Category: Guest Experts

It is that time of year again. Couples are getting excited that their big day is just months away. It is also time to make sure you have those great engagement photos done.

Your engagement session is a very important time in your wedding process for a few reasons.

1) It allows you to take a break from all of your wedding stresses and just be with the one you love.
2) It gives you the opportunity to work with your photographer prior to the big day.
3) It is a great way to show that soon to be husband of yours that having photos taken really isn’t as painful as they make it out to be.

One thing I’ve learned being a photographer is that not everyone is one. Not everyone sees things the way us photographers do, and we cannot assume everyone knows the same things we do. Like what to wear for their sessions. So here are a few tips that will hopefully help make the experience as perfect as it should be.

DO color – I find that wearing a color that pops or really brings out your skin tones makes your photos just that much more awesome. Blacks and whites can be good as well, if that is the look you are going for but color can be so much fun.

DON’T matchy-matchy. I am pretty sure 2 years ago I told all of my clients to make sure they matched for their session. Oops, my bad. If you want to be cute like that, I will definitely not tell you otherwise because I want you to be YOU. But with that being said, matching is kind of like those elderly people that wear matching track suits. Come on, this is a new day and age.

DO coordinate colors. To balance off the no matchy-matchy, you can still be absolutely adorable with coordinating colors. Meaning a girl wears a blue dress, and the guy wears a blue tie. Pulls everything together, but still stays trendy.

Photo Credit Starseed Photography

DON’T do tight clothing. Unless this is completely 100% what you wear on a regular basis, this is a NO NO. The reason I say that is because if you are uncomfortable, it will show in the photos I promise you that. You need to be comfortable and free to move around with your loved one.

DON’T go too baggy. I know. This is kind of contradicting what I just said, right? But anything too baggy will make you look bigger and messier. Think of a perfect balance between the two.

DO Accessorize. I love accessories. They can take a photo from plain and simple, to fun and exciting. Bracelets, rings, necklaces… you name it, you wear it. I will always give you my thoughts on how things look.

DO be true to your style. Wear something that compliments your body type and personal style. Don’t try to be someone else in the photos. Be true to who you are with your outfit choice.

Photo Credit Red Bloom Photography

DON’T do logos or distracting patterns. I cannot stress this enough. If you have a big huge JUICY logo on the front of your shirt, or worse, the back of your pants, this will not reflect well in photos.

DON’T wear hats… for the guys. Girls, if you are going to wear a hat, rock it out!

DO consider location. Make sure what you are wearing is appropriate for the location or things just won’t feel right.

Photo Credit NC Photography

Other things to keep in mind aside from your outfit…

DO use props. Random things can be great, but personal items are even better (instrument, love notes, picnic, gifts that have been given, balloons, a couch, things that resemble something about the two of you, etc.).

Photo Credit NC Photography

DO save the date! One of my favorites! So many great ways to do this and it makes sending out those wedding invitations a breeze.

Photo Credit NC Photography

DO hair and makeup – GET IT DONE LADIES! Both can amazingly change the way a photo looks. Take this lightly…the more the better.

The most important thing to keep in mind for your session… Be YOU!

Interact the way you normally would. Cuddle up, make funny sounds and goofy faces. Be who you would be if I didn’t have a camera in your face. Real is what we want to capture… and what you want to remember.

BE YOU!

~N~

NC Photography