What to Wear for Your Dream Engagement Photo Shoot

Contextualizing a Couple’s Photo Shoot

If you’ve landed on this post, you’re likely trying to navigate the world of couple photo shoots. Whether you’re a bride-to-be, a new mother, a couple on a honeymoon, a photographer, or someone who simply wants to capture timeless memories with a loved one, you’ve probably asked yourself: What should I wear?

Choosing the perfect outfit for engagement photos is crucial as these images are often shared on social media and featured in save-the-dates. These sessions encompass various types of shoots, such as engagement, proposal, couple, honeymoon, and family portraits. Each type aims to highlight the intimate essence of the relationships being captured, whether it’s a couple, a family, or friends.

Be Yourself

With over 15 years of experience as a wedding photographer, I’ve seen many trends come and go. However, some advice remains timeless: respect yourself and your nature. Choose a style that represents you and makes you feel comfortable, ensuring both partners’ styles align cohesively. Your photos can be elegant, luxurious, bohemian, wild, sporty, or casual, but they should always feel like a bespoke outfit tailored to you.

Locations, Seasons, and Surroundings

Wearing a heavy winter coat in a summer shoot on the Tuscan hills can look out of place, just as an overly elegant outfit can seem strange in a casual setting. Plan your shoot according to the season and location, with your photographer guiding you through the best choices.

Italy, with its diverse landscapes, offers various settings for couple shoots. Whether in the artistic cities like Florence or Rome, industrial areas, or the countryside, the background colors will vary. For example, Tuscany’s hills are green in spring and turn golden in summer. Similarly, the baroque architecture in Sicily or the exclusive lake views at Lake Como provide unique backdrops that influence outfit choices.

Complement, Don’t Match

To avoid looking like identical twins, choose outfits that complement each other rather than match exactly. This approach enhances each person’s presence and harmonizes with the surroundings, creating a cohesive aesthetic without blending into a uniform blob. For instance, several people wearing white shirts can blend together unintentionally, so mix different elements to make each person stand out.

Shoes Matter

Shoes are a crucial part of your look and should ideally complement the rest of your outfit. If you find high heels uncomfortable, consider leaving them at home, especially if you’ll be walking on uneven terrain. Flats, sandals, or even going barefoot can be practical and stylish choices depending on the location.

Accessories and Props

Accessories like bracelets, hats, watches, necklaces, and even props like a guitar or motorcycle can add personality to your photos. Choose items that enhance your story and fit the context of your shoot.

Photos by Federico Pannacci at Luxury Wedding Ceremony in Valdorcia, Tuscany, Italy at Agriturismo Il Rigo

Recap

Here are some essential tips to remember for your engagement session:

• Dress for the season and location.
• Complement your partner’s outfit without matching exactly.
• Wear something comfortable and true to your style.
• Opt for natural fibers and earthy colors.
• Avoid large prints, logos, and busy patterns unless they tell your story.
• Bring accessories like a hat or denim jacket.
• Consider flats or flip-flops for walking between locations if you’re wearing heels.
• Have a second outfit if desired.
• Pack touch-up makeup, a water bottle for warm sessions, and a coat or cover-up for colder sessions.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your engagement or couple photo shoot reflects your unique style and results in beautiful, timeless images. Explore my Engagement Stories to see how other couples brought their vision to life and find inspiration for your own unforgettable moments.