It is, by far, one of the most common questions I hear so I thought I'd put together a few tips and suggestions to help anyone prepping for a shoot. If you have anything you'd like me to add, just mention it in the comments below! (PS -These tips can apply to any kind of photo session - family, senior portraits, maternity - not just engagements.)
1. Express Yourself
Madonna's advice extends beyond just the music. You and your love take center stage in the photos so your clothing should be used to further express who you are. If your favorite color is purple, then wear purple! If you wouldn't be caught dead in a skirt, then please don't dress up for the photos because you feel you "have to." You don't have to do anything other than be yourself!2. Layers, Layers, Layers
Say it like Lady Gaga - "Layers, layers, layers, I want your layers." Layers can be your very best friend in an engagement shoot. Layers make it easy to deal with whatever weather Mother Nature may throw your way (especially for engagement sessions in San Francisco). Layers also add versatility and variety to your shots. Can you tell I like layers?3. You Don't Have to Match, You Just Have to Make Sense
Rachel Zoe gave us this little gem once upon a time on The Rachel Zoe Project. For some reason, The Boyfriend really snatched that saying up and now repeats it any time he's trying to put together a nice outfit. It's a good one to remember for photo sessions, too. You and your fiance don't have to wear outfits that match, you just have to make sense together. Rather than trying to find shirts in the exact same shade of blue, experiment with complementary colors or different hues within a single color family. Or, if one of you really wants to go casual and the other really wants to dress up, plan for a wardrobe change to accommodate both rather than one of you in jeans and the other in a suit for the same photo!4. Say No to Loud Patterns & Logos but Say Yes to Color
Remember when I said you and your love are the stars here? Well, I really mean it! And sometimes really loud or busy patterns & logos get a little jealous and try to steal the show. Simple or minimal patterns are okay - just as long as the focus stays on YOU!Color, on the other hand, is a beautiful way to express yourself (see above) and add visual interest to your photos. Stick with shades that flatter your features and are within your comfort zone - meaning, if you normally wear lots of darker neutrals, your engagement session might not be the best time to experiment with a neon yellow dress!
5. Comfort Is Just as Important as Style
Trust me on this one. If you're normally a jeans-and-tee-shirt kind of gal, you're not going to feel comfortable in a cocktail dress and heels. But if you rock a cocktail dress and heels every weekend, why not show one off in your engagement photos, too? You want to wear something that you're comfortable moving around in - whether that's platforms or flip-flops depends on your own personal style.At the core of all of these tips is one simple idea - be yourself. Use your clothing and accessories as a way to show not just what you look like but who you are. And if you want to buy something new and special just for that shoot - don't feel guilty about treating yourself! After all, you and your fiance will only be engaged once, right?