What to Wear for Your Engagement Shoot

Your engagement shoot should really emphasize what you wear during it. Clothes are SO important within your engagement shoot. Your clothing keeps the focus on you and your partner, and can really make you POP depending on the location you choose to have your engagement photos at. If you’re not sure what to wear at your engagement shoot, keep reading!

First and foremost, the most important thing about clothing is making sure you are comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing. The most comfortable and confident you feel, the better your photos will be – seriously!

Tip #1: Wear what Makes You Most Comfortable

Comfort is so important!!! Your engagement photos are meant to be about you and your partner; your clothing is just meant to assist in showing you two off. Ultimately, wear whatever YOU want and are most comfortable in!!! Don’t wear anything you’re afraid you’ll be messing with or concerned about the entire time – if you’re worried about your clothing being too tight, too loose, too low cut, too high cut, too short, too long, too WHATEVER it might show in your photos. Comfort also means something different to everyone whether it’s fancy, casual, comfy, sexy, etc. It is completely up to you what you are comfortable in!!!

Shoes are also important when it comes to comfort. Wearing heels while hiking on a more adventurous photoshoot miiiight not be the best idea (or you can change into heels at the top of the mountain). Just like wearing brand new shoes without the proper socks miiiight not be the best time for you with the possibility of blisters to happen during your photoshoot. Or being barefoot on hot sand or asphalt probably won’t be the best of times. Wear something comfortable on your feet!

Tip #2: Make Sure It Makes Sense for Your Engagement Shoot

Make sure to wear clothes that makes sense for you, the landscape, and the weather. Some examples include:

• If it’s going to be freezing cold outside during our shoot, I highly encourage you to bundle up with layers. If there’s snow on the ground, bright colors pop really well against the white background.
• If it’s going to be hot out during our photoshoot, I encourage you to embrace the heat. It might not make sense to wear a sweater or long sleeves. Also, be aware of clothing that shows sweat more if we’re meeting up on a hot day.
• If we’re going to do an indoor or in-home session, it might not make sense to wear a super fancy ballgown while taking pictures in your living room (unless that’s your thing!). Instead, think about a more casual outfit.
• If we’re taking photos at the beach, both neutral or earthy tones and colorful clothing pops against the background.
• If we’re taking photos with a mainly green landscape (mountains, forest/trees, etc.), either neutral or brighter colors pop against the green background as well!

Tip #3: What Colors to Wear for Your Engagement Shoot

Colors are meant to compliment your surroundings. Remember that color wheel we learned about in elementary school? Think of your background and outfits like that and in trying compliment one another. Don’t use it as an exact thing – but use it as a guide in helping you pop against the landscape!

For example:

• Having photos taken at the forest means red looks good against the green background.
• A fall foliage (orange) background means blue clothes would look good.
• An urban location (in a city or against brick walls) has color as a good thing so you pop against the black/brown background.

Alternatively, neutrals color and earthy toned colors will look good against pretty much any background color. Neutral colors include white, black, brown, navy blue, rusty orange, cream or an off-white, olive green, and a light pink.

Tip #4: What Patterns to Wear

Patterns can be great in photos!! …But they also have the ability to get a little crazy and overpower the photos. Smaller subtle patterns work really well like small polka dots, stripes, plaid, a small floral print, and more.

Tip #5: What Details to Bring for Your Engagement Shoot

Feel free to bring accessories to your engagement shoot to easily change up your look a little bit with just a few accessories!

Accessories can include:

• Jackets
• Sweaters
• Hats
• Hair accessories like scarves, scrunchies, bandanas, etc.
• Bouquet of flowers (yes you can have flowers without it being your wedding)

Additional Tips for Your Engagement Photos

• If you’re not sure if an engagement shoot is for you, here are 5 reasons to have an engagement shoot.
• 7 Tips for Including Your Dog in Your Photoshoot
• 6 Tips for a Beach Photoshoot
• Here is a link to examples of engagement shoots I have photographed
• Look into Pinterest for more inspo on what to wear!

Engagement Photographer

Are you interested in me photographing your engagement photos?

Well hey there – if you didn’t know me already, I’m Emily! I’m a California and Destination wedding and elopement photographer based in Southern California. I spend a lot of time photographing adventure elopements of rad couples around the world. I love all things elopements, being out on the water, outdoor adventure, and am truly so grateful that I get to call this my job!!! 

If you’re looking for a photographer for your engagement photos who will:

• Photograph your beautiful engagement photos through storytelling photos that you can look back on for the rest of your life
• Help you come up with your dream engagement photos
• Help you find activities in the area to make your engagement photos intentional, unique, and memorable

…then I’m your person!!!

Visit my website to learn more about me, get to know my approach to photography, and then reach out to me if you think we are a good fit. I cannot wait to hear from you and photograph your dream engagement photos!!