CONGRATS! You said yes to your soulmate! Now you’re engaged and it’s time to let everyone know with a fun and romantic photoshoot!
There are so many reasons why it’s important to make time for engagement photos and even though you may feel completely overwhelmed with your wedding “to do” list, be sure you do this. I include them in all my wedding collections because, to be honest, it isn’t really about the added value, it’s about practicing together and building the trust. We’ll spend some time together, get to know each other better in a relaxed atmosphere, and find our groove so when the big day comes, we are completely comfortable together and you trust I will capture the best wedding photos ever!
Plan to spend between one and two hours for the engagement session. I want to understand how you interact with each other, your personalities, and even quirks. For example, I have a friend who blinks every single time I press the shutter. She seems to have “shutter ESP”. I just don’t know, but we always had lots of photos with closed eyes until I figured out a way to trick her taking the photo BEFORE she blinks. These are the kind of mental notes that will help me to anticipate and capture images on the wedding day that are unique to a couple. It also gives you a chance to tell me ahead of time if there are shots or angles you don’t like. We all have our insecurities so good communication will help me be sure you look your best in the photos.
I suggest having your engagement photos taken at a location that has some meaning to the two of you. This could be the place you got engaged or a where you had your first date (you’ll definitely experience all the “feels” with this one!). It could be at a place you both like to spend time, or something you enjoy doing together. I find that couples feel more at ease in an environment they know. Engagement sessions happen in places of both natural and urban beauty. Inspiring locations help tell your story and because I like to be sure you have lots of variety in your photos, I usually encourage my couple to choose a location different than your wedding ceremony venue. Not sure what is right for you? I’m happy to share recommendations and be sure to take a look at the Couples Gallery for some of my favorite engagement photo locations.
Props are always welcome! Whether your passion is boating, books or your dog, (mine is coffee AND my dogs) props can enhance the shoot and give more depth to a photograph. Professionally lettered chalk boards with the wedding date are a great idea for Save the Date cards. Props also give you something to do with your hands while we warm up and get comfortable with poses. And don’t worry too much about posing. I’ll set you up for success and then let you be yourselves. The best moments are almost always candid. I want your images to be authentically you.
Not sure what to wear for your engagement session? While you don't want to match your partner, you'll want to make sure your colors complement one another. Soft colors, neutrals and cool shades work well. Jeans are always good for a comfortable look with a solid color shirt—and Maxi dresses are well, just dreamy in photos. Avoid busy prints, stripes and big logos. We usually can accommodate at least one wardrobe change with one a little dressy and the other more casual. Give consideration to your shoes as well. If we are heading to the beach, that’s definitely a “no shoes” zone! Also be sure you can move comfortably and sit with ease. This is a great time to treat yourself to a mani-pedi as many times we will incorporate close shots of your hands to show off the new bling and Photoshop just can’t fix everything!
So what’s the takeaway here? Make time for engagement photos. I can promise you, once you see your engagement images, you will have more confidence in yourselves and in your photographer. My goal is that when our session is over, you are completely amazed at how much you enjoyed the experience and look forward to your wedding photos.
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