Engagement Photoshoot Tips to Look Your Best

Guides

May 3

Written By Manny

I'm excited you're gearing up for your photoshoot! Since this is likely your first time planning such a shoot, you might be wondering how to get everything just right. Here are some essential tips to help you prepare and ensure your outfits perfectly complement the beautiful memories we'll be creating together.

The right fit is crucial—it enhances your appearance and boosts confidence in front of the camera. Choose outfits that are tailored to flatter without constraining, ensuring comfort throughout the session. This allows for natural, relaxed poses that look great in photos. Additionally, the colors you wear can dramatically affect the mood and aesthetic of your photographs. Using the color wheel, opt for complementary colors for a vibrant contrast, or analogous hues for a serene and unified look. This thoughtful selection helps your outfits pop while maintaining a visual harmony with the environment.

Color Wheel

Color Wheels are used in many aspects of the design world to create compositions that are visually appealing and artistic. Using the principles of design we can prepare outfits that strike visual appeal in a timeless manner. Below you’ll see more applications for matching colors and Contrasting colors.

Depending on the weather, it’s recommended to bring a layer that goes with your outfit to either keep you warm in between scenes or to wear for the shoot itself. Also, consider bringing a backpack or similar bag for your valuables and extra clothing. Your photographer would be more than happy to keep an eye on it, giving you one less thing to worry about and allowing you to focus on enjoying your photoshoot.

Tips for Matching vs Contrasting Styles

Crafting Visual Balance with Colors

Utilizing colors can effectively make or break your photoshoot before even starting. To this extent, rather than just choosing colors willy-nilly, we recommend two options, you can either go with complimentary colors (Contrasting Colors) or choose to go with a Harmonized Color Palette (Matching Colors) to prepare for your shoot.

  
      CONTRAST
      MATCHING
    
        Vibrant & Neutral: Pair a vivid color like red with a neutral like charcoal grey to draw attention and highlight individuality.
On step further: Given the example above, a handkerchief or tie of the complementary red could enhance a suit if it’s a neutral tone such as grey or black.

        Color Coordination: Use shades from the same color family for a cohesive look. Or be a little brave and choose nearby colors from the color wheel.
Examples: One person in a soft lavender dress, the other in a lighter shade of purple shirt.

Contrasting Colors for Blue

Matching Colors for Red

Patterns & Solids

While solid colors provide us an easy way to match, we have to be careful when choosing to go with Patterns. While it is possible to match patterns, overdoing it could lead to a cheesy look. If a couple is wearing a suit and tie, you could opt for matching a patterned dress to a tie or handkerchief.

  
      CONTRAST
      MATCHING
    
        Vibrant & Neutral: Pair a vivid color like red with a neutral like charcoal grey to draw attention and highlight individuality.
On step further: Given the example above, a handkerchief or tie of the complementary red could enhance a suit if it’s a neutral tone such as grey or black.

        Color Coordination: Use shades from the same color family for a cohesive look. Or be a little brave and choose nearby colors from the color wheel.
Examples: One person in a soft lavender dress, the other in a lighter shade of purple shirt.

Analogous Colors & Contrasting Patterns

While it is possible to pull off like patterns such as plaid outfits, a bright colored pastel pattern looks best with neutral colors to compliment one another. Greens go well with earth tone neutral colors.

Accessorize to Stun

The smallest details matter so when preparing for your shoot bring a bag that you can use to put your phones or other devices that would distract from your photos. It’s recommended that you ere on the side of timeless accessories rather than wearing your latest apple watch. With that said multiple rings and bracelets may overdo it unless that’s what you’re aiming for.

  
      CONTRAST
      MATCHING
    
         As described above, a partner who loves their bracelets can opt for showing their personality while the other couple can opt for more a more restrained and minimalist look.
 Use accessories to introduce a pop of color for one person while the other keeps their accessories neutral, creating a balanced look.

         Select accessories that echo the style and color of each other’s outfits e.g., a blue stone necklace paired with a blue pocket square or cufflinks.
 Select accessories that feature the same material or color, such as both wearing silver jewelry or accessories that incorporate the same gemstone.

Contrasting colors, patterns, & accessories

I definitely don’t want to encourage any of my couples to wear ballcaps, but I definitely would encourage couples to bring in parts of themselves into their shoots. Authenticity makes for photos that are uniquely yours, don’t let anybody tell you what’s right.

Styles & Themes

Styles and Themes, this is where we should be careful, just because we can contrast, the question is “should we?” Consider the location of your photoshoot. An in-home candid shoot allows for more open options, whereas a location shoot might alter what you would want to wear.

  
      CONTRAST
      MATCHING
    
        Balanced Dress Codes: Remember, just because we can, doesn’t mean we should. If you’re both looking for a specific look, meet in the middle and tone down your differing styles.
Examples:
            A formal look can be brought down to jeans and a sport coat.
A casual dress can be dressed up with nice shoes and accessories.

        Decide on a common theme or era that you both enjoy. This could be embracing a playful retro style with specific era-appropriate elements or a modern minimalist attire.
Examples:
            Rustic Country: Go for denim, plaid, and comfortable leather boots.
Retro ‘50s: Think polka dots, full skirts, and rolled-up sleeves.

Matching Textures, Rock-Grunge Style

Maybe you want to get funky, with the spirit of your soul. There is no shame, bring it! This couple can forego many of the advices here through sheer personality, Matching hair color helps :)

For further inspiration tailored to the season of your photoshoot, explore our seasonal styling guides below. Each guide is has specialized tips to ensure your engagement photos are as timeless and unique as your love story. Happy planning!

Seasonal Styling