The single MOST important thing during your phot shoot is to be yourself! The whole purpose of the session is to capture exactly who you are, and show your personality. If you pick an outfit that just isn’t ‘you’, you’ll feel uncomfortable, and trust me, it’ll show in the photos.
Think about your body type; you know what suits you and what doesn’t, so don’t just pick something you thought looked great in a magazine. If you’re worrying about what your arms look like in that strapless dress, or those pants are a LITTLE too tight, it’s going to be harder to capture your genuine smile and carefree giggle.
Dress for the season, especially if your shoot is outdoors. Wearing thin summer clothes in the winter is only going to make you cold and miserable, and you don’t want goose bumps or a red nose ruining your engagement photos. Similarly, wearing heavy winter clothes in the height of summer is a surefire recipe for sweatiness, and I’m sure sweat stains and melting make-up isn’t the look you’re going for!
Use your location. Depending on whether your shoot is outdoors or indoors, think about what looks will best set off the backdrop of your photos. If your setting is a grand hall in a stately home, a dress and a suit will look great, but the same outfit won’t translate as well to a woodland grove. Conversely, flannel and boots might look perfect against a rustic barn or slat wooden fence… but wouldn’t be the most ideal for a contemporary art gallery.
Rock layers and accessories. This is all about giving you choice and flexibility, and if it usually takes you a while to feel natural in front of the camera, accessories are perfect for giving you something to do with your hands. Save your favorite outfit for later on, so once you feel comfortable in front of the camera you can bust out your best look.
Give yourself options on the day. Even if you’re certain you know what look you’re going for, bring at least two options, one dressy and one casual, and mix it up. Changing your outfit will help you stay dynamic in your poses, no one wants identical pictures in every location!
Don’t be afraid to get a little silly. Do you have a favorite sports team? Bring a jersey! A favorite hobby? Add in props. The more authentic the outfit and accessories, the better the photos. When in doubt, less is more when it comes to portrait options.
Denali Johnson Photography 