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An engagement photoshoot is an excellent time to slow down and enjoy the present moment of, well, being engaged! It’s a chance to take a break from planning the big day and celebrate the here and now before saying ‘I do.’ Not only can engagement photos be used for your save-the-dates or invitations, but it also gives you and your hubby a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera and practice different poses with the direction of the photographer. This will come in handy for the big day and your wedding photography!
If you’re not sure where to begin with planning an engagement photoshoot, don’t fret. We’ve put together five tips for planning a successful shoot and scoring some irreplaceable memories with your fiancé.
Finding a Photographer
Research is essential when finding a photographer for your engagement photoshoot. You may already have your dream photog in mind, and maybe they’ll even shoot your wedding day too. If you haven’t booked a photographer yet, start by asking around within your friend and family circle. A word-of-mouth connection is a great way to support someone’s small business, get a feel for pricing, and even check out examples of photos they’ve taken.
Another way to research photographers is by perusing wedding venue websites for their on-site or recommended photographers. This is a great way to find photographers local to a specific area.
Lastly, there is always Pinterest, Instagram, and all other social media platforms to assist you in your photographer search. Start by searching with broad hashtags, like #engagementphotos or #engagementphotoshoot. Doing this allows you to check out different photography styles. Eventually, narrow down your hashtags to find photographers located close rto you. For example, #LAweddingphotographer or #sandiegoengagementshoot.
Choosing What to Wear
For many couples, the most important detail of an engagement photoshoot is the outfit! Will your outfit choice dictate the location of the shoot, or will the location inspire what you wear? If you have attire in mind before choosing the scenery, use it as inspiration to plan the theme of the entire shoot.
Timing & Lighting
When booking your photoshoot with a photographer, you will most likely need to be ready to choose a time slot. Many photographers offer sunrise or sunset time slots, which are optimal for capturing the beauty of natural light. Consider a shoot during “golden hour,” the time right before the sun sets that will drench you and your fiancé in soft hues and romantic ambiances.
Another option is a nighttime shoot after the sun goes down. This can work well for capturing scenes that include dramatic lighting such as city lights, starry skies, or even old-timey neon signs or boardwalk/amusement park vibes.
Location Ideas
When choosing the location of your engagement photoshoot, first decide whether you want the spot to be a focal point of the photos or if you want to let the background play as simply just a background. For example, do you want romantic close-up shots in a comfortable everyday setting like your own kitchen or your favorite room of the house? Or would you prefer wider shots that show off your surroundings, such as a tree-lined street, the ocean, or a building as a backdrop? Once you’ve settled on the style of photos to aim for, choosing a location will come naturally. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Your First Date
Head back to the place where you first met or you had your first date. What’s more romantic than reliving those initial exciting moments and getting butterflies all over again?
- Favorite Pub or Café
Grab a table or pull up a barstool. This is an opportunity to share a drink and steal a kiss while creating a laidback vibe for your engagement photos.
- Favorite Getaway Spot
Hit the road and head to your favorite weekend spot. Will you be under the bright lights in the city or your favorite campsite far from the hustle and bustle? Either way, these photos will show you and your love doing what you love.
- Incorporate Architecture
Brainstorm impressive architecture in the city you live in, such as churches, temples, and libraries, and snap some wide-angle shots on the steps or inside the beautiful walls.
- Favorite Outdoor Activity
Hit a hiking trail for a scenic photoshoot, head to the golf course to practice your swings, or take a walk on your favorite beach. Nature is always the perfect backdrop.
- Food-Focused
Create a Lady and the Tramp spaghetti moment, share a piece of your favorite cake, or visit a candy shop for all-together sweet photos.
Picture Perfect Poses
By this point, your engagement photoshoot will likely have a theme, or you will have a general idea of how you want the photos to look. But, when it comes to getting in front of the camera, we know it doesn’t always come naturally. This is a great opportunity to chat with your photographer and go over different options for picture perfect poses.
For example, did you and your hubby decide to take photos doing one of your favorite outdoor activities? If you find yourself teeing off at a scenic golf course for your shoot, some gorgeous candid shots of you and your hubby will look great.
Also, consider the subtle use of props depending on the theme or location of your photoshoot. If you landed on the idea of taking engagement photos at your favorite winery, then you’ll surely want to be sampling some beautiful wines with a glass in hand. If you both love cooking, incorporate your favorite meal to cook at home and maybe some matching aprons!
And don’t forget, a little PDA goes a long way! Smile, laugh and enjoy this fun time together. The key is to have fun and create an environment that is laidback and easy, just like you and your SO.
So, start dreaming up your perfect engagement shoot and celebrating this special time in your relationship. Cheers to pictures worth a thousand words!
