Elevate Your Engagement Photos
Your engagement session is coming up and you don’t know what you wear? Don’t worry, I got you. This is where the fun begins! I’m sharing all the DOs of what makes an outfit AMAZING on camera.
FINDING OUTFITS THAT
MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD
The last thing I want is for you to feel uncomfortable during your session. I want the focus to be on you two as a couple and how you feel together.
When you feel good in your own skin, this exuberates in photos. And then you can focus on being present to each other and the joy of the moment (which is my favourite thing of all to capture).
HOW DRESSY SHOULD MY OUTFIT BE?
My rule of thumb is this: wear something you actually feel good in. If that’s a casual tee and Levi’s, perfect. If it’s a flowy dress you’ve been waiting to wear somewhere special, even better.
It also really helps when your outfits feel like they belong in the location. Think of it less like “dressing up for photos” and more like “what would I naturally wear here if we were just hanging out, but elevated a notch.” So for something outdoors and relaxed, that might look like easy layers, denim, simple dresses, linen, soft knits, sneakers or boots. For a more urban or structured setting, think cleaner silhouettes, minimal patterns, and a bit more edge or polish. The goal is for everything to feel effortless and cohesive with the environment, not separate from it.
Colour-wise, aim for a shared palette of about 3–5 tones that work well together and sit in a similar mood. Neutrals always photograph beautifully, but they don’t have to be boring. For a clean, modern look, think tones like cream, beige, soft black, warm browns, muted olive, dusty blues. If you want something a bit softer and romantic, lean into oatmeal, blush, sand, and warm whites. I always suggest Pinterest for this part, too. It’s the easiest way to see full outfit combinations that actually work together in real life, not just individually.
The key to a great outfit for her is: movement.
For a timeless style, think romantic and light fabrics. I always add in tons of movement during your photoshoot; it adds so much life and that authentic, candid feel to your engagement photos. Light flowy fabrics add so much gorgeous movement and life to your photos. Fabrics to look for include lace, crepe, tulle, and lightly textured fabrics.
TRIAL YOUR HAIR AND MAKEUP
Your engagement session is a great opportunity to get professional hair and makeup done since it really enhances your photos. It’s also a great opportunity to trial these services in preparation for your big day.
THINGS TO AVOID
Graphics and large logos: these tend to pull focus away from you and can feel visually distracting in photos.
Ditch anything too matchy-matchy: if you’re both wearing the exact same tones or super similar outfits (like black + navy or both in plain white tops), it can make it harder to visually separate you in the frame and the photos can lose depth.
Anything too tight, too short, or just plain uncomfortable: here’s the thing-if you’re constantly adjusting straps, pulling at fabric, or feeling restricted in any way, it takes you out of the moment. And it will show in your photos. You should be able to move naturally: sit, walk, squat, give a hug, lift each other up, all of it without thinking twice. If you’re buying something new, always do a quick test run before the session so there are no surprises on the day.
Bright, neon, or overly bold colours: try to avoid super saturated tones like bright reds, oranges, yellows, and neons. These can reflect colour onto your skin in unflattering ways and tend to overpower everything else in the frame. Softer, more muted tones keep the focus exactly where it should be - on your expressions and connection.
Also a small but important practical note: try to leave things like phones, wallets, keys, sunglasses, and bags in your vehicle and safely stored before we start. Because we move around quite a bit during the session, constantly holding, setting down, or picking up items can interrupt the flow and pull you out of the moment. The more “hands-free” you are, the more natural and effortless everything will feel and that always translates into better photos.
FINAL WORDS…
Ultimately, wear what makes you feel confident, comfortable, and true to yourselves as a couple. Your engagement session is a celebration of your unique bond, and your outfits should reflect that authenticity.
I can't wait to capture these special moments for you both. Remember, the most important thing is to relax, have fun, and let your love shine through!