lake Joseph engagement

What to WearGuide

WHAT TO WEAR

WHAT TO WEAR

WHAT TO WEAR

WHAT TO WEAR

farm engagement what to wear guide

Katie O'Brien photography - what to wear guide

First Things First

I'll be the first to admit I'm not the most fashionable person ever - I wear leggings and oversized hoodies, plaid and cowboy boots most days lol. SOOO I completely understand how intimidating it might be to decide what to wear for your photos... that's why I've put together this what to wear guide for you!

I know it's so tempting to go out and buy a brand new outfit for your session, but I really advise against this. Unless you've broken in those new clothes, pick something from your closet that you love to wear and totally says YOU all over it!

During your session, I want you to feel comfortable and spend your time enjoying yourselves - not focused on your new outfit that doesn't feel good. Keep in mind these tips and what to wear guide are general guidelines, not rules - wear what you feel is right!

PICK OUT AN OUTFIT THAT YOU ALREADY LOVE - ONE THAT TOTALLY SAYS YOU

Since we live in Canada, we also get to deal with our crazy weather. For spring sessions, we may be dealing with snow, rain or sun so be prepared for only of those! I love moody rainy day sessions so if you're still down to have your photos done that day, I'll be there. Just bring something to warm up in in case you get wet.

For summer sessions, we generally only shoot in the early morning or late afternoon so we avoid the crazy heat and harsh sunlight. For fall sessions, the temperatures drop here and there, so you can wear some fall clothes (aka plaid and leggings lol) and bonus - there's not many bugs around anymore either!!

Winter sessions are actually some of my favourite. Be sure to dress in layers - bring a nice jacket and take it off to take photos with your outfit underneath when you want to. Or we can just build a fire and all stay cozy bundled up in blankets!!

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.

Depending on where we are going for your session, you may want to keep the location in mind. I would say 90% of my sessions are outdoors. Whether we're going on a hike, canoeing, playing around in the water etc., wear something you're comfortable moving around in.

When it comes to footwear, I always say stay away from heels. I'm going to have you moving around a ton during your session and that's not always easy to do with heels on. The last thing we want is you sinking into the soft grass, breaking a heel or hurting your ankle! BUT if you're a professional high heel wearer - and I am most definitely not lol, then wear the heck outta them.

REMEMBER YOU KNOW YOU BEST. THESE ARE JUST GENERAL GUIDELINES AND ADVICE FROM WHAT I'VE SEEN IN SESSIONS WITH PAST COUPLES.

muskoka cottage wedding what to wear guide

LET'S TALK ABOUT

COLOURS & PATTERNS

When it comes to wearing patterns, think about the location we're shooting in as well as what your partner may be wearing. The more subtle the patterns, the better. Also try to stay away from clothing with big logos on them. You don't want your clothing to be distracting from your beautiful faces!

Try to plan out your outfits a couple days before your session so you know they compliment each other, but aren't too matchy matchy. If you're not sure what colours to wear still, take a look at some of the photos in this what to wear guide, my instagram or click here to view some Pinterest inspo!

I always recommend to stick with neutrals, earthy tones and dark colours. These all turn out amazing in photos no matter what location you're in or the time of year.

If you can, try to stay away from wearing anything neon, bright orange, pink or red. In the past, I've found that the light will reflect these colours on your skin and create some funky photos. Also keep in mind the location, I don't want you to wear all white and blend in with the snow or dark greens and blend in with the forest.

JUST SAY NO TO LOGOS

nicaragua corn island elopement couple walking barefoot

Incorporating

couple drinking beer cuddling

SOME PROPS & ACCESSORIES

Anything that has sentimental value or meaning to you - bring it!

This could be anything from hats, cool embroidered jean jackets, jewellery... seriously anything goes here. If you can, take off your smart watches before our session though, as they can be really distracting in your photos.

HAIR & MAKEUP

Your photos should tell the story of you, so if this means you want to go get your hair and makeup done professionally, then do it. But if you're normally makeup free or happy with how you do your makeup everyday, then just stick to that. You'll feel much more comfortable this way. I suggest getting your nails done because I love getting some close up photos of your hands - especially if you just put a ring on it!! I never have my nails done either so I totally get it if this isn't normal for you - just go with a neutral colour. I wouldn't want anyone taking some close ups of how they look right now either lol so I highly recommend a manicure!

Like everything else in this what to wear guide, DO WHAT FEELS most like you!

Additional Tips

Remove Distracting Things!!

Everything from hair elastics around your wrists, Fitbits and Apple watches, sunglasses, wallets and anything that might be in your pockets - yeah those will all pop out - and you don't want these in your photos, trust me.

Even out those summer tans!

Now I'm mostly talking about those hat and sunglasses tans here (you know the ones). I takes me HOURS to bring each of your photos into Photoshop and even those out for you, resulting in extra charges for you if that's something you want fixed.

couple cuddling in the snow

Transition Glasses...

Okay this is a tough one because, well, you need to see right?? Pleaseeee don't wear transition glasses or any sunglasses during your session. Just please don't lol. If possible, put in some contacts or wear regular eye glasses for your session. We want to see your eyes in your photos :)

Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to see in this what to wear guide!

That's it for now!

Caitlin & Riley

Lindsay & Mike

Have any Questions?

Contact Me Now!