Capturing the joy and excitement of your engagement is a monumental task, but with just a little planning and these 5 expert tips you’ll be well on your way to snapping stunning swoon-worthy engagement photos that you and your partner can cherish forever. Let’s dive into the magic of creating eye-catching, breathtaking engagement photos that will make everyone gush!
Choose a Meaningful Location
The perfect backdrop sets the tone for your session, whether it’s an intimate, close-to-the-heart setting or a jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring locale. From the spot to where you first met, where you had your first date, or where you said “Yes”, the possibilities are endless.
We recommend shooting in a setting that is opposite of what you’re planning for the wedding. For example, if you’re having a downtown Denver wedding, consider doing your engagement session in the mountains and vice versa. A different season is always a great way to mix it up, and we would also recommend doing it no later than 6 months prior to the wedding.
Just remember, a meaningful location set’s the tone, so it’s important to choose wisely. We are happy to help brainstorm some ideas!
Flaunt Your Unique Style
Whether you’re a jeans-and-tee couple or a glitzy glam duo, let your engagement photos reflect your personal style. Show off your distinct fashion sense and personalities by choosing outfits that make you feel comfortable, confident, and camera-ready. We have a whole list of things to think about to help you prep for the shoot.
The camera has a wonderful knack for bringing out all of your flaws, so to help minimize that, we can plan ahead! For example, we recommend wearing form-fitting clothes (not tight), as opposed to loose since those will make you look larger on camera. Also, darker colors make you look smaller on camera, whereas lighter ones make you look larger.
Remember, the best engagement photos are the ones that exude authenticity and let your true selves shine!
Time It Right: The Golden Hour
Capturing beautifully lit images can elevate your engagement photos from ordinary to extraordinary. Schedule your photo shoot during the golden hour (typically the first hour after sunrise or the last hour before sunset) to take advantage of that magical lighting that bathes everything in a dreamy, soft glow. However, if you’re going for something more dramatic like at night, it’s best to schedule early in the evening so that there is still light in the sky to bring depth to your images.
Get To Know Your Photographer
Developing a rapport with your photographer is essential to capturing natural, candid engagement photos that truly represent your love story. Schedule a meeting or phone call before the photo shoot to discuss your expectations, share your vision, and let the photographer’s experience guide you. Don’t forget to let loose and have fund during the shoot – the more you interact naturally, the more authentic your photos will be, and the more you with love them – this will make for more genuine and timeless photos!
We look at this shoot as “practice” for the wedding day. Even if you’re not working with the same photographer for both, you’ll have a chance to be in front of the camera so you know what does, and doesn’t look good.
It is important to have the same photographer for both the engagement and the wedding for several reasons. You want to have that experience together so that you know their cues and directions, and they can address any issues before the wedding day (such as height differences, etc.). Having that rapport makes the wedding day so much smoother because you’re already comfortable with each other, you know what to expect, and then it’s just like friends hanging out with a camera. The more comfortable you are with that person, the more comfortable you will look in your photos, and the more you will love your images. That experience is gold!
Bring a Personal Touch
Incorporate meaningful props or elements that showcase your unique relationship, hobbies, or shared passions. From favorite books to your four-legged fur babies, these little touches can add depth and intimacy to your engagement photos, making them all the more memorable and utterly share-worthy.
Curating your session with the above will make sure your engagement photos serve as an enduring reminder of the love and commitment you share. By incorporating these 5 tips, your engagement photos will not only captivate your audience but beautifully convey your journey together as a couple.
Now go forth and get ready for an unforgettable photo shoot experience that will make your friends and social media swoon!
