How To Dress For a Couples Session
It never fails. First question I get when I schedule a couples shoot is “What should we wear?” While the answer is relative to style, location, and season, there are a couple things I ALWAYS tell my clients.
Be Comfortable
This doesn’t mean where sweats and a t-shirt (unless we are doing an in home session then BRING ON THE COZY!), it just means something you feel CONFIDENT in! You guys. This is so important. The more comfortable you are, the better you will shine in front of the camera. You could be comfortable in a gown and heels, or you might be like me and want to rock a pair of skinny jeans and a cozy sweater. Too many times couples (let’s get real- I am talking about the ladies) get anxious and think that they need to go shopping to find the perfect shirt or dress, and end up buying something that they other wise wouldn’t have worn. Don’t do this! Be you, and you will be be-you-tiful!
Be Aware of The Environment Around You
This isn’t a plea for you to recycle (although you should definitely do that). Instead it is a plea from a photographer for you to dress for the weather and season. So don’t show up for a 30 degree winter session in an outfit that is better suited for a warm fall day- not because it’s not cute, but because you will be MISERABLE! People who are uncomfortable make it kind of hard on us to take flattering photos. Trust me- I will do my best. But it’s really best for all of us for you to just dress for the weather!
Dress In Textured Clothing
Since this is my blog post, I am going to speak to my style. Because that’s what people hire me for, right? I love couples sessions SO much because they are romantic and cozy. I think that clothing that has texture ups the cozy factor by 100%! This means layers (layers are the BEST!) a thick knitted sweater, a ruched blouse, lace, ruffles, etc. Why? Because it adds layers to the photos! Often times I am up close and personal with my clients, so when I zoom in on a “almost kiss” I love to see the fibers in your cardigan, your layered chiffon blouse blowing in the wind, or his button down collar peaking out from behind is pull over sweater. Call me crazy- but textures are romantic. While I can work with couple wearing sports t-shirts, I can deliver some pretty amazing images with a couple who is willing to get creative with their fabrics. It’s easier then you think! When in doubt- shoot me a text. I would be happy to send you some ideas of what I think would be flattering!
Natural / Neutral
You would laugh if you knew me and read this. Because you know that on any given day I will be wearing grey, white, tan, white, and/or denim. Always denim. I live in neutral colors, which can be incredible for photos because they bring attention to the scene around you. I always tell people that I love landscape photography- but I love people being the subject. Some of my favorite photos are long distance shots of a couple holding each other close in a beautiful environment. But, if you think that neutral is a little boring for your style (I wont be offended) then go for natural colors. What I mean by this is muted colors that you would find in the season that we are shooting in! For example, my favorite natural colors that I always suggest for sessions are sage and emerald green, mustard, burnt orange, and navy. If you aren’t familiar with those colors- look them up. They are rich and look AMAZING in my photos (if I do say so myself).
Now, I am a very visual person. So if I read this I would think to myself, “Okay, that makes sense, but what colors should I start with?”. So for those visual learners out there, here are some dreamy pallets that are great to start with!
