Some of the most common questions I get asked before a shoot are what do we wear? What should we bring? Can we change outfits? So, I wanted to write this blog as a sort of reference point I could direct my clients to when asking these very valid questions.

When it comes to what to wear – I’d say it’s more about personal preference and what you want to see in the photos, but there are a few suggestions that I can make. I think basic works best. Solid colors, simple patterns (nothing too distracting), classic combinations, and comfortable clothing are always a safe bet. Something that reflects who you are – something you would normally wear. If you’re a dress and wedges kind of girl, go for it. If you’re the jeans and t-shirt type of guy, don’t stray too far away from home. Ultimately, you want these pictures to reflect who you are as a person and couple. So staying true to your everyday wear might be your best bet. Here are a few ideas from what my couples normally wear… of course it depends on the season, but you get the idea – hope this helps brainstorm outfits!

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A big thing to consider when doing a winter engagement session is your coat. You’ll most likely be wearing your coat for the majority of the session… so make sure it’s a cute one! Whether you buy a new one or borrow one from a friend, a nice coat can make all the difference for those chilly sessions. Also, don’t forget to accessorize! Hats, gloves, scarves… these things will not only keep you warm, but they’ll add another layer (literally and figuratively) of style. And having that extra layer of warmth will also help to keep you looking natural and happy instead of cold and stiff.

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If you want to work in a fun element, try bringing a bright or patterned accessory as an accent (a busy pattern on a scarf or something small works much better than on an entire shirt). Pops of color and a little bit of pattern are easy to add with hats, scarves, bows, headbands, shoes, or toys – and feel free to bring as many as you want!

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Also, most likely we’ll be outside so make sure to wear something you can move around in and are comfortable sitting in. I often ask clients to sit or lay in the grass, but if you’re not comfortable with that you can bring a blanket or we can figure out another pose.

Aside from bringing a blanket to sit on in the grass or even just to keep warm, a blanket can be used as a cute prop for some candid and fun photos. Have a meaningful blanket to your family or relationship? Bring it! Photographing anything that has sentimental meaning to you is exactly what will make these photos unique and special.

I don’t often shoot with props, but all my clients are more than welcome to bring along a few things they want to incorporate. Wooden numbers, love signs, chalk to write on bottoms of shoes/sidewalk… anything you can think of to bring some personality to the shoot is definitely encouraged. Have a pet? You won’t be the first to bring along a pup 🙂

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Looking for more inspiration on where to have your engagement session or what activities we can do during the photos? Check out this Engagement Session Inpsiration Blog. Have more questions? Feel free to email me at photos@www.jilltiongco.com and ask away!