AS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHERS, WE GET THIS QUESTION A LOT.
And to be honest, we don’t have one single answer for you. There are a number of factors to consider when picking out your outfit for your engagement photos: The scenery, the time of day, what’s going to reflect your styles and personalities, etc.
Washington State is such a diverse place, with so many engagement spot options, it can be hard to choose a location! Much less know what you are going to wear.
We created a list, based on the scenery you decide on, of the best outfit options for your engagement photos!
Mountain Background
When the background is grays blues and a little green, there are a lot of ways to go. Those epic mountains, like Mount Rainier, tend to be textured, and so busy, that we recommend solid colors and minimal patterns. Neutrals are good, denims and blacks. One way you can go is nice rich colors, that are a little darker: royal blues, navy blue, burgundy, even mustard or brick. Stay away from pastels, your goal isn’t to clash with the colors of the mountains, it’s to off set with a rich color.
Colors
DENIM AND LIGHT BLUES
GREENS AND YELLOWS
ROYAL BLUES/ NAVY BLUES
BURGUNDY AND MAROON
Beaches
You have a lot of options with beach backgrounds as well. I recommend rich colors here as well, but stay away from light colors and neutrals. White sandy beaches and gorgeous blue oceans tend to be light in photos and neutral colors can somewhat “grey out” the photo. But with rich colors, that pop of color can stand out great against the ocean. Warm colors are my favorite for photos by the ocean, because the scenery tends to have a cool tone to it. Don’t be too afraid of patterns here. We never recommend a crazy pattern for photos, but something simple doesn’t hurt here. Just make sure you’re not both in patterns.
Colors
RICH COLORS
WARM COLORS
LIGHT FLORAL PATTERNS
Forestry
Forests are all shades of green. Depending on the type of trees, lighting, etc. trees can show up yellow-green, blue-green, and dark, deep evergreens. So, here is where you whip out the neutrals, and earthy tones. Depending on the type of greenery around you, mustards, burnt oranges, and bricks are great in forest locations as well. Tans, and browns are great, but stay away from the big busy patterns.
NEUTRALS
EARTHY TONES
MUSTARD, BURNT ORANGE, BURGUNDY
Cities & Downtowns
Lot’s of options with downtown spaces, depending on the vibe of the place. Downtown Seattle boast lot’s blues, and grays, with green trees trickled in. Warm colors for cities like Seattle, or Chicago, would look best. Even as you venture by the water, warm mustards, burgundies, and some orange tones look amazing against a this kind of skyline. Cities with lot’s of brick and older buildings, like Boston, and Savannah, are well complimented by cool tones, blues and grays. Don’t be afraid to play with patterns in your city photos, showing off your style.
Colors
WARM COLORS
COOL TONES
LIGHT PATTERNS
Accessories
Accessories are a great way to show off your style in your photos. Scarves, hats, and cover-ups are always great. Try not to choose hats that have bills that cast shadows on your face. Your glasses may be cute, but can create a glare, or reflection against light.
Colors
PANAMA HATS
SCARVES
KIMONOS
BOLO TIES
Tips & Tricks
1. BE MINDFUL OF MAKEUP
Makeup is great, but too much can look strange in your photos. Dark eye makeup, while in reality can really make your eye color pop, turns your eyes into dark circles in your photos. Go lighter, accentuate but don’t go overboard. False eyelashes are alway great!
2. DRESS TO YOUR COMFORT LEVEL
Don’t go overboard with funky or trendy outfits, if it’s not going to reflect your personality. You could end up looking stiff or rigid in your photos, and we want you your most comfortable and natural selves! Not sure if a piece you love will work in your photos? Bring it along. We will help you decide.
3. COMPLIMENT, DON’T MATCH
We love complimentary colors, not matchy-matchy. If one if you is wearing burgundy, then maybe the other wears an earthy or neutral tone, tan or gray. Also, if one of you is in a pattern, the other should stick to a solid color. Two different patterns can really make the photos look way too busy.
4. JUST BE YOURSELF!
Cheesy, we know, but that’s why we’re here! To capture your most authentic self! So loosen up with a glass of wine, or an episode of The Office, and be you!