Top 10 Tips for the Best Engagement Photos Ever
Yes, pop the champagne and celebrate because YOU ARE ENGAGED!!!
So, now, let’s create some dreamy images that you can use for your wedding website, save the date cards, and a beautiful card to send to grandma to let her know that it really is true…you’re getting married!
It’s all about Comfort!
Do wear something that is comfortable! Something that you can really move in. I always start with couples in a casual outfit for at least the first 30 minutes of our engagement session for a lovely “warm up” so that you can not only get used to the extra large lenses that I’ll have in front of you, but you will also be able to run around, hop on each other’s backs, lay on a blanket, twirl around, dance to your favorite song, and…you get the gist. This is the FUN that you’ll want to remember when you are 80 years old and you’ll have the proof of this ecstatic love that you share.
Do wear something that feels like YOU. If you feel that the style or the size doesn’t quite fit you, this can show in your photos, so choose something that lets you move and enjoy your engagement session to the fullest.
2. Make it a DATE!
For real…make a date night out of your engagement photo session. I will definitely keep your session light, fun, and playful and I can guarantee that there will be giggles and a whole lot of smooching. Doesn’t that sound like a great date night already?!!! Bring a blanket that coordinates with your outfits to sit/lay down on and even some snacks/drinks to make it even more enjoyable. Heck, you could even make reservations at an intimate restaurant before or afterward. Before you know it, you’ll be saying…” that was so much fun, can we schedule engagement photos more often?!!” PS- the answer is YES!
3. Let’s get fancy…
I’ve already mentioned that you’ll be in your casual outfit for about the first 30 minutes of your engagement photo session, and now it’s time to dress it up a bit.
Next, you’ll slip into something a little more dressy for the next set of photos that we will most likely take on a mountaintop or another location of your choice. The beauty of this is that you’ll have so much more variety in your gallery to do fit ALL of your needs!!!
4. The footwear focus
Pay attention to your feet. Your shoes will be in the photos so feel free to wear shoes to hike in and then an extra pair for the photo session. Please don’t wear flip-flops (please and thank you)!
5. Always Be YOU
Do wear something that feels like YOU. If you feel that the style or the size doesn’t quite fit you, this can show in your photos, so choose something that lets you move and enjoy your engagement session to the fullest. I always suggest leaning towards a bit more classic style than an overly trendy style because your photos will stay forever and that trend will look a bit dated pretty quickly. And, I will always give you some black-and-white images to give you that classic look too!
6. You’re absolutely Gorgeous!
Do highlight your favorite features. If you love your arms, then wear a sleeveless shirt/dress. If you love your shoulders, then wear a strapless dress. If you love your legs, then show them off in shorts for casual wear or some heels or wedge sandals to elongate the look of your legs. You are already stunning, so let’s show it off!
7. Add some pizazz.
Do feel free to accessorize with hats, jackets, jewelry, etc. to your engagement photos. You can take these on and off throughout the session so that you will have even more variety in your photos. +Bonus…bring a blanket to add more texture to your gallery and enjoy sitting or laying down poses too!
I will say that you should stay away from too many patterns and no large logos, please! This will be a bit too distracting for your photos.
8. When to schedule your session?
Think about convenience first. Most couples want to send out the save-the-date cards between one year and eight months before the wedding, therefore you’ll want to schedule the engagement photos at least two months prior.
This is the perfect time to schedule your hair and makeup trial! It is great that you can get a sneak peek at the glam that you’ll have on your day and also use this opportunity to spruce up your engagement photos too!
9. What about our 4 legged?
Yes, you can absolutely bring your beloved pup to your engagement photos! I see this more often because many couples are choosing that their love stays at home for the wedding, but would like to incorporate them for the engagement photos. Do bring a leash (of course), and your pup’s favorite snacks because we want everyone to be happy! :)
10. What should we bring?
Let’s recap:
bring a casual outfit
dressier outfit to change into
matching shoes for each outfit
shoes to hike in (if applicable)
blanket to sit or lay down on specifically for the casual outfit
snacks and beverages of your choice
excitement for an AWESOME time!!!
Now what??? Take a deep breath…and trust your photographer!
If you haven’t scheduled your date yet…do this right now! Your absolutely stunning engagement photos are waiting for you! But, most importantly trust me…I’ve got you.
Believe me, 20+ years from now, you will look back at this time and say “Wow…..look how young and amazing we look in our engagement photos!”
Let’s SAVOR this one priceless moment and I am here to help you do this!
xoxo
Sheila