Listed below is a summery of the best advice that I read in that above post that thought my own clients would appreciate in regards to clothing and the protection of just the right look that will reflect the way you truly are in your photos.
These are all excellent suggestions on what to wear during your photoshoot.The idea is to keep the focus of my camera on the true connection shared between you the two of you when your looking into each others eyes or sharing a joke in between shots. Bright colors and checkered patterns can be very distracting elements in a portrait so the bottom line is that its best to keep your wardrobe look minimalistic and generally neutral.
That being said remember that the info above is to be used as a guideline not a rulebook...
Beyond the particular specific optical reasons for choosing one wardrobe look or another the most important thing you can wear in your photos is a smile! If your going to choose anything special to wear make sure that you and your partner are comfortable and feel confident in your wardrobe choices. It's ok to compromise if your partner won't smile unless he's wearing his favorite plaid shirt or you simply feel more beautiful wearing a bright blue skirt. After all, if your tugging at an annoying creeping hemline or he is fidgeting with his dress shirt collar your photos will reflect your general discomfort so instead be happy, be comfortable, and wear your hearts on your sleeves!
Here are a few examples of my past photoshoots where my clients definitely had their wardrobe game on point and attitudes in sync
Working your look as a team will always result in better photos as pictured below....
In favor of going casual...
When it comes to engagement photoshoots if jeans or shorts and a informal shirts are what you and your partner are most comfortable wearing then by all means be YOURSELF and wear what you want. As a bonus, there is a lovely contrast in viewing the epic romantic moments caught on camera of people who look like they are totally in sync with each other comfort wise no matter what they are wearing in any given situation. In other words you don't have to be wearing a gown to pull off a ballroom dip!
Dressing up is fantastic...
Just because your photoshoot takes place on a farm does not mean that you have to dress like your working on one (even if you really do!) There is just something special about wearing a dress shirt or a elegantly simple dress in an unexpected place, such as while sitting on a tractor..
"red tractor engagement photography"Engagement photography session featuring a red tractor on a farm in Clinton NC as shot on location by photographer Sally Siko.
Consideration of the weather and season is important too..
We are blessed to experience all four seasons here in the Raleigh North Carolina area so If its cold outside on photoshoot day wear a coat or a layers under a warm shirt or sweater. It is far better to be properly dressed for the elements then to be stressed out by shivering while having your photo taken!
Meredith College engagement photography portrait
Christmas themed + Engagement photography + Raleigh NCA Christmas themed engagement photography session at Harris Lake , NC near Raleigh NC.
One last thing....
There is always room to break the color "rules" of keeping the tones and patterns muted or subdued in your style of dress. Sometimes the opposite is true and its great to go BOLD with your color choices, especially in lighting situations where the light is dim or the color quality of the light itself is a dominate feature of the photograph, such as in a bright sunset or wide open barren field.
Engagement photography in a wheat field at sunset wearing bright colors
This photo of a happy couple in a wheat field wouldn't feel the same if the couple was wearing grey or black because the bright blues and aqua greens really draw your eyes to them and not just to that gorgeous golden background. When we scheduled this photoshoot I anticipated this color combination beforehand, recommended it to my clients who in the end were quite pleased with the results.
Crazy patterns on your clothing can still work too if the main base color is shared between you and your fiancé and at least one of you is dressed simply. Remember that color coordination is about linking the two of you together, not contrasting one another.
To sum it all up, choose your engagement shoot wardrobe style with your partner with an eye towards harmony and unity.
After all what else says team spirit more then wardrobe co ordination!
:)
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog! If you have any questions about engagement photography wardrobe strategy or just want to stay hello email me anytime at [email protected]
-Sally
If you have any questions about my photography service please contact me anytime!