What to Wear for Your Engagement Shoot: The "Un-Stiff" Guide
So, you’ve booked your engagement session! This is easily my favourite part of the lead-up to the wedding. It’s the perfect chance for us to hang out, have a laugh, and get you used to being in front of the lens before the big day.
I’m often asked, "Timmy, what on earth do we wear?" As a documentary-style photographer, my goal is to capture you, not a polished, Pinterest-perfect version of someone else. I’m not looking for a "sad beige" Instagram aesthetic; I want you to feel comfortable, relaxed, and ready for a bit of craic.
Here are my top tips for choosing your engagement shoot outfits without the stress.
1. Comfort is King (and Queen)
If you’re uncomfortable, it shows. If you never wear a three-piece suit or a ballgown in real life, don’t feel pressured to wear one now! If you’re a "jeans and a nice top" kind of person, lean into that.
Timmy’s Tip: We’ll likely be doing a bit of walking (whether it’s through the streets of Dublin or a field in Cork), so wear shoes you can actually move in. I’m a Chelsea boot guy myself—they look smart but won’t leave you with blisters by the second location.
2. Coordinate, Don’t Match
We’ve all seen the 90s photos of families in matching white t-shirts and denim—let’s leave those in the past! Instead of matching, aim to coordinate.
Pick a coluor palette and work within it. If one of you is wearing a subtle pattern (like a floral print or a soft flannel), the other should stick to a solid colour that complements one of the tones in that pattern.
3. Embrace the Irish Elements
Let’s be real: this is Ireland. It could be glorious sunshine one minute and a "soft" drizzle the next. Instead of fighting the weather, dress for it!
- Layers are your best friend: A stylish trench coat, a leather jacket, or a cozy Aran knit jumper not only keeps you warm but adds great texture to your photos.
- Colours that Pop: In the green hills of Kerry or the grey stone of Dublin City, a pop of colour (think deep burgundy, mustard yellow, or a classic navy) looks incredible and helps you stand out from the landscape.
4. Avoid "Distraction" Pieces
My job is to capture the connection between the two of you. Certain things can distract from that "candid" magic:
- Giant Logos: Avoid big brand names across your chest. They tend to date the photos quickly.
- Neon Colours: Neon can reflect onto your skin (giving you a bright green or pink chin!). Stick to neutrals, earth tones, or pastels.
- Fine Stripes: Very thin, close-together stripes can sometimes create a weird "shimmer" (moiré effect) in digital photos.
5. Can we bring the dog?
The short answer? YES. The long answer? YES, PLEASE! If your dog is part of the family, bring them along. Just make sure to wear something you don’t mind getting a few paw prints on, and maybe bring a friend to hold the leash for the few shots where it’s just the two of you.
6. The Most Important Accessory
The best thing you can "wear" to your shoot is a relaxed attitude. Most people feel a bit awkward for the first ten minutes, that’s totally normal! We’ll spend most of the time chatting and walking; I just happen to have a camera with me.
Ready to get started? Whether you’re planning a city centre session or an adventurous elopement shoot on the coast, let’s make it reflect you.
