Engagement + Couple Session Style Guide
Table of Contents
Ch 1: Why Styling Matters
Ch 2: Picking Your Outfits
Ch 3: Picking Your Location
Ch 4: What to Expect at Your Session
Ch 5: Post Session Process
Ch 6: Favorite Save the Date Vendors
Chapter 1: Why Styling Matters
Why does styling play a huge role in a successful session?
Yeah, I know I didn’t believe this at first either, but it’s so freakin’ true! I didn’t realize in the beginning of my photography career, but styling makes a huge difference in creating beautiful images.
Now...I’m not talking style as in “this skirt” or “that jacket”
NO!!!
Let’s get on the same page…
When I say style….I’m talking about color & texture!
Color is the true genius behind style. And by having amazing “style” we can create the most phenomenal images. Our eyes are drawn to the colors that live in a cohesive world vs colors that just don’t make sense. Sometimes colors can make all the difference between a cohesive image and looking out of place….an “eye sore” if you will.
Location can play a big factor in what style you should choose.
It’s best to fit into the tones of the background of your background session. Example: If you're shooting in the mountains- dark earth tones that match the trees, dirt, rock help you blend in...but stand out in other ways.
Let me show you what I mean
Take the image above for example…
The couple stand out even though what they are wearing blends them into the tones of the background. I know this seems crazy, but you instantly are drawn into the emotions of the couple versus looking at what they are wearing. This is the goal during any session. Don’t get me wrong I want you guys to look bangin’ during your session...but the goal is to capture YOU and BAE and your story (I’m not a fashion photographer, ya’ll). There’s no distracting colors/patterns (Cheetah, Flannel, Hot Pink, etc….).
If you look at the color “drops” near the bottom these are examples of tones that would look cohesive in this background
Chapter 2: Picking Your Outfits
Earth Tones And Neutrals are your friend!
Reference more color blocks on my Pinterest HERE!
Why the earth tones and Neutral tones?
Well if you hire me there’s something about my images you must love, righrt? It could be the movement of my couples, the happiness that an images brings you, or the TONES!
These tones are achieved in 3 easy ways!
#1: How I shoot in Camera
#2: LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION
#3: The colors my couples choose to wear
To ensure you receive the same happiness in your own photos I suggest drawing ideas for outfits from the earth tone and neutral palettes. When you start trying to decide on what you want to wear look at different palettes that may compliment your location.
In my experience simple or minimal work best...BUT please bring any options you want! We can work together to narrow down your choices.
The color block is just one example of my favorite color combinations and tones. PLEASE DO NOT FEEL LIMITED TO ONLY USING THESE TONES! These are YOUR images after all, and if anyone needs to love them it’s YOU!
Need more inspiration? Check out my Pinterest Engagement Outfit Inspiration HERE!
Be Practical!
When you start planning your outfits I want you to think, “ Would I wear this in real life?”
I’m fairly certain you wouldn’t wear high heels to go hiking or run along the beach, right?
Comfort is key!
Also- let’s be honest I’m gonna ask you to kick those shoes off and get comfy anyway...I think there’s something more intimate when y'all get those toes in the dirt and sand.
Playing with patterns
It’s easy to get carried away with patterns. I get it...I love me some flannel, but it may not be the best choice. Take a few tips away from this guide...patterns are awesome, but we don’t want to go overboard with them. I love minimalism. Minimal is the word of the day….everyday. If one of you is wearing a pattern, the other outfit should be plain!
Let’s look at an example
Good Use of Pattern
This is an example of a great use of pattern. Only one person is wearing a pattern, and it’s not distracting. The colors in the patterned clothing flow well with their location and the tones are all cohesive.
Chapter 3: Location
Picking a Location may seem difficult at first, because you may not know where to start. I got you covered! I’m not gonna lie, y'all location is just as important as your outfits...maybe more so!
All I want you to do is think of your ideal date? What makes ya’ll happy? Is it the sea, mountains, maybe a grassy field, a coffee shop, etc. What reminds you of home? Maybe it’s your favorite Tuesday date night getting sushi and watching netflix? Whatever you just thought of….that’s where we should shoot! Your session should be a complete reflection of you.
Still need help? Email me and let me give you a list of my favorite parks and locations!
Golden hour
Listen. If you learn nothing else from this guide...learn this: Golden Hour is KEY!
I’m in love with golden hour. If you don’t know what this is...Golden hour is the hour before sunset when the light from the sun is pure effin’ magic! It creates this amazing yellow gold cast that I am absolutely obsessed with.
I’ll ALWAYS recommend your session take place during golden hour.
How to find your golden hour: Google the sunset time for the session date and go back approx 1.5-2 hours.
Example:
May 12th Sunset time: 8:53pm
Shoot time should start: 6:53pm-ish
Chapter 4: What to Expect at Your Session
Sessions tend to last 1-2 hours….depending on how chatty we get. I like to make things relaxed and not feel rushed, so I try to give you as much time as I can. I want you to have time to open up and feel comfortable in front of the camera...sometimes that takes a while.
Expect me to be awkward AF and to talk about my dog….A LOT!I don’t wanna shove my camera in your face right away, so we may sit down and chat a bit before we get started. Every session I shoot is different…..so it’s hard to say how things will go. Just know I’m your biggest hype man, and I know how to get my couples ready for their time in the spotlight.
Chapter 5: Post Session Process
Step 1: Session Ends- You guys should go grab dinner or a late night snack and enjoy yourselves! Wedding planning is stressful and you guys just finished a big “to-do” on your list, so go grab a beer and enjoy each other's company.
Step 2: I go home with my traditional post-session chipotle to grub out and back up your session. I’ll try to send you a “sneak peek” within 24-48 hours.
Step 3: It’s time to edit!!! There’s no proofing needed….I’ll do all the work and cull your images into a gallery you’ll be obsessed with!
Step 4: Delivery day!!! I’ll send you an email with the link to your digital online gallery. Now download it and share the eff out of it! Trust me...all your friends and family wanna see it too.
Chapter 6: Favorite Save the Date Vendors
Use the code “jwilphoto” at the checkout to save 30% off your entire order!