We get asked by our couples all the time if we have any tips to make their engagement photography session better. Through the years we have noticed a lot of things that went well and some that didn’t. So here are some tips to help you make the best choices when it come to your own engagement session.
Most important question: WHY SHOULD I HAVE ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS?
It’s the perfect opportunity to get to know your photographer. You will feel more comfortable in front of the camera on your wedding day and know want to expect. It’s a great time to talk about the plans for your wedding day and get advice if you have questions about how the day will run for photography.
And now to the top 10 tips from our studio!
1. Picking the best time of day
The sun looks best for photos 1 to 2 hours before sunset or 1 to 2 hours after sunrise. This is called the “golden hour or magic hour” because the daylight is warmer and softer than when the sun is higher in the sky. A large majority of our sessions take place 45 min before sunset so we can capture 3 different looks for you: Golden Hour, Sunset and Twilight.
2. Wear something you feel wonderful and confident in
When you feel great it shows in how you hold your body and interact. You will feel more confident and comfortable being in front of the camera. If you choose clothes that are too tight or clingy you will spend the session picking at them and worrying about covering up. Choose something that flatters your body type. For the ladies it’s also nice to choose something that flows nicely when moving. Your session can consist of dressing up or dressing down. It depends on the look you prefer for your photos.
3. Choosing the right colors
This doesn’t mean you need to match, but your colors should compliment each other’s outfits. If one of you is wearing something with patterns make sure the other person is wearing a sold so it’s not too busy. Think about where you are going to use these photos or hang them. If the colors in your house are more blue and white then you might want to pick something that would fit perfectly.
4. Location Location Location
We always suggest looking through some of the engagement photos on our blog and see if anything stands out to you. Some couples prefer their session in nature among trees or by a lake. Others prefer a more urban feel with different buildings or walls behind them. You can also pick something special to the two of you. We have had couples have their session in a coffee shop, doing Cross-fit together, at the firestation, or at the location they got engaged. If you have no idea where you want yours we can suggestion locations that look wonderful.
5. Consider professional hair and makeup
If you are well versed in hair and makeup skills for taking photos you can skip on down to the next tip. However, if you aren’t you may want to consider having a professional. Photos require a slightly more saturated style than your everyday look and you don’t want to look washed out. If you have not had your hair and makeup consultation with your stylist for your wedding day this is the perfect opportunity to do this and get acquainted with them. If you need tips on wonderful stylists let us know and we can shoot you over a list of our preferred artists.
6. Don’t have any expectations except to have FUN!
It’s best not to scour Pinterest to see every engagement photo ever posted there. Your session will be unique to the two of you and while it’s ok if you want to suggest a photo or 2, we suggest letting the session be organic and personal for the two of you. It’s a lot more fun we were aren’t working of a list of must get photos. It also allows us to be creative and create shots that everyone will be the envy of when they see your session.
7. Hands hands hands
People always ask us, “What do I do with my hands.” For guys you can always pocket your hands look more relaxed. Holding hands or touching each other with an embrace or a simple touch always lends itself to a natural and romantic look. Touch your fiance’s face. Ladies can play with a skirt or dress if they are wearing one.
8. Steam and iron clothes ahead of time
This also goes for your wedding day. Sometimes a bride, groom, or even bridesmaid will remember right before getting dressed they forgot to stream their clothes. This only makes things run behind and you might miss out on perfect light for your session. A photographer’s least favorite question is “can you just Photoshop that out later?” LOL We take a lot of photos on your engagement session (and your wedding day). Save yourself the stress of worrying if something is gonna look bad in every picture. While we can photoshop things out, when it comes to doing it to many pictures that can come at an extra charge.
9. Consider hiring Cinema to capture your session
This is a great opportunity to become familiar with your videographer and being in front of the video camera. You will come away with a beautiful highlight from your session. A unique idea is to use the highlight video to show as guests enter your ceremony or reception. You could even show at your rehearsal dinner or the reception dinner.
10. Make a date out of it
Since you are all dressed up why not end the session with dinner or breakfast. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with each other in the midst of all the wedding planning.
