Engagement Session 101 | TWA Photographic Artists | Chicago Wedding Photographers
Now that you’re engaged, the first item on your to-do list is likely your engagement session! One tip we’re happy to provide is this: there are so many ways to make your engagement session unique to you and your fiancé! We’ve photographed a few really amazing custom sessions at places handpicked by our couples, because they have special meaning for them. From stunning Chicago city skylines to beautiful nature preserves, we are happy to share some of our favorite images from these sessions with you!
Why take engagement photos?
The best reason is it’s a great opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera. Plus, don’t you want to commemorate this moment in your lives together?! You can also submit a photo to your local news outlet with your engagement announcement, use them creatively in your save-the-dates and wedding day décor, include them on your wedding website, or give framed prints as gifts to your families.
Dressing the Part: Styling tips for your session
Hair & Make-up:
If you plan to wear makeup for your wedding day, this is a great time to coordinate a trial with your makeup artist. For those who prefer the bare-faced look and/or aren’t comfortable with doing their own make-up, getting your makeup done is a small investment that helps you feel confident — which definitely shows up in your pictures. Even if you don’t normally wear makeup, cameras have a sneaky way of picking up uneven tones on our faces. A little foundation and mascara will go a long way in making your best features really stand out in your photographs.
Wardrobe Tips:
#1 – Be YOU! The more comfortable you are in your clothes, the more relaxed and natural you will feel in front of the camera. Wearing an outfit you’re comfortable in will only accentuate your style and personality. Whether you want to wear jeans and a t-shirt or a matching pajama set, your happiness will show through and influence the overall mood in the photos.
#2 – Complement each other. Coordinating your outfits together is a great idea but this doesn’t mean you have to be twins! If you want to tie parts of your outfit together to complement one another, try do something creative like matching one of your socks to the others shirt color. It’s all in the details. 🙂
#3 – Show your true colors! Have fun with some pops of color! Think of your surroundings when picking out colors for your outfit. If your photos are in a park, a green dress might camouflage you with the grass and trees. A complimentary color, like a red dress, would pop against the green if you want to stand out. For a more subdued look, try a cool color like a blue, to differentiate from your surroundings. If you’ll be in more of an urban setting — let’s say in front of an abandoned brick building — try bold hues to contrast with the gritty background.
#4 – Keep things fitted. Fun fact of clothing on camera: everyone looks skinnier (and taller) when they’re wearing something that’s properly tailored. Opt for clothes that follow the natural shape of your body without feeling too tight and you’re guaranteed to look your best. On the other hand, don’t hesitate to add some flow! If you wear a dress or skirt, keep the bottom half flowy and beautiful, it will pick up beautifully and show movement in the image.
Want more engagement inspiration? See more of our TWA Chicago wedding photographers’ sessions on Pinterest here!