You’re super pumped for your engagement session with me...but you are low key freaking out because you have no clue what to wear or what to expect. Am I right? I know it can be pretty daunting figuring out what to wear. But, DON’T WORRY!! I have put together some guidelines for you that are specific to what works best with my shooting and editing style! 

But remember that these are guidelines, not rules. I want you guys to feel like and look like yourselves. So, don’t feel like you have to go on a shopping spree to make these photos good. You want to be able to look at your photos 30 years from now and say, “Wow that was so us!” 
Wearing a good outfit is so important when it comes to your Engagement photos because sometimes certain outfits that look great in real life can be distracting in photos.

what to wear

props

Okay to be honest with you, the word prop makes me gag. Lol. I want these photos to be about you, not a cheesy wooden signs with quotes. But this doesn’t apply to all props! The type of props I love are beers or drinks, a pizza picnic, hot chocolate by the campfire, your cool motorcycle or jeep, etc. So think of anything you two like to do together that would help tell the story to bring out your true personalities. Again, you want to look at those photos and say “that is so us!” Props are not necessary though so make your session unique to you. 

Colors

I suggest sticking to neutral and earthy toned colors. BUT Neutrals don’t just mean black, cream, and white. There’s neutral of every color (burnt orange, mustard yellow, forest green, navy blue). Don’t wear anything that is bright and fluorescent it is distracting. Colors that I recommend staying away from are pinks, and bright oranges unless you have darker or olive skin tones. The reason being is because the pinks and oranges reflect poorly on your skin tone. BUT these are your photos so do what you feel is going to represent you the best!

patterns

Patterns can be beautiful when worn correctly to complement each other, but they can also be very distracting when not worn right. I usually try avoiding both people wearing patterns. If one person is wearing a pattern, the other should wear a more solid complimenting color. Also, make sure your clothes are ironed beforehand so there are no distractions with that! 

Patterns to wear: Subtle or small patterns
Patterns to avoid: Patterns that are large or loud

Think about the location and environment of where we will be shooting at, and try to plan around that. If we are hiking in the mountains, make sure to bring hiking boots with you. If we are shooting on a sandy beach, it will probably look funny if you are wearing shoes. If we are shooting in snow, you probably won’t want to wear a short dress and heels. 

If it is cold, make sure to bring layers and extra warm socks for your shoes. If it is going to be hot, make sure you wear breathable clothing, and nothing you will pit out in! 

Movement

Chances are you have seen my work, so you know how much I love movement. This is where the importance of feeling comfortable comes into play. You want to feel comfortable not only for temperatures, but also for being able to move around. If you are in restricting clothing, we will be restricted with what we can do - which is most of the session!

bring options

Make sure to bring options to your session so we can decide together what will look best for the location/environment we will be in. Some ideas for options are layering options such as jackets, vests, shoes, etc. 

location+ environment

shoes

Shoes are actually very important when it comes to your session. During your session with me, you can expect a lot of movement and running around, therefore, uncomfortable shoes or heels might not be the best or you will at least want to bring a pair of back ups.

Think of the location, environment, and time of year we will be shooting in as well. If it is winter you will want to have warm boots or shoes with warm socks. If we are on a beach, you will probably want to go barefoot. If we are hiking, make sure you bring comfortable boots or hiking boots.

Again, bring options so we can switch in and out and see what will work best.

accessories

I love when your bring options for accessories! Hats, sunglasses, jean jackets, etc. Anything special to you that you want to incorporate into your photos. This could include a piece of clothing or accessory that you wear often but don't want to wear for the entire shoot!

Music

I love playing music at my sessions! If you want to play your own music, I suggest creating a Spotify playlist and then downloading it so you can play it even if we don't get service.

If you don't, NO WORRIES I have plenty of fun playlists already made!

make a day out of it

One of my biggest tips to have a FUN session is to take at least a half day off of work - or heck, play hookie the whole day ;) 
This will help prevent any stressors that may come about that might put a damper on your fun experience! 

And also make sure you leave early to the session with plenty of time so that you are not running late and causing any stress or tension prior to the session.

Basically just cut out any potential stressors that day and just ENJOY THE FREAKIN' DAY! Let's make this a fun experience not just an hour of taking photos! 

in-home sessions

All of the guidelines above apply to in-home sessions too. But, I love when in-home sessions are as real as it gets.
Think about what you look like and wear around the house normally. Make sure they feel cozy and at home. Simpler is better for In-home sessions.
If you get all dolled up with makeup and a fancy outfit for an in-home session, it will probably come across as forced.

Bottom line: Think simple, neutral, and less is more

Hair + Makeup

I get asked often about whether you should get your makeup done or not. My answer is that it is 100% up to you. I want you to feel like your most beautiful self no matter what that is. If you love wearing makeup then I say - heck yes! Makeup makes a huge difference in photos helping skin tones look dreamy and creamy. But if you are someone who never wears a lot of makeup and the thought of putting any on creeps you out, then you don’t have to!  

Another tip for when it is winter and you are white as a ghost like me, I suggest getting a light spray tan or using tanning lotion to give yourself a little glow. This will help again with those dreamy and creamy skin tones!

Color examples

what to expect:
to have a freakin blast!!

At the end of all of my sessions, it never fails that the guys say “wow that was actually fun!” Which is totally my goal, you guys. This isn’t meant to be taken too seriously. We're not doing this so you can submit a cheesy photo to the local newspaper, we are doing this for you. We are doing it so in 30 years you can have memories of your young love. 




















Again, I want to make this feel like a fun date for you guys, so let’s do what we can to make that happen!