Chances are, as soon as you said “yes!”, you’ve been thinking about your engagement pictures. What better way to announce your upcoming wedding than posting your photos as a newly engaged couple? Preparing for your engagement session is exciting, but can also leave you wondering what to expect, or how do I prepare? Here are some tips to help you prep and have a fun and memorable engagement session:
1. Choose the right photographer for you.
Make sure you choose a photographer whose style is what gives you all the feels. Think about how you want your images to look. Do you lean towards dark and moody photographs, or do brighter, lighter images set your heart fluttering? Check their images and portfolio to make sure their image style is what you are looking for. Also be sure to check the types of images they have. Do you want your images to be primarily portraits of the two of you looking at the camera or do you prefer to show the two of you playing around with each other? Do you want a dreamy location or do you gravitate towards a professional studio look? Make sure you ask your photographer questions, and even set up a meeting or phone call to chat about your vision.
2. Discuss your vision
Talk to each other and your photographer about what your vision and hopes are for your photos. If you have a specific theme or location in mind, let them know. This will help everyone be on the same page to help plan your session to meet all your goals. As photographers, we want you to love your images! If we don’t know what you are hoping for them to look like, we won’t know to give you that style. Communication is key!
3. Pick a location that speaks to you
Your photographer should have some great options ready for you based off your vision that have opportune scenery and lighting for incredible images. Think about the overall feel you want in your images and choose a location based off of that. Some popular locations can be a park, an open field, gardens, woodlands, the beach or an urban setting. Or you could choose a location that holds a significance for you as a couple- where you met, where you had your first date, or a place you love going together.
4. Plan your outfits.
Coordinate your outfits with each other and with the location for the best look. Choose colors that complement each other and YOU! Consider how you want your images to look. If you love the bright and airy style, make sure you choose a pastel palette. If you prefer darker and bold, choose darker colors. Make sure you’ve tried on your outfits before to make sure they’re comfortable. The last thing you want during your session is to feel itchy or self-conscious. Ask your photographer if they have a style guide for you.
5. Consider professional hair and makeup.
Having your hair and makeup done for you is a confidence booster. Communicate your desires with your makeup artist and choose a look that enhances your beauty and boosts your confidence.
6. Skip the props!
Apart from your engagement ring, I always suggest to my clients to just bring themselves! Unless you have a very specific item (or fur baby!) that’s special to you as a couple, I recommend skipping the props. You want the focus to be on you and your future spouse, not a bunch of “extras”.
7. Relax!
These photos are about capturing your love story and your connection. As uncomfortable as it can be in front of the camera, allow yourself to just “be” with your love. Enjoy the moment, play with each other, joke around, make each other laugh, and be yourself! Your photographer should guide you with poses that flatter you, but don’t be afraid to snuggle, cuddle, or do any bit of affection you feel like you want to do in that moment!
Remember, every couple is unique and every story is different. Use these tips to fit in with your personal style, story and preferences. Communication with your photographer is the key to your vision being captured just as you imagine!
Richardson Imagery
Are you engaged? We’d love to photograph your engagement session! We’re a husband and wife photography team that specializes in authentic interactions and love showing our couples’ love stories in photographs! Contact us here to learn more!
