Utah Wedding Photographer | Serving Park City, Salt Lake, Provo & Beyond
Engagement Session Guide
I've created this guide to offer a few tips + tricks so you guys can look your best! Engagement sessions are one of my favorite things to photograph! They show off your style, your relationship, and how dang cute you guys are! Think of it as a fun date where you get to dress up, laugh, and cuddle!
As always, I'm here to help.
If you are stumped on anything, reach out, and we'll get you looking amazing for photos!
What to Wear
You have the option of wearing two different outfits for your shoot. Most clients tend to choose one outfit that is a semi casual (think jeans and a nice top), and one that is on the dressier side (slacks and a button up, suit, dresses and skirts). This is totally up to you - you can do two nicer outfits or two more casual outfits if that is more your style! I believe that when you feel good about how you look, then you'll be more confident in the photos.
Whether your outfits are dressy or casual, I do recommend choosing outfits that look different from one another. For example, don't wear a pink dress for both outfits - pick one floral dress in pink tones, and another dress in ivory. Different outfits will give your gallery more variety when it comes to your final images!
Colors
Light colored clothing is great, because it doesn't reflect off skin and cause weird color casts.
It also looks classic and timeless, and won't date your photos to a particular year or trend.
A few colors that look great on everyone:
- White
- Cream
- Gray
- Light blue
- Navy blue
- Forest green
- Sage Green
- Peach
- Light pink
- Mauve
- Taupe
These are all great colors for main clothing items (shirts, pants, dresses). Adding in little pops of color with accessories (jackets, necklaces, shoes, etc). is highly recommended.
Bonus Tip: When picking colors, I also recommend keeping in mind where you will be displaying the photos. If the photos will be included in your wedding invitation, pick colors that match your wedding colors or invitation suite. If you'll be displaying these photos in your house, then pick colors that match your living space.
Patterns
Patterns are better if they have a larger scale to them - think large floral prints or bigger checkered prints. Small scale patterns like small stripes, plaid, etc. can create a "Moire" effect that doesn't photograph great.
I recommend having only one person per couple wearing a print, as too many prints can be distracting. We want the focus to be on you two and your love for each other, not just your clothing.
Stay away from anything with graphics or words on the front.
Texture
Texture is a great element to add to your outfits. It helps create interest and dimension. Texture can come in the form of different fabrics (tulle, linen, silk, wool, etc), lace, beading, and other decorative clothing elements.
Accessories
Pay attention to every little detail of your outfits! From earrings to shoes, and everything in between. These little touches have a big effect on making sure your outfits look as polished as can be. Definitely add accessories that personalize your look, so that we can ensure the photos are 100% YOU! Some ideas: Cowboy hats, boots, jewelry, scarves, brooches, hair accessories like scrunchies, bows, clips, etc.
Fit
Make sure to pick figure flattering clothes. If you aren't sure what fits your body type, many sales associates are happy to help, or I am available as well!
Try on your outfits prior to your photos, and make sure everything fits properly. The last thing you want to is to be uncomfortable in what you are wearing. You don't want to be adjusting your shirt, dress, etc 100 times because it doesn't fit.
I recommend staying away from super short dresses, low-cut tops, baggy pants, and shoes you can't walk in.
Those will all limit the types of poses we can do and the locations we can walk to.
Hair and Makeup
I highly recommend that you book a professional hair and makeup artist for all photo sessions. Not only do makeup artists know how to make you look like the best version of yourself, but you'll also leave feeling SO confident! That confidence will make your photos turn out 100x better, promise!
If a professional hair and makeup artist isn't possible, then be sure to do a trial run prior to our session. For photos, makeup needs to be darker than your everyday look.
At the minimum, I recommend false lashes, blush, and some type of lip color.
BLOG POST: Why Professional Make-up Matters
If you are planning on using self tanner, start the application a few weeks prior to our session. Make sure you apply it at least 2-3 days ahead of our session, so that it has time to get a nice glow (and not be orange!). Wear gloves so that you don't have self tanner hands!
Guy Prep
If your man rocks a shorter hairstyle, have him get a haircut about 1 week before the photo session. This ensures his hair will have time to grow in a little, and he'll look like his normal self.
Determine whether you want facial hair in the photos, and have him groom accordingly.
Miscellaneous Grooming Tips
- Remember to brush your teeth before the session. I'll be getting up close and personal during the photos, and my camera will definitely see what you ate for lunch if it's stuck in your teeth. If teeth whitening is something you are interested in, be sure to start this routine 4 weeks in advance of your session.
- Moisturize all skin that will be showing - face, arms, legs, ankles, etc.
- Groom toenails and finger nails
What to Expect
Location - Scout out the location ahead of time to be 100% sure you know where you are going, where to park, and how long it takes to get there. Plan extra time for traveling in case of traffic. Be prepared to pay any locations fees as well.
Be on Time - Please, please, please be on time. We only have one hour, so let's use up every last minute of the gorgeous light while we have it. If you are late, unfortunately I cannot delay the sunset, no matter how much I would like that ;)
Empty your Pockets - Phones, keys, lipstick, etc. all cause weird bulges that we want to avoid. I have plenty of space in my camera bag to hold any items you may not feel comfortable leaving in your car.
And last, but not least:
HAVE FUN!!
Perhaps the most important thing on this whole list! Relax, and have fun smooching all over your lover! Just be the loving, adorable couple you always are, and I'll be there to capture all the genuine moments as they unfold. Trust me, you both are super photogenic, and I know how to capture all the best angles to produce photos you are going to LOVE!
What Happens After?
Once we are all done shooting, you guys should definitely go out on a date!
You're all dressed up + you just spent an hour being all lovey dovey with each other, so it's the perfect excuse to spend a little 1-on-1 time together!
I will go home, backup your photos, and start the editing process! You will receive your final gallery within 7-10 days of your session!
Utah Wedding Photographer
Available to travel wherever your love story takes you!