Engagement Session Outfits | Engagement Photo Tips | Virginia Engagement Photographer

Engagement photos are so exciting and a great way to memorialize this time in your relationship! However, for many people, it’s their first time in front of a professional camera and that can be nerve-wracking. Your engagement session should be a fun, relaxing time, so there are a few things that will help ensure that happens. Here’s my list of the most important things to remember before heading to your engagement session!

1. Clean your ring(s).

If there is one thing that is definitely going to be photographed during your engagement session – it’s the engagement ring! I highly recommend that my couples invest in some ring cleaner or drop off their rings at the jewelers for a professional clean before their session. You want to make sure your ring shines and sparkles! 

2. Prep your nails.

If we’re taking close-ups of your ring, we’re probably taking close-ups of your hands too! I highly recommend BOTH partners (yes, that means men too!) clean up their nails before the engagement session. Whether that’s a manicure with a clear or simple nail polish, or just trimming and cleaning your nails at home, you’ll be much happier with your detail shots if your hands look great. 

3. Avoid clothes with logos, text, or tiny patterns.

I send all of my clients a style guide after they book their engagement session with a few pages of tips to help you pick out the perfect outfit for your session. The most important part of that guide is selecting timeless options and avoiding clothes that will distract from your photos. The usual culprits? Shirts with text or logos, and clothes with tiny patterns that don’t pick up on camera, such as dress shirts with tiny checkers. 

4. Wear something you love.

If you hate dresses – don’t wear one! These are your engagement photos and they should be a reflection of you. The most important part of picking out an outfit for your engagement photos is choosing something you love and are comfortable in. I want you and your partner to both feel absolutely gorgeous when you step in front of my camera so I can capture that feeling in your photos. 

5. Steam or iron your clothes.

When you’re getting ready for your engagement session, allow yourself some extra time to steam or iron your clothes. There’s nothing that can distract more from a beautiful photo than a wrinkly pair of slacks. If you’re worried about getting wrinkly in the car, change on location, or check out a wrinkle spray you can bring with you! 

6. Bring water and light snacks!

If your engagement session is scheduled for the summer or just a seasonally warm day, you’ll definitely want some water to keep you hydrated! And no one wants to snuggle with their partner when they’re hungry, so throw some snacks in your car for good measure. The session may not seem particularly long, but you’ll be on your feet most of the time, and it’s always better to be over-prepared! 

I absolutely love engagement sessions – I get to meet my couples in person for the first time and see how they interact with each other in front of the camera. It’s such a fun time, and I want it to be fun for you too! I hope this list of tips can help you to feel confident and prepared for your engagement session and ensure you get the incredible engagement photos you dreamed of! 

Are you getting married in the DC metro area? I’d love to chat about being your wedding photographer! Inquire today!

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