesome photos you’ll cherish forever.
Springs Preserve Engagement Session
I have written blog posts on the best places to do engagement photos in both Las Vegas and San Francisco if you are interested in some of my favorite locations in these cities to do your session. And hey, if you do your engagement session in another city it will be a new adventure for both of us!
Now, assuming you have figured out where you want to do your photos it’s the problem that I have every day of my life… What the heck do I wear?!
Comfortable Outfits for your Engagement Session:
My biggest priority is for my clients to be really comfortable. If you don’t normally wear 5 inch heels… Don’t wear 5 inch heels to your engagement session! You will come off as stiff and uncomfortable because well, you will be. I personally wore flats to my own engagement session because I’m incredibly clumsy and can NOT walk in even kitten heels. For your engagement photos, we will also be doing a variety of poses and I like to incorporate fluidity into my sessions so being able to walk more than a single step in your shoes is super useful. If you can rock 5 inch heels and do a twirl, awesome. Wear them. If not, stick to something you feel like yourself in. Engagement photos are a really unique opportunity for couples to let their personalities shine and get some lovey-dovey photos of them and their significant other. Don’t just do what you see on Pinterest to try to keep up with trends. It’s your engagement session. Make it YOU.
Color Schemes for your Engagement Photos:
For overall color schemes I generally recommend a more neutral palette. But if you have a specific theme in mind like both of you wearing plaid… That’s fine! Come at me with all your ideas and I will give you my honest opinion to better serve you and to help you create gorgeous timeless engagement photos. For guys, I generally recommend khaki’s and a shirt of your liking. For women, I love long flowy dresses that are pastel or deep rich colors. Really though, any dresses. And if you don’t like dresses – that’s fine! You will still totally own your engagement session. I’d recommend just getting your outfits together a week or two in advance of your session. It’s a fun little date idea for you and your fiance too! Come out in your favorite outfits and see how they look together. It’s fun to surprise each other! The week leading up to your session I get a LOT of photos from my couples saying “Hey, how does this look together?” and I’ll be 100% honest in my responses.
Multiple Outfits at your Engagement Session
Some photographers limit outfit changes for your session or even charge extra for multiple outfits. I do NOT do this. And don’t ask me, I have no idea why a lot of photographers do this. You changing doesn’t add to my workload and I LOVE the variety and seeing my clients ideas all come to life. Generally, my engagement sessions are done somewhere outdoors with not another soul around. I won’t peek and will help ya provide coverage, but 99% of my couples are fine with changing in the back of their car. If you aren’t comfortable with this, I’ll definitely find us a location to do your engagement photos that has a bathroom so you can change in complete privacy. Here’s a few more examples of couples that decided on multiple outfits.
Rustic and country style paired with cowboy boots, jeans and plaid.
Rockin’ jean jacket which paired really cutely with her short and sassy white dress. For him, he chose khaki’s and a white button up.
A beautiful maroon floor length evening gown for her and a tux
A more casual fitted white dress for her and khaki’s and a brightly colored shirt
Khaki’s for him with a white shirt and a floral blue dress for her
For their second outfit, she chose a beautiful white and teal dress and he wore a funky purple top with khakis.
Final Thoughts:
As an engagement and wedding photographer I strive to document each and every session beautifully and authentically. That being said, I’m ALWAYS happy to chat about ideas with clients and I take pride in being able to help you bring your vision to life. I can’t wait to hear from you!
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