What does/doesn't photograph well
- When in doubt, the dressier the better!
- Cocktail or black tie dresses (Yes you can totally rock a formal gown, it looks amazing!)
- Dresses with fun details like flouncy sleeves, full skirts, or bows
- A well fitted suit (Not too tight, not too loose)
- Clothes that are ironed or steamed
- Accessories such as unique shoes, silk scarves, pocket squares, jewelry, chic sunglasses, etc.
- Denim - it tends to look casual and jean styles are so cyclical they become outdated quickly (if you want to include a more casual outfit, I'd recommend bringing two - one casual and one dressy so you have the best of both worlds)
- Dockers style khakis - unless we're on a boat or at a corporate event, I'd go with a classic dress pant
- Plaid shirts - the pattern can appear busy and distract from your lovely faces
- Shoes you can't walk in - I don't care how cute they are, if you're in pain it'll show in your facial expression so make sure they're comfy!
HECK YES
NOT AS MUCH
Send me your ideas while you're shopping or brainstorming! I am so happy to help you decide and it helps me create a mood board for your session.
lindsey@lindseyfordphotography.com or text me at 302-367-7505
These guidelines are not set in stone, please wear whatever you feel best in! If you want some general tips, read on!
MAKEUP TIPS
Go pro! If there's ever a time to treat yourself, it's your engagement session. Hiring a makeup artist (maybe even the one for your wedding day) ensures you have makeup that no only looks great in person but also on camera. And make sure the lip product you choose is transfer proof so it doesn't kiss off all over your partner.
ADDING MOVEMENT
If you’re into wearing dresses or skirts, I highly recommend them for sessions. You can’t go wrong with fitted on top and flowy on the bottom which adds more movement and looks amazing on camera! Check out tons of examples on my outfit inspiration Pinterest board.
TO SLEEVE OR NOT TO SLEEVE?
Do you immediately check your arms in photos? (I 100% get it, but spoiler alert: no one else notices that but you, I promise!) If so, go with a cute off-the-shoulder or sleeved outfit. And if you do choose sleeves, make sure you can lift your arms at least to shoulder height so they don’t restrict movement.
FITTED VS BILLOWY TOPS
There is no right or wrong here. Just be aware that if you wear a looser billowy fabric on top, it might be difficult to discern where your body actually is in the photos. It's much easier to see in person because you're constantly moving.
SPEAKING OF TOPS
If you’re wearing a low cut dress or top, make sure it closes as high up as you’d like and that your bra doesn’t show from any angle. If it doesn’t come with a hook and eye, they’re super easy to sew on or have a tailor add one in.
SHAPEWEAR
Human beings aren’t made of stone, so sometimes your undergarments are gonna leave lines. If you’re wearing thin fabric or a form-fitting outfit, wearing shapewear underneath will smooth out those pesky lines.
pour femme
CLEAR OUT YOUR POCKETS
Take out your wallet, keys, phone, chapstick, etc. and either leave them in the car or hand them to me. I have a special pouch in my bag just for this!
SHOWCASE YOUR PERSONALITY
Don’t be afraid to add a little spice to your outfit! Some examples: novelty tie/pocket square, family heirloom watch, your favorite boots or nice sneakers, etc. Go to town! Check out tons of examples on my outfit inspiration Pinterest board.
BUUUUT... STEAR CLEAR OF LOGOS
Humans are drawn immediately to words and logos and I want them to stare at your faces. Sorry North Face or Patagonia, no logos allowed. UNLESS you two want to do a few college/sports themed photos in addition to your regular outfit, then that’s totally fine!
YOUR IRON IS YOUR FRIEND
Lots of people ask “Will wrinkles show up in photos?” Unfortunately cameras aren’t magic so they definitely do. If you iron your outfit and hang it on the back of your car, it’ll be perfect for your shoot.
pour homme
HOW LONG IS THE SESSION?
I like to schedule your session an hour and half before sunset for the prettiest light! Most sessions last around an hour to an hour and a half. Just depends on how much we walk around.
DO WE NEED A PERMIT?
If you choose somewhere that requires a photography session permit, make sure you have that taken care of and on you ahead of time at your session.
WHAT IF BAD WEATHER IS IN THE FORECAST?
What constitutes bad weather for a photoshoot? Rain or temperatures below 30 degrees or above 95 degrees. I can totally rock that on a wedding day, but for your engagement session, I want conditions to be as ideal as possible.
That’s why we’ll schedule two dates – a main date and a rain date just in case. If you schedule an appointment with a makeup or hair stylist, let them know of this ahead of time just in case. We’ll make the final call the day before since the weather report will likely be accurate by then.
CAN WE BRING OUR PETS?
YESSSSS!! I’m a pet parent and I fully support bringing them along! I just ask that you enlist someone to watch them during the remainder of your session. I always like to start with pet pictures first so they can go and play or their petsitter can take them back to your house.
And if you’ve always dreamed of having your kitty in photos, we can always do an in home session!
faqs
