ENGAGEMENTS + COUPLES SESSIONS

What you’re wearing is extremely important at helping bring your overall vision to life for your engagement/couple session.  We always say it’s best to wear something that you are comfortable in, that you love and most importantly that you can move in.  If you wear something stiff then you will look stiff in your photographs.   The goal will forever be ‘casually put together’.  You’re trying to look more elevated than your everyday self, but also not like your attending a formal ball.  Leave your super formal vibes for wedding day.

Our main rule here is to stick to a more neutral palette, and to stay away from any clothing that is super vibrant and neon in colour.  This means no tye dye, no sunshine yellows or fire engine reds.  Instead of yellow think mustard. Instead of red think burgundy. We never say ‘no colour’ just neutral versions of colour.  From experience we find that anything brightly coloured doesn’t photograph well, and it also doesn’t blend very well with the brand and vibe that we have created for ourselves, or the locations we will help you finalize for the session.  Neon just doesn’t compliment a west coast forest or the beautiful mountain view.  If you need a suggestion for the boys, consider denim (fitted is best), flannel and even sweaters.  Don’t shy away from simple T-shirts and V-necks either (remember to avoid bright colours or large logos).  

It’s also best to consider something that you can easily move in, because maybe you and your partner will end up practicing your dance moves or giving each other piggy back rides!  You can certainly bring more than one outfit, always good to have variety! In terms of footwear we always recommend something that is comfortable, and that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Some of the locations that we tend to frequent out in the middle of nature can get a little muddy, and if you can’t decide then go barefoot!

Ladies, if you planned on pairing a fancy shoe or boot to accompany one of your outfits, we will most definitely approve, but will take the approach of having a comfy shoe to walk around in, and then when we’ve situated you in the spot for taking photos you can change into the fancier shoe.  For the boys, consider leaving your sneakers at home and instead opting for a boot (or a blundstone - our personal favourite).  We like to off-road so the fancy suit shoes can stay home (we don’t want to ruin them after all).

As always, bonus points to anyone who wears a hat!

One thing we always recommend (especially if this is your engagement session), is to consider taking advantage of your hair and makeup trial.  This can be a great way to test out your beauty team before the big day and will make you feel extra special on engagement session day!  We can help you coordinate what time to schedule them and depending on your desired bridal look is for wedding day, we usually suggest that you tone down the look ever so slightly so that you can attempt to create a cohesive engagement session vibe.  Consider leaving the fancy updo for wedding day and instead opt to wear the hair down and flowy!

FAMILY SESSIONS

The #1 rule for family sessions is to resist the urge to look ‘matchy matchy’. Your family session is not the time to bust out your Canadian Tuxedo or spend hours finding the perfect 90’s inspired white t-shit paired with denim ensemble.  Instead opt for items and colours that compliment each other - but don’t necessary match perfectly.  Its not about putting everyone in the exact same shade of blue, its about finding a collection of pieces that blend without too much intention.  

Again, sticking to more neutral tones, you should consider the location of the session when selecting what you’re wearing. Leave your gowns, tuxes and high heels at home if we’re shooting in the middle of the field, and instead dress with intention for the environment (both with respect to colour tones and the physical articles of clothing). 

Similar to our couple session guide, we always recommend a more elevated and casual approach so you’re free to move about, snuggle and not feel stiff.   Leave your big logos at home and instead choose items that are simple and basic (sweaters, plain T-shirts, denim, jackets and flowy dresses).   

Bottom line, kids will be kids so our goal is to put them in a scenario (both location and clothing) where they can feel free to be themselves.

MATERNITY SESSIONS

Our main piece of advice for the mother-to-be is to resist the urge to wear all black.  This is very important. Our goal with your maternity session is to celebrate your growing baby bump and above all showcase it.  Black outfits are often too flattering and can hide your bump from certain angles.  Instead, wear something more form fitting in all the right places to help showcase your baby-to-be.  We love a flowy number as well so don’t feel that you have to show up in something skin right.  

Multiple outfits is always encouraged so feel free to splurge on that special one of a kind maternity gown.  We also always encourage showing your bare bump and we can help you find a location that is a little more private so you feel comfortable with that approach.   If you want to feel extra special this is also a wonderful opportunity to get glammed up so take it as a great chance to get your hair/make up done so you feel extra confident in front of the camera.  

Just like with all other recommendations, we again always suggest sticking to a more neutral palette to best compliment the vibe and the location.   

Let’s celebrate Motherhood!