Your Engagement Guide
First Off,
I am so excited to be the first step of this journey and one of my favorite steps because this session is where I get to experience and capture your special love. Yes I know that sounds cheesy but its true! I’ve had the opportunity to see how different and genuine people can love each other. And not just that but, I get to hang out with you guys! I get to connect, create, and build a friendship with you and that has ALWAYS been my favorite part of this whole thing!
Lets jump in!
What do I wear?
Bring options!! You can never have enough. Although our session together may allow only for 2-3 outfits, you can never truly get a feel for that just right outfit until you are at the location. I know one of our first instincts is to go shopping and buy all new outfits but I encourage you to have at least one well worn and well loved outfit that is genuinely you and make you feel like a hundred bucks! Take it from me, I have made that mistake for my own personal engagement photos. So bring options for both of you! Also do take into consideration that you will be most likely changing in the car on the side of the road so if you are not comfortable with that one outfit is just as good! But with that being said sometimes what looks great in person does not look the best in photos.
Here are a few guidelines to make sure you feel comfortable yet look your best!
Movement
We want movement! Not only for you guys to be physically comfortable in your clothes so you are able to move around but also movement in the type of material and clothing you have on. Movement is the cherry on top for all the photos so dress in comfy outfits as well as bring some flow options, they add such a gorgeous touch to the photo when that wind picks up.
Color
Color will make the biggest difference in your photos. I always, always, always recommend to dress in neutral colors. Colors that are earthy tones, soft, and easy to the eye. That is not to say to not wear color. Please do! Colors such a mustard, blush, navy, tan, whites, blacks, army green, burnt orange. Just keep in mind any color you wear your skin will reflect so avoid wearing reds, greens, blues, pink, any bright colors that you don’t want your face reflecting. If possible, match your outfit colors to your locations pulling inspiration from the colors of your session locations. And sometimes a bright hot pink dress works great with the feel you want for your photos, just make sure to check in with me to plan accordingly so you are looking your absolute best!
Pattern
Patterns are a tricky one. While many patterns look great in person, they do not all photograph the same. The two main factors to nail patterns is size and color. The smaller the size of a pattern the better. Small polkadots over large ones, small flower prints over enlarged flowers, etc. However sometimes large patterns work when they are the correct color pallet. This picture for example; the dress has what I would consider medium/large pattern but the whites pulls the creamy color of the sky, the green matches the surrounding greenery and the subtle orange brings out the Sedona red rocks. The pattern compliments its environment and does not take away from the couple.
Props
Props are hard and many times unnecessary (or truthfully very cheesy) but when it is done right way it adds just the right amount of personality and touch to your story. Props can be things such as your pet, a picnic, a motorcycle, blanket, flower crown, etc. Really we just want a prop to add rather than take away. If you are looking to incorporate a proper let me know.