What to Wear for a Portrait Session

It's the staple of the pre-shoot phonecall: "so what should we wear?" But I never tire of hearing it...or answering it! My brides-to-be are going to be showcasing their engagement pictures on save-the-dates or in guest books, and they want to make it count! So, what should you wear? The only standard I want to set here is that I want the pictures to be so completely and totally {insert your name here} that it brings a smile to your friends' faces when they see your hands-down-favorite one. So here are some things to think on while you stand in front of your closet:

1. Play up your personal style.
If you are trendy, go someplace inexpensive, like Forever 21, and grab something fun and new that makes you feel like a million bucks. If you are classic, don't just wear jeans and a t-shirt (unles you are DYING to)...wear your layers, have fun with your colors. Look like you just peeled yourself off of the GAP catalog page. If you are like my friend, Sam, who can go to a thrift store and come out with an self-created vintagy outfit that re-invents style altogether but makes others envious (and all for ten dollars), put that talent to work! If you like theatre or acting, now is the best time EVER to play dress up! Your photo shoot is your stage! I can't recommend specifics in this situation, but if acting is you, I'm sure you have more than enough creativity to build something brilliant.
2. COLOR!!
Most photographers say to dress in neutral tones, but let's face it, it can be SO BORING. There is nothing that a red hat or paisley tie can't liven up! One of my recent brides decided to wear green for the engagement shoot (in the previouspost) to introduct her wedding day color choice in her save-the-dates! I will admit, if one of you is wearing a pattern, it's best to keep the other in a solid (or solids, if you're layering) or a more subtle pattern. Unless ofcourse two crazy patterns is the look you want to go for.
3. Formal, anyone?
Everyone just assumes since they will be in a floor-length gown the next time we meet, that the engagement shoot should be casual. No way! If you want to dress to the 9's, I'm all about it. Especially if it's a dress you can have fun in-- get wet, get dirty, climb into high places, or wear in formal gown-unfriendly places to get an interesting picture. Nothing catches attention like diverting from the norm.

4. Shoes Show!
All my girls out there who are members of www.shoedazzle.com, pick out the best pair they've sent you yet, and you'd better believe we will work them in to whatever pictures we can! Being a shoe lover, I'm notorious for trying to sneak in feet shots. Bare feet are fine too.


5. BRING PROPS!!!!
Seriously, if you have ANYTHING that could be remotely interesting, that is special to you, or that would nicely trademark your images, throw it in the trunk. Or the Uhaul. I had a bride ask me, the other day, if we could plop a couch in the middle of a field for her shoot! I LOVE this kind of creativity! If you want to bring furniture, I'm in. If you have a cute, lace or polka-dot umbrella...a pet...a hat...costume jewelery...anything! The more the merrier!


6. What about the guys?
Usually we women take over right away and just tell them what they need to do. Let's give them the benefit of the doubt, shall we? Tell him what you plan to wear, and tell him to pick out his favorite outfit that he thinks could compliment yours. Even if the style is completely different than yours: for example, vintage+preppy, trendy+athletic, etc. If you completely hate it, pick something out that you like to bring along for him to change into, after we shoot some of him in the outfit he picked out all by himself. You will be able to dress him for the rest of your marriage...it's only fair. And the more comfortable he feels during the shoot, the better pictures you'll get!

The more creative you get, the more creative I can get in my photographic interpretation of your personality. And through all this, I'll get to know you both better, which will make working together on the wedding day that much more fun!

If anyone else has tips, please feel free to comment below!