What should we wear?
Choosing what to wear in the morning can be hard enough without the pressure of standing in front of a camera. Even the most confident fashionistas have found themselves surrounded by a mountain of clothes, chasing the perfect outfit. So if you’re feeling that wardrobe panic, don’t worry, it’s totally normal.
Before you lose sleep or spiral into late-night online shopping, remember this: comfort is everything. The best photos happen when you look and feel like yourself.
Being Comfortable
It's totally understandable to want a fresh, dazzling outfit for your engagement photos, and if that's your style, go for it! But let's dive deeper into comfort. Imagine yourself in your favorite, well-loved outfit versus something brand new and potentially uncomfortable. Usually, the best choice is something that feels natural and moves with you, letting you be your authentic self.
That doesn't mean you can't add a touch of glamour. A bit of elegance is always welcome, especially in the scenic spots of the SF Bay Area. But ultimately, the goal is to feel comfortable and genuine, so that your engagement photos reflect the true joy and connection between you two.
Plan your outfit for the season and location
The key is to authentically capture who you are, no matter the location. When planning your outfit, consider the environment, the vibe, and your comfort level. That way, you’ll feel natural and confident in every shot.
The weather can change quickly in the San Francisco Bay Area so being able to cool down or warm up, but also feel photo worthy is important.
Wearing all black on a scorching hot day maybe not the best idea, try a dress with some flow or simple jeans and a shirt.
Bring alternatives
Bring along two or three outfits that make you feel incredible, the ones that make you light up when you catch your reflection. We’ll choose together which ones fit the setting best, whether it’s something soft and romantic for golden light or something playful and free for those windswept moments. Having a few options helps you feel relaxed and confident, and gives us space to match the mood, the light, and the emotion of the day. The most important thing is that you feel like you, comfortable, beautiful, and completely in the moment.
Let Your Personality Shine
I’m up for it all! If you’re a fan of the Grateful Dead and love that laid-back, free-spirited vibe, let’s infuse that into your session. If you’re an adventure seeker who loves hiking, surfing, or stand-up paddleboarding, we’ll capture that thrill and energy in your photos. And if you’re more of a jeans-and-t-shirt kind of person, we’ll celebrate that simplicity. The goal is to make your shoot uniquely you — genuine, personal, and full of character.
Color & Character
When choosing your outfit’s color scheme, think of gentle neutrals, and earthy shades. These hues blend effortlessly with nature and transform beautifully into timeless prints. But don’t worry, we’re not aiming for a world of blandness! By neutrals, I mean softer, more harmonious tones that let you shine.
Bold, primary colors can sometimes pull focus away from you and your emotions. So, opt for softer versions: think sky blue over electric blue, and warm ochre instead of vibrant orange. The goal is to either blend with or elegantly contrast your surroundings. For example, a mustard dress in a green forest is pure magic, while a loud, bright pattern might not fit as well.
It’s all about what resonates with you.
Color theory and you
When it comes to choosing colors for your engagement session, the goal is to create harmony between you, your partner, and the environment around you. The colors you wear help set the tone of your photos and can subtly influence how they feel.
Start with your location. If you’re planning your session in the San Francisco Bay Area, think about the landscape, the soft coastal light, the earthy greens of Marin, or the muted tones of the city. Choose colors that complement those surroundings rather than compete with them.
Neutrals (like beige, cream, taupe, or soft gray) always photograph beautifully and allow emotion to take center stage. For a bit of depth, add muted tones — think sage green, dusty rose, or slate blue. These colors bring life without overwhelming the image.
If you love color, don’t shy away from it, but maybe choose softer, more natural versions of bold shades. Instead of bright red, try terracotta; instead of neon yellow, go for mustard or gold. The key is to create a palette that feels cohesive and timeless, not distracting.
A Quick Note on the Color Wheel
The color wheel is a simple but powerful tool when planning your outfits. Colors that sit opposite each other on the wheel, like blue and orange, or green and red are complementary colors, and they naturally create contrast and visual balance. Colors that sit next to each other, like navy and teal, or blush and peach, are called analogous colors, and they blend beautifully for a softer, more romantic look.
Using these relationships as a guide can help you find pairings that feel intentional and pleasing to the eye, especially when you're coordinating outfits as a couple.
And above all, choose colors that make you feel good. The most beautiful tones are the ones that let your connection, and story shine through.
Let it feel like you
If you haven’t picked up on the theme by now, it all comes down to comfort. The most meaningful photos happen when you’re relaxed, present, and wearing something that feels like you. Choose pieces that are soft and easy to move in, fabrics that catch the breeze and light just right. Let your colors play with the landscape, blending and contrasting in ways that feel natural and effortless.
Your outfit doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to feel right. Maybe it’s something that moves when you laugh, something that makes you want to spin or pull each other in close. Those little moments, the comfort, the connection, the way your clothes move with you — they all come together to tell your story. And that’s really what it’s all about.
