Engagement Portrait Clothing Suggestions

The emphasis should be on you - meaning your face, your expression, your love for one another. These portraits are something that you may display at your wedding, send out as save the date cards, use for in a guest signing book or give as gifts.

Certain clothes take the viewer's attention away from where it should be. While choosing formal or casual clothing is certainly up to you, don't try to be something you're not. If you normally wear jeans and T-shirts, you should probably wear jeans and maybe slightly better shirts. If you normally wear slightly more formal, then keep wearing that. The portrait is about who you are, how you live, your personalities and passions.

Here are some tips to help you dress for your engagement portrait session:

For lighter backgrounds such as the beach or light columns as at Stanford University, white or pastel colors are perfect.

Casual outfits with earth-tones work best for outdoor photographs.

Avoid large prints, patterns, or bright colors that will detract from your face. These designs will become the visual focus of the portrait and will draw attention away from your face.

Long-sleeved shirts or sweaters rather than short-sleeved outfits works better.

With only two subjects in the portrait, it is especially important to dress in complimentary or the same color(s) to capture their relationship.

Bring extra clothes “just-in-case” and we will help you decide if something else would better coordinate.

Ladies – Keep your make-up fresh and natural and wear your hair in a style you’re comfortable with.

Guys – A fresh shave is a must! If you wear a beard or a mustache, make sure it is freshly and neatly trimmed.

We’re here to have fun! Check with the studio if you have questions.