Engagement Session Style Guide

Engagement photos are an excellent idea for several reasons. There's the obvious; you need great images for your save-the-date cards. Equally important is it allows you to become more comfortable in front of the camera so on your wedding day you'll know what to expect from your photographer. 

Your photographer can help you decide the best time of day and location. Do you have a special location in mind? It is fun to incorporate meaningful places into the session. Consider your proposal site, a favorite restaurant, or park.

Have your hair and makeup professionally done. It would be best if you found a makeup artist who understands the needs of photography. Some cosmetics can add unexpected color casts when photographed, never flattering unless you're a Muppet! If you wear false eyelashes, it's recommended that you use a natural length. Only use matte colors on your eyes. Shimmer photographs very badly. I recommend https://beautyandthebelief.com/ here in Bozeman. 

Be aware of any tan lines that might show in your outfits. Do not get a spray tan; you WILL photograph orange. Stick to a real tan.

Bring lipstick or gloss for touchups. If you have oily skin, bring powder and for men to get an oil-absorbing tissue to reduce shine on your face and head. 

Touch up your roots. If you get your hair highlighted, be sure you have your roots touched up before your session. 

CHOOSING YOUR OUTFITS 

What you wear for your session is very important to the overall look of your images. What looks perfect in person doesn't always photograph well. Feel free to send me photos of options if you would like some feedback. Bring extra outfits, and I can help narrow them down to what will look best. Typically you will have time for up to 2 wardrobe changes.

Neutrals, earth tones, or soft pastels, are colors that look the best in combination when photographed. Bold, bright colors reflect creating unnatural skin tones (yup, another Muppet scenario!). Pure white gets blown out. Ivory and off-white, however, photograph beautifully. 

Ladies, avoid anything strapless. Strapless dresses and shirts always create a "roll" where your arm means your torso. If you find something you absolutely love that is strapless, I do have a few posing tricks to help, but I'd still suggest avoiding the problem. Keep this in mind when you shop for your wedding dress!

Please wear clothes that fit within the environment we are shooting. Ladies, dresses and flowy skirts look much more feminine and flattering than jeans or pants. 

Be sure your wardrobe is wrinkle-free. Wrinkled clothes are impossible to photoshop. Bring all of your outfits on hangers with your accessories attached. This keeps outfits changes quickly without taking up too much of your session time. 

Accessories are a great idea, hats, scarves, maybe a dapper vest or suspenders. Don't forget your engagement ring! A floral crown or small bouquet photograph beautifully! I recommend www.karensfloralartistry.net. 

A few other things that don't photograph well are shorts and outfits with text, logos, graphics, or bold patterns. 

With all these do and don'ts, don't forget that this really is all about you and capturing memories of this moment in your relationship. Now for the last rule and my favorite. Once you know the rules, then you can break em!   

OK, except for orange skin, ha, ha!!!!