What to wear for your engagement photoS?
It's a super common question going into your engagement session. And much like with planning your wedding, people are often too eager to share with you what you should be doing (or wearing). Along with these quips from friends and family, you may hear some straight up lies and myths! I'm here to help set straight five common myths about your engagement session outfits!
MYTH #1: AVOID NEUTRALS, THEY WASH YOU OUT!
This is so far from the truth! For most people, neutrals look amazing on them and should NOT be avoided! Neutrals and pastels are actually some of the most photographic colors for your portraits- especially if you're going for the light, airy and romantic vibe I LOVE. Some ideas for beautiful neutrals include: blushes, tans, light pinks, faint blues, light purples, cream, ivory and "dusty" shades of pink, blue, green and purple.
myth #2: you need to match each other!
Nope. Matching gives some early 2000's sibling Christmas card picture vibes- not great for your engagement session! Instead, focus on coordinating your outfits rather than matching the colors you wear. Coordination means you are wearing colors that look good together, but aren't close to being the same. Colors that coordinate well generally have a similar tone, like warm tones (pinks, reds, oranges, beige) or cool tones (purples, blues, greens, grays). Exceptions to the "similar tones rule" is if colors have a similar profile like blush and dusty blue or sage green!
Matching colors in photos can cause a lack of intrigue, and rarely do "matching colors" photograph exactly the same. How light hits your clothing and the material of different outfit pieces can make the same color actually photograph differently. This is one of the tricky things about reds in photos- it often appears more purpley or orange than how our eyes see it!
Bonus Tip: Search for color palettes on Pinterest and find one you like! Have you and your partner wear colors on the palette- this can help your coordinate your colors!
MYTH #3: WEAR BLACK BECAUSE IT MAKES YOU LOOK THIN!
Yinz. I hate every part of this myth.
First, you are beautiful and your body is amazing! Do NOT pick black for your photos because your weird aunt told you it makes your look 10 pounds lighter in the camera. That's garbage advice from a damaging person. (also, how did this silly myth even become a thing?!) If you ARE concerned about how you FEEL in your outfits, focus on fit and shape of your clothing! There are a lot of resources for the specific to your beautiful body.
Second, I would NOT recommend wearing black in photos, especially if you're looking for light and airy, soft portraits. Don't get me wrong, as a photographer and dancer, black is one of my go-tos for everyday outfits; but I never wear it for my own portraits. Black can photograph dark and heavy, and sometimes takes on different tints (like blue reflecting from the sky).
MYTH #4: YOU HAVE TO BUY SOMETHING NEW!
As a shopper, I understand how enticing it is to use your engagement session as an excuse to buy some new clothes! However, I will always recommend wearing something you already own. Why? Because this is how you feel super confident going into your engagement session! You already KNOW you look AND feel so good in your clothes already!
MYTH #5: YOUR LOCATION DETERMINES YOUR STYLE MORE THAN YOUR OUTFIT!
Your location is simply the setting for your background. You and your boo will still be the focus of your photos. The outfit you select has a big impact on the look and overall feel of your photos.
I've done so many shoots in Old Town Alexandria, and different outfit choices create a whole different vibe and impact in photos! More bold colors like in Emily & Joe's engagement outfits below create more "pop". But lighter colors can create a softer, romantic look (like in Shawna & Brad's photos above). You have a lot of power over the look and feel of your photos, simply in your outfit choices!
