So, what the hell are you supposed to wear for photos?
First things first: there are no official engagement-session outfit rules. You don't need to turn up in matching beige linen, buy an entirely new wardrobe or suddenly become the kind of person who wears an outfit that says “I have my life together.” 😂
What you do want is to feel like yourselves - comfortable, confident and a little bit fancy. These photos are about the two of you, so your outfits should feel like an extension of who you are rather than something you've chosen because Pinterest told you to.
Start with how you want the photos to feel
Before you even think about colours, think about the vibe.
Do you want your photos to feel relaxed and casual? Romantic and dressed up? A little bit editorial? Fun and playful?
Your location can help guide this too. A beach session might call for something completely different to an engagement session wandering around the Hunter Valley, grabbing a drink and hanging out together.
If you're stuck, think about what you'd wear for a really good date night. Not your everyday supermarket outfit, but also not something you'd never normally wear.
Basically: you, but with the good pants on.
You don't have to match
Please don't feel like you need to turn up wearing identical colours.
Instead, think about coordinating rather than matching.
If one of you is wearing a warm earthy tone, the other could choose something that complements it. Neutrals, denim, earthy tones, soft colours and classic patterns tend to photograph beautifully, but there's absolutely no reason you can't bring colour into your outfits if that's more you.
The goal is for your outfits to work together without looking like you've been dressed by the same person.
And if one of you lives in black? Wear the black.
I'm not going to make you wear a cream knit because Instagram said so.
Think about movement
This is one of the biggest things I recommend.
We're not going to spend the whole session standing still and smiling at the camera. You'll be walking, cuddling, dancing, sitting, running, spinning, stealing kisses and generally doing all the things that make you two feel like you.
So clothing that moves with you is your friend.
Flowy dresses, relaxed shirts, jackets, skirts, trousers, textured fabrics and anything you can comfortably move around in can look amazing.
And if you're wearing something that constantly needs pulling down, fixing, tucking in or adjusting?
You're going to spend the whole session thinking about your clothes instead of your person.
Comfort = better photos. Every time.
Consider the location
Your outfit should make sense for where we're shooting.
If we're heading to a beach in Newcastle, think about whether you actually want to walk through sand in your favourite shoes.
If we're wandering through the Hunter Valley, something a little more relaxed and romantic can work beautifully with the landscape.
If we're shooting somewhere more urban in inner city Newcastle, you might want to lean into a cooler, more editorial look.
But if you're stuck between three outfits, let the location help make the decision.
Don't forget the little things
Your outfit is more than just your clothes.
Think about:
Shoes you'll actually be comfortable walking in
Jewellery and accessories
Belts
Watches
Jackets
Hair and makeup
Nails, if that's something you care about
Whether your pockets are going to be stuffed with phones, keys and random receipts
And please, for the love of good photos, empty your pockets before we start.
Your phone does not need to make a guest appearance in your engagement photos.
Dress for the Season
One thing I always recommend is dressing for the season you're actually in.
It sounds obvious, but there's nothing romantic about spending your entire winter session pretending you're not freezing, or trying to look effortlessly in love while sweating through a jumper in January 😂
Your outfits can also help set the mood of your photos, so think about what feels natural for the time of year.
Summer
Summer is perfect for lighter fabrics, relaxed shirts, dresses, skirts, linen and outfits that move.
Think fresh, effortless and a little bit carefree.
And if we're shooting somewhere warm, don't feel like you need to layer up just because you like the look. Being comfortable will always photograph better than being bloody miserable.
Autumn
Autumn is made for layers, texture and those gorgeous earthy tones.
Think knitwear, jackets, denim, boots, warm neutrals, olive, rust, brown and deeper colours.
Autumn outfits can give your photos a really cosy, romantic and slightly nostalgic feeling.
Winter
Winter gives you permission to get a little more dressed up.
Blazers, coats, knitwear, tailored trousers, long dresses, boots and layers can all look amazing.
And don't underestimate the power of a good jacket — it can completely change an outfit and give us another look without needing a full outfit change.
Winter sessions can have a moodier, more intimate and editorial feel, too.
Spring
Spring is all about lighter layers, softer colours and movement.
Think dresses, skirts, linen, relaxed shirts, lighter denim and fabrics that move beautifully when you walk.
Spring outfits can give your photos a really fresh, playful and romantic feeling.
And remember...
You don't have to dress for Instagram.
Dress for you.
The season, location and weather can all help guide your choices, but the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident.
Because when you feel good in what you're wearing, you're much more likely to forget about the camera — and that's when I get the good stuff.
And if you're still completely stuck...
Send me photos.
Seriously.
If you're standing in front of your wardrobe thinking “I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR” while staring at approximately 47 items of clothing, send me a few options.
I can help you choose what will work best together, with the location and with the overall feel we're going for.
You don't need to know how to pose. You don't need to know what to do with your hands. And you definitely don't need to know how to style an entire engagement session.
That's what I'm here for.
Come as yourselves.
Wear something you feel bloody good in.
And then let me take care of the rest.
Okay, now you've got the outfit sorted...
The next step is choosing somewhere beautiful to take the photos.
Whether you're dreaming of salty feet at the beach, wandering the streets of Newcastle or spending an afternoon in the Hunter Valley, I'll help you choose the location, timing and vibe that feels right for you.