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What to Wear to a Couples Photo Session: 10 Tips for Engagements, Anniversaries, Proposals and Just Because Photo Shoots
If you’re not sure what to wear to a couples photo session, or simply need some advice or visual ideas, this post is for you! This can be used for engagement sessions, anniversary sessions or just because couple photo shoots!
Tip #1: Be Yourself.
Dress in your own authentic style. I am not the kind of photographer that thinks everyone needs to be wearing a certain style outfit like a long flowy dress if you feel more comfortable in a t-shirt and jeans or vice versa. I feel strongly that the photos should be an authentic representation of you and your partner. If you’re someone that loves bold colors, then don’t shy away from wearing bold reds or blues, for example. If you love neutrals, then stick to lighter colors or pastels.
Tip #2: Wear something that you feel GREAT in.
You know how you feel an extra boost of confidence when you wear something you feel great in? Wear an outfit that is not only authentically you but most importantly, you love the way it looks and feels on you.
There are also some colors that may look great on one person, but not so good on another. Keep in mind that what looks good online or on the hanger may not look good when you try it on, so be sure you try everything on beforehand.
Tip #3: Avoid clashing with the background.
This simply means that if we’re photographing at a park, stay away from greens and browns. I want you to stand out from the background, not blend in with it. Blue at the beach however can still work, I just recommend pairing it with a contrasting color such as white which will help you stand out from the background.
Tip #4: Coordinate outfits.
For a cohesive look, make sure everyone’s outfits look good together. You can either go for a matching look of neutrals (for example, all white, white and jean, etc.), or mix and match colors that go well together (for example, whites, pinks, blues, etc.). Contrasting outfits also look really good – for example, a light colored top with dark colored pants, or vice versa.
Tip #5: Dress for the location.
For a location such as Vizcaya, you should dress more elegantly than you would at the beach. You can wear dress shoes/heels but do bring comfortable walking shoes as we move throughout the gardens. At the Design District, you might choose to wear something more fun and stylish. At a park, you can wear casual chic or dressier outfits- however you feel most comfortable.
For the beach, you’ll likely want to be barefoot, especially if you want to walk in the shallow water. Sometimes I have my clients stand in the shallow water if I can get a good reflection shot. For this reason, I recommend bringing a change of clothes and towels for photo shoots at the beach so you have something to change into after the session if your clothes get wet and sandy. Let me know ahead of time if you would even like to go in the water completely!
Tip #6: Complete the outfit with accessories.
This can be jewelry that makes a statement and showcases your personality, a pair of dress shoes or a bold colored lipstick.
Tip #7: Remove all bulky items from your pockets and hair ties from your wrists.
Before starting the photo session, be sure to remove cell phones from your pockets and any other bulky items such as car keys. Also make sure to remove anything you don’t want seen in the photos: hair ties, perhaps a watch or wrist band you don’t want on, etc.
Tip #8: Make sure your clothes are ironed and fit well.
An outfit can easily be ruined if its wrinkled. It’s all in the details! So be sure all of the outfits are pressed and fit well (not too tight or baggy).
Tip #9: Change outfits mid-session.
Sometimes it’s nice to have a different look. For 1 or 2 hour sessions, feel free to swap outfits mid-session, just let me know ahead of time if you plan on doing so. You can bring one dressier outfit and one casual one, or simply bring different outfits to change looks.
Tip #10: Don’t stress too much about what to wear.
The most important part of a photo shoot is to have fun and showcase the love you have for each other. If you need advice or a second opinion on an outfit, feel free to contact me and send me photos. I want your photo session to be an easy and memorable experience! My goal is to provide you with beautiful and joyful photos for you to enjoy for years to come.
Get Inspired! Check out this Pinterest board for more visual ideas of what to wear to a photo session.
You can also go through the blog to see what outfits people have worn in the past to give you ideas on what to wear to a couples photo shoot.
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More Photo Inspiration:
I hope this post helps give you ideas for what to wear to a couples photo session! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.