Spring and early summer are a peak time for engagement sessions. I often get an email a couple of weeks before the shoots asking me questions such as 'what to wear', 'what to bring' and 'where to go'. I'm not Mr. Fashion by any stretch, but I do know a few things that the camera likes. I also want my couples to be themselves and have fun at the session. So, how do we make all of these things mesh? Let's discuss...
A cute couple sits on the edge of the pier at Lemon Lake Park.
The two above images have a few things in common. Besides being straight ahead, looking at the camera images - solid colors have ruled the day. By not wearing stripes or flashy logos, the focus is on each couple. At the same time, the colors still pop - nothing is drab. Now, every rule is meant to be broken. I have had couples wear stripes and we have gotten some fun photos and it looks great. It all depends on what we are doing and the personalities involved. The couple wearing stripes also had some solid colors that they wore in the session as well. I have no problem with you changing clothes mid session.
This brings us to another popular trend - team clothing. While I discourage face painting for your engagement session (no need for a goalie mask to show your Blackhawk pride), feel free to bring your favorite sports team clothing. Midway through the session you can change, break out a prop if you wish and we will take some images. Some couples are even able to show off their wedding date with certain player numbers. I know what I'll be doing on 9/19 this year!! :)
The wedding date is written on a football for these Indianapolis Colts fan's engagement photo.
If you are going on one of my famous Chicago Sessions, I recommend "classic clothing". While I will be shooting these in color, there will be a whole set made into black and white with film grain added to simulate street photography from the 1960's and 1970's. It's a cool, vintage look that really begs for solid colors. Wearing a stylish pea coat or hat couldn't hurt either. Jeans and solid tee shirts are good too. Think classic - no distractions, no logos.
A couple kisses in the streets of Chicago in this black and white engagement photo.
Another thing to consider is where and what we will be doing at your engagement session. If we are going to the beach before dusk, perhaps some capris are appropriate. Will I be able to persuade you to run at me and throw leaves into the air? Will you be active at our engagement session? Keep that in mind for your clothing options as well.
A couple embraces for their engagement photo at an Indiana farm.
In the above photo we are in a bean field of an Indiana farm. This is an instance where the plaid works well and the casual clothing fits perfectly.
The important thing is that your engagement photos convey who you are. I'm sure you are not a stiff person and I don't want you to look that way in your pictures. So, be comfortable and just follow a few simple guidelines. Simple is usually best. Let's keep the focus on you!!