I personally LOVE photographing our couple’s engagement sessions! The E-session is one of the first times, aside from our first consultation, that we really get to know our couples personally. We learn the poses they’re great at and the poses that.. uh.. well.. let’s just not do that one on the wedding day:) Every couple is different so even if shooting at a common location, we’re quick to offer unique options to make their session truly their own.
One of the most popular questions we are asked from our couples is ‘What should I wear?’ or ‘Should we do more than one outfit?’. Here are a couple key thoughts to keep in mind when planning the cosmetics of your engagement session:
-Don’t go too matchy-matchy! If you Google image search ‘Beach Photography Portraits‘ almost all of the top hits come back with families and couples dressed the same- white shirt and blue jeans or white shirt and khaki pants. Although this attire may look good at the beach for some folks, your engagement session isn’t a family reunion and you may want to shy away from this style. Aside from the highly matched wardrobe, be cautious not to go balls out on not matching at all, looking like two strangers who met up for a portrait session. Here are some outfit examples that mesh well together:
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-The Shoes Matter! Not only do the shoe choices matter but so do the accessories. For gentlemen, if going casual in a tucked in button down shirt, properly rolled sleeves and a matching or stylish belt might be a consideration. Going more formal, go for a fun, personality fitting pair of cufflinks or a stylish watch. For the ladies, bold statement piece necklaces, a gorgeous pair of earrings or dapper pearls is a great add on option for either casual or dressy styles. Lastly the shoes! Men if wearing a pair of dress shoes, consider polishing those babe’s up prior to your photo op. Gals consider something with a heel fitting for the time of year and the location. Your session is a great time to break out those stylish, more expensive, or cherished pair of Chuck Taylors or Louboutins!
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-Dress for the season and the session! Although spring and fall are the two most popular times to schedule your session, we do see couples throughout the year. Summer sessions are tricky and we recommend to our clients to avoid or be prepared to reschedule in case of super hot weather. Unfortunately the heat can make some skin tones red and splotchy and if humidity is in the mix, a bit of shine on the face that can’t be removed organically. Also the colors of your outfits should be taken into consideration based off of where your session is located. Wearing a bright red or orange shirt in the middle of a forest doesn’t have as nice of a photo flow as would whites, blues, or yellows. Urban locations usually have a darker color base, such as blacks, deep blues, or grays. Can you mix and match color hues best in a nature area to an urban area.. absolutely. Just keep in mind what the primary colors will be in your setting.
-Don’t hide your gorgeous figure! We see couples of all shapes and sizes- there is no normal size anymore folks! The worst thing picture wise is to overly hide your unfavorable spots.. on camera that’s when it adds rather than minimizes.. and no one, especially us gals want to see that! Our best recommendation is to learn what figure you have and shop for styles that flatter rather than hinder that gorgeous shape. Worse case scenario ladies.. grab an A-line dress- it’s flattering on almost all body shapes! The great news.. by hiring a professional we know some tips and tricks to create poses and positions that make anyone look amazing!
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– Comfortable and Confident! Ultimately regardless of what you wear, be comfortable! If you’re not comfortable, you’re most definitely not going to feel very confident. Ever hear the saying ‘The Camera Doesn’t Lie’… it’s so true! I can tell immediately if a couple is stressed, not comfortable with the pose, or hates what he/she is wearing- your body language gives it away in a heartbeat! Lastly on the confidence soap box is your personalities. If you bring your tremendous, unique personalities, the camera picks up your natural awesomeness whether it’s goof, romance, quirkiness, or humor!
If I’ve missed any great elements of ‘What the hell do I wear to my engagement session?’ be sure to shout them out in our comments!
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Downtown Harrisburg is one of my favorite engagement session locations for couples. Many think most areas are slightly overused (like the Capitol Building, Walking Bridge, and Front Street Park), myself included. The key to using great locations like downtown is to find some off the beaten path settings and in areas where the parking fee doesn’t rival the cost of college tuition;-).
Nicole & Brian opted to start their session at the Harrisburg Train Station. Originally built in 1887 and remodeled in 1986, the station features wide open natural light windows and a long waiting interior of wooden benches. 
Although not captured during this session, with permission granted, management tends to allow a few outdoor captures on the platform areas when not populated (get your sweet talk on because not everyone gives the ‘Ok’). Next we went for a walk around third street, court and walnut for some neat detailed stops along the way. My personal fave from the session was a stoop we found near The Plum for a cool, urban feel.
Lauren & Ryan, to be married on 7-11-15, opted for a unique engagement experience, starting at 7-11 for some Slurpee and images to commemorate their upcoming wedding day. Downtown, we opted to capture images near the Broad Street market, another historic building rocking out since the mid 1800’s. 
I like to travel a few blocks around the starting area, so we hit up the Mid Town book store, Broad Street and another alley leading to a vacant bank drive through area. One of my favorites, aside from the Mid Town images, was a neat art/pottery store that had stunning colors in their window.
Tips for Downtown-
Melissa McClain Photography 
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