OUTFITS

General Tips

• Bring at least two outfits. One more fun/casual outfit and one dressier/fancier outfit. Even if you end up only wearing one, you’ll have a backup in case anything goes wrong! Try to stick with two outfits max. Any more and we’ll lose momentum and daylight!

• Don’t be afraid to snap a phone photo of yourself in your outfits beforehand. Text the photos to a friend (or me!) for feedback. Sometimes clothes look way different in a photo than in the mirror.

• Remember to iron/press/lint roll your outfits, if needed.

Fit & Comfort

• Wear clothes that flatter your body types and fit well.

• No areas should look too tight (especially around undergarments) or too bunchy/loose. Think form fitting but with no visible panty lines or bra straps.

• Try to avoid tops or dresses with a high-neck which will make it look like you don’t have a neck at all!

• Wear clothes and shoes that you’re comfortable moving around in.

• For women: Unless you’re super comfortable with your body, I highly recommend not going sleeveless. I commonly hear “I don’t like how my arms look” — best way to solve that problem is to wear sleeves. Any length sleeves will work but the most flattering are three quarter length

Colors

• Solid colors photograph best. If you do have your heart set on a print or pattern, make sure it’s not too busy or distracting. (Text me a photo of it if you’re unsure!)

• Unless you’re going for a matching look (think both of you wearing all black formal-wear), I recommend not wearing the same shade as your partner.

• Choose colors that complement each other that also complement each of your skin tones. For help figuring out what shades best complement your skin tones, check out this article.

• When in doubt, choose a darker outfit, a lighter outfit, and something with a pop of color.

Layers

• Layering adds visual interest, variety, and texture.

• Think sweaters, jackets, blazers, scarves, hats, jewelry.

• Bring as many variations of these layers as you’d like! We can swap them out as we go.

• Useful for temperature changes. (You won’t like the photos if you look too hot or too cold.)

DETAILS

• If you don’t usually go tanning, don’t experiment with it before your session. ESPECIALLY spray tanning. I repeat: PLEASE DO NOT GET SPRAY TANNED BEFORE YOUR SESSION. The only exception would be if you do it regularly and it’s part of your normal routine.

• Refresh your manicure if you want close ups of your engagement ring! Neutral colors are always a safe bet but if a pop of color better suits your personality - go for it!

• Try to schedule your hair & make-up trial for your engagement session. If that’s not possible, ask me about the professional hair & make-up artists I work with. They’re specifically trained in what will look best in photos. You’re more than welcome to do your own hair and makeup, as long as you maintain the expectation that Photoshop is not a substitute!

• Opt for simple accessories (if any) that don’t distract from your face.

• Try to schedule any hair appointment around one week prior to your session. e.g. if you care about your roots being touched up, please do that ahead of your appointment.

• Drink plenty of water and get plenty of sleep the night before so you look refreshed!

TIME & LOCATION

TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER: LIGHTING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN LOCATION.

• If you have to choose between a location you love and the time recommended by the photographer, always choose the time over the location. Photographing at golden hour will result in the prettiest lighting but bad lighting at a cool location isn't great!

• If you plan to use the photos for save-the-dates, schedule your engagement session for at least 3 weeks before the date you want to send them.

Now you’re ready for your close-up!

It’s way more fun than you think it’ll be. I’ll be showing you the back of my camera as we go so we can make any adjustments we need to. Once we get in the groove, you’re going to look and feel amazing.