Engagement Photo Information
– What to Wear

I often get asked for suggestions on what to wear to an engagement photography session so here are some tips on what clothes to wear, along with a couple other thoughts.

Engagement sessions are a great way to get to know me. It helps out a lot on the wedding day if you already know me and my style and how I interact with the two of you. Plus if you know me, and I know you, you will be a lot more comfortable around me on your wedding day, and I can get images that better show your personalities and relationship.

Suggestions on what to wear:

  • Wear something you are comfortable in. If you’re not comfortable, it will show in the pictures. 2-4 outfit changes are great, and they give variety to the pictures.
  • Think about layering clothing – then removing one layer will give a whole new look to the images.
  • It’s best not to wear tight jeans or other clothes that are overly tight and restrict movement or show curves you don’t want shown.
  • Wear something you love, and make sure it’s ‘you’. It’s best not to wear something you are going to wish you didn’t wear in a few weeks.
  • A touch dressier than a normal night can be fun, just make sure it’s still you.
  • Wear clothes that are complementary in style and color. Don’t be too matchy. For example, you could both wear fall colors or both wear different shades of blue, but I would avoid wearing the exact same outfit.
  • Wear clothes that are the same level of dressiness. Don’t dress up and have your partner wear their everyday jeans.
  • Have the clothes match the location and season for the shoot. Shorts and flip flops probably are great in the spring and summer, they are not the best on a cold day (this goes back to being comfortable, if you are not warm it’s harder to look warm and happy).
  • Darker colors are slimming and they are also easier to photograph. But if you have something in white or off white, don’t be afraid to wear it.
  • Solid colors are best – avoid pinstripes, bold patterns, and ruffles.
  • Patterns go out of style quickly, and the background usually has enough texture that patterns often make the photos too busy.
  • Wear shoes you love and can comfortably walk in. We will usually walk a fair bit looking for different locations.
  • Leave your purse behind, unless you want it in the photos. (You can be more free and fun without it) I can carry your keys and a few necessities in my camera bag. I don’t like to carry sunglasses so leave those behind or plan on wearing them. We can go back to the car for clothing changes or change when we switch locations.
  • If you want to have your pet in some of the photos, it would be best to have a friend come along to watch them while we are taking other shots.

 

As far as location, I am game to go anywhere:

– I am more than glad to shoot the session at a location that has meaning for you: where you first met, location of your first date, where you got engaged, etc
– Buckeye fans/alum? – we could do something on campus, Mirror Lake, around the Shoe, or try and sneak onto the field.
– Innis Woods Metro Gardens – beautiful year round with a green feel and some interesting nooks and crannies for great photos
– Whetstone Park of Roses should be in full bloom and makes a beautiful location with colorful backgrounds.
– Goodale Park is good for green and has the pond & gazebo.
– Northbank Park is great for skyline/river in the background shots
– Around the short North for some bricky/architecture backgrounds.
– The area around the Spaghetti Warehouse and COSI on West Broad Street – again with a bricky and old feel.
– The Statehouse for a governmental and old architecture feel.
– O’Shaughnessy Dam has waterfalls, interesting architecture, river backgrounds, green.
– Antrim Park (Worthington) is nice with the bike paths, lake and woods.
– Jeffery Mansion

 

Alternatives (That cost $$)

Franklin Park Conservatory ($200)
http://www.fpconservatory.org/Plan-a-Visit

Ohio Statehouse ($50) – permit is required to shoot outside on the stairs or on the grounds.
http://www.ohiostatehouse.org/events/photo-permit-process

Ohio State Stadium Field ($250)
http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/facilities/ohio-stadium-photos.html

Columbus Commons ($50)
http://columbuscommons.org/forms/?form=3

Columbus Art Museum ($250) – outside by the sculpture or on the steps is free 🙂

We can shoot at a couple of places if you would like as long as they aren’t at opposite ends of the county 🙂
Talk about what you would like and I’ll do it, or I can just pick a few places for you.

 

Other ideas for the shoot:

• Bring props if you would like, umbrellas, chalkboards for ‘save the date’ messages, anything that might have a special meaning for the two of you.
• The best time for photos is in the evening when the light is soft, and we have the chance of getting a sunset.

 

– Other Things to Remember:

Plan on having a good time!!
Think of it more like a date with your future spouse, and less of a formal smiling session for the camera.

The best time for photos is in the evening when the light is soft, and we have the chance of getting a sunset.

If there is something you want me to avoid photographing it helps if you let me know.
That way I can work with you to keep the scar, tattoo, part in your hair, or whatever you want me to keep out of the pictures out.

Inversely, if there is something you want me to highlight, that proud scar, tattoo, or whatever, let me know that as well.
I am happy to work with you to accent whatever features you wish.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to give me a call: (614) 367-6366
or e-mail me : Jim@OurDreamPhotos.com

Thanks again for your time and I look forward to working with you soon.