Being a photographer, I pride myself on helping my couples reduce their stress surrounding photography on their wedding day.
But what about the engagement photo session?
First and foremost, it is the job of a photographer to create amazing photos. I believe that this is just one of my goals, I also want you both to enjoy yourselves and create photos you can look back on and enjoy.
One Of The Most Asked Questions I Get For Is, “How Do We Prepare For Our Engagement Photos?
I wanted to share some tips and suggestions on how to make the most out of your photo shoot that will help reduce your stress and prepare you for practicing being in front of the camera before your wedding day. Is your wedding budget slightly stretched already? Not to worry - all my Wedding Photography Peterborough packages include a complementary 30 mins engagement photoshoot! This allows us to meet before your big day and have a little warm-up before your actual wedding pictures :)
I remember back to my engagement photos 5 years ago. At the time, I didn’t think that there would be much preparation needed. I purchased some new shoes, did my own hair and added a little makeup and I thought I was ready. Coming out of my bathroom, I saw my fiancé in shorts, a shirt and flip flops. There was no way we were going to have our photographs taken like this and then it hit me...
I should have known to plan and ask our photographer how to prepare for our engagement session.
Therefore I want you to be prepared with the most helpful information so that when you come to your engagement photography session, you are ready for some fun!
THESE ARE MY TIPS TO HELP YOU BE PREPARED FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION!
What is the feel or story that you want to portray in your photos?
You will want to include something regarding your story of you both as a couple and incorporate elements of your personality into the photos. My top priority is to visualize the story of your relationship in your engagement photographs. The next few points all contribute to the story.
Ladies (and Gentlemen)! Have fabulous hair and make-up for your photos.
Most make-up artists or hairstylists have a “trial” date to make sure the look or hairstyle you want is everything you ever wanted for your wedding day. This is a good time to take advantage of these trials, and collaborate with your wedding photographer to have photos done after these trials. Another suggestion, is to do your hair and make-up yourself to give you a more soft and natural look. The key is to look and feel like the gorgeous couple you are and to be comfortable.
What To Wear For Your Engagement Photos?
For an outdoor session it’s best to avoid the cluttered looks, bright stripes, writings or strong patterns. It doesn’t mean that patterns don’t work for a photography shoot, but for the most part, patterns are generally distracters.
Your look should be as natural as possible and able to blend with the background. The colours you all wear must coordinate, ideally not match :)
Where should you have your engagement photos done?
The location sets the tone and scene for how you want your engagement photos to look. If you want elements of the background to tie into your engagement story, then picking carefully is important. Location also works with your outfit selection to tell this story. If you are wearing a comfortable outfit and boots you would pick a location to match, such as an urban/city location.
There are many locations to pick from such as fields and open grass areas, the beach and waterfront, forests, parks, mountains, your favourite restaurant or coffee house and the list goes on and on.
Can we use props?
Adding a few fun props can add a creative touch for your engagement photos. This can be anything from your furry best friend, to a blanket, to a bicycle. I love to photograph couples that have extra props to interact and will help tell their love story. Consider adding a prop for your engagement photography session and if you are unsure what to bring, ask me. The more creative and personalized the better!
FLOWERS: Wildflowers, or bouquets are a nice touch to engagement photos.
YOUR FAVOURITE DRINK: A bottle of your favourite wine, or champagne, is a nice touch to engagement photos. We are here to celebrate! What better way than saying “cheers” with your favourite drink. There are a few more tips that I have included, but decided to elaborate in a section dedicated especially to celebrating with your favourite drink.
Can I bring my pet to the shoot?
Many couples request to have their pets included in their engagement and wedding photographs. It is usually a big deal as the furry family member is an important part of the couple's life. So if you would like to include your pet in the photos it is a good idea to meet the pet in a natural open area for the first time. A park or open area, free of loud noises and other pets are recommended, especially for hyper or nervous pets. Since a lot of pets like to have the majority of attention, it is a good idea to get must-have or difficult photographs out of the way first, that will open up the floor for the furry family member to be in the photoshoot. It is also important to come prepared, make sure you have any bags, toys or treats needed for your furry friend.
Be yourself!
That is the one of the reasons that I include engagement sessions in my wedding packages. This is the time to get comfortable with me and being in-front of the camera. I don’t want you to freeze up on your wedding day, because I am taking photos of you and your partner. Engagement photography sessions are a lot of fun, because you can customize them to a specific theme that represents you as a couple.
Leave enough time.
One of the biggest unexpected issues that comes up is being late for a shoot. This can lead to both the photographer and the engaged couple involved to be stressed. Since photography is all about light, make sure you communicate with your photographer if you are running late or things are not going as planned. Most engagement photographers plan to photograph in the two hours before sunset. If you are running 30 minutes late, then running out of light is a real possibility. As a photographer that works with predominantly natural light, I am mostly dependent on the sun and cannot get the natural light back.
Having a backup plan is essential.
I normally leave a 15-20-minute window when I have a meeting or planned event. As an engagement photographer, I normally suggest to couples to do their engagement photos on a day off or on a day that they don’t have any plans directly before or after.
Have Fun!
This is probably the most important tip! Having fun during your shoot makes for wonderful candid photos.
One of the key tricks I use is humour. This can either be a well-timed joke, or coordinating with one of you, to tell a joke that will make their partner laugh.
Being in a location or doing an activity that is fun is key and takes your mind off being in front of the camera.
Focus on being yourself, your partner and your future. I would suggest to focus A LOT on your partner and your love. I want you to look and show your love for your partner and the intimacy between them.
Being prepared will help you relax and be at ease in front of the camera.
And leave the rest to me!
Looking forward to seeing you on your session! :)
