Style Guide To Slay Your Engagement Session
Augusta & Jacob, 2024. An at-home engagement session can add a lot of extra sentimental value to your engagement session, so don’t forget to consider this option.
Welcome friend! & congratulations!
This guide will be your one-stop shop to prepare for your engagement photoshoot.
Showing up at the same location at an agreed upon time is just not enough to create photos that you are going to swoon over! And I want you swooooooning!
So, grab your boo, get comfy and take 10 minutes to intentionally walk through this guide together! I promise you, it will be every bit worthy.
START WITH A VISION
What would you do together on a date night, if I wasnt around? Where are your favorite places to go?
Travis and Julia’s museum-date session.
We could absolutely go to the nearest “pretty location” and take a bunch of pretty photos at sunset with you looking like models. And hey! - if thats your vibe, lets do it, but if that doesnt represent who you are, or your story, lets go deeper.
I want to take an intentional and collaborative aproach to these photos. From the location, to what you wear, themes & beyond. The more vision and ideas you give me, the better. If you have a go-to date night spot or activity you love to do together, do tell me! & even if you dont think your idea is “photo-worthy” ask me first! What makes photos meaningful is not just the beauty, it’s the story they tell.
WHAT TO WEAR & PICKING YOUR OUTFIT
What you wear can make or break your photos. Trust and believe that.
Take into account the location you are shooting at AND the season you are shooting in. The location always has it’s own vibe, colors, textures and theme. Think about your location as a painting that is already painted, and now we have to paint YOU into the picture.
What will look best against the backdrop? What makes most sense in that scene?
Picking your colors
Natural Setting:
Garret & Acacia really understood the assignment. They borrowed inspiration for their color palette from the season they were in and completely nailed their fall session.
You want to stand out from your surroundings but still look like you belong and fit there.
When shooting outdoors I always recommend earthy and neutral tones because they fit into the natural/earthy surroundings we are shooting in.
However, if you are more of a creative couple who use fashion as a form of expression and you dont think neutrals really represent you then I would suggest work with a stylist (if you dont know any just let me know) because including bold choices, colors and silhouettes for an outdoor session does require some skill and a trained eye.
That being said, if you want to be safe (but cute as hell, always) remember the “3 color rule” which means that when putting an outfit together, you should ideally limit yourself to using only 3 main colors to achieve a balanced and cohesive look, typically consisting of a dominant color, a secondary color and an accent color to add a pop of interest (accent colors dont necesarily have to be on your outfit but it could also be a pop of color that is part of the location, maybe a colorful rose bush or a sunflower field…)
David + Derek are a great example of using the location for a pop of color. Here they went for blue as their main color, grey was their secondary color and the greens from the background added a pop of color.
Moody Urban
I give a triple chef’s kiss to Sambo & Ashleigh’s all-black formal look for their engagement session in downtown Tulsa.
When shooting in the city black is just PERFECT. A black wardrobe can add sophistication, allure and/or drama.
Complimentary materials to achieve a chic and cool aesthetic regardless of your style are leather, satin, or suede. Complimentary colors to include are BROWNS, deep, rich burgundy or blue always photograph well, mauve tones do too and all denim looks are pretty timeless. You can dress up or down using these colors.
Not one couple is the same & you are probably concerned by these rules but trust me, these colors can be applied to any and every style. So wether you are boujee, country or just laid back we can fit this color palette into your photoshoot’s wardrobe.
Do you still have questions? No worries, Im always a phone call or text away! So whether you are shopping and need a final opinion or you are browsinig in your own closet, Im here to help.
No color? No problem! Kay Lin picked a black and grey look that though was muted in color it managed to have personality by mixing a dainty satin dress with a structured blazer and chunky Doc Martens, achieving a balanced look.
MAKE SURE YOUR OUTFITS…
… Have movement!
Make sure you can move in your outfit easily, and its a huge added bonus if the piece itself moves as well.Try: sheer, bouncy, flowy, textured, soft fabrics. Avoid: business, starchy, stiff.
… Are timeless (ish)
Try to wear something you wont be embarrased to see yourself in 10 years. Use what I call “The 5 and 5 rule” 5 years ago you could of worn it and in 5 years you could still wear it!
Or just throw away all the rules and DO YOU! I love fashion myself and I understand a big part of why its so much fun is experimenting with different vibes and silhouettes and maybe in 10 years it would be fun and endearing to see yourself in this time.
…Feel like you
Make sure it has that trademark, YOU stamp on it!
… Remember to avoid
Clothes that make you feel constricted, uncomfortable, itchy and/or exposed (ladies) Make sure you love your outfit from every angle and you feel like a million bucks!
FAQs:
What if our shoot gets bad weather?
I always want you to be exited about your weather conditions, so I will keep in touch with clients in the days preceding our shoot if the weather looks ugly. Anything from cloudy to sunny is not something I reschedule for but intense rain, or unsafe weather is something Im happy to reschedule with no extra fees.
What about my dude? anything special he should do?
Grooms use the same guidelines as the girls but with guy clothes. That being said, please make sure you are both fully groomed. This means fresh hair cuts, good beards if you have beards or a fresh shave if you don’t. Ironed clothes are a must. If you are gonna do your nails that’s great, if you are not that’s fine too, just try not to have chipped nails because they do look ugly. I wont groom anyone in Photoshop.
What if you still don’t know what to wear?
Let me know that. I have so many ideas so don’t worry. Try to follow the guidelines in this guide, as well as Pinterest boards with inspo. Message me photos, and bring options to your shoot! We will make sure you look amazing!
Should I hire HMU?
YES, YES, ABSOLUTELY YES.
And that is not a dig to your makeup and hair skills girl (and if you are amazing at hmu, please ignore this part, this message is for the average person) remember professionals do this for a living so that option is always going to look better and elevate your look. The hair and makeup you use to go to work or grab coffee with friends may not translate in your photos, some makeup looks are great in person yet the camera completely washes it off. Professional makeup artists know how to do makeup for photos, just make sure to show them the look you are going for.
A bonus to hiring a professional HMU is that if you ever wanted to experiment with makeup and you have so many looks saved on your phone that you wish you could make happen but when you try, it never looks like the picture?(sounds familiar? it does me) Well this is the perfect opportunity to TREAT YO SELF!
OK BESTIES, I think I’ve said enough, but before I go let’s go over your final checklist:
Let’s nail down your location.
I want to hear your vision!
Let’s finalize your outfit.
I CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU ON YOUR SESSION DATE! LETS GO!
