Engagement photography is often a couple’s first opportunity to present themselves to the world as a union. Although photographs taken prior to the wedding are not a new practice, they have become more and more commonplace in recent years. Part of the uptrend of this practice is the shift away from stuffy, conventional shots. Many photographers are opting for candid, relaxed pictures that really showcase a couple’s personality.
Some people shy away or dread engagement photography because they’re concerned about how they will look in their pictures. Here are some tips to ensure that your photography session comes out looking great.
Find a photographer you feel comfortable with. If you trust your photographer, you’ll be more relaxed. Finding someone to take your engagement photo is a crucial part of the process. You can Google engagement photographs and find tons of photographers. Narrow down your options by looking at pricing and their examples shown online. Once you have narrowed down your choices, call and arrange to speak with each of them. You’ll want to take a look at their sample book and chat with them about what they expect versus what you had in mind. It’s important to meet with the photographer in person ahead of time. Nearly anyone can find a handful of great photos to post on their website. You need more than that to make your decision. Don’t rush through your decision. You have to live with these photographs forever.
Wear something flattering. Your engagement photographs are not the time for a new outfit. You want something you feel confident and comfortable wearing. Since these are candid shots, you may be getting into lots of different poses, so you want clothing that you can move about in, isn’t too tight or constricting, and makes you feel great! Darker clothes typically photograph better.
Relax and enjoy your fiancé/fiancée. Make the day you get your engagement photographs taken a relaxing one. Schedule it for a day when the two of you can spend some time together before the shoot. Have lunch, chat, and hold hands. On the way there, turn up some tunes you both love and sing along.
Select an interesting spot. The background for a couple’s engagement photographs is often laid-back, but sometimes they’re offbeat and interesting. Your photographer may have a spot picked out, but the two of you may have a sentimental space you want to use. The location of your first date, perhaps, or a favorite haunt you two have may make a great backdrop. Some couples choose to make their shots a springboard for sharing something personal, like a shared interest. Shots taken during a pottery class, or an outdoor run, or at the bowling alley are distinctive and tell a bit more about you as a couple.
Ask your photographer to take lots of shots from different angles. This is worth the time and money for your engagement photographs. Talented, experienced photographers will tell you that the angle from which a shot is taken can make all the difference.
Your engagement photographs can serve as a test run for your coming wedding photographs. If you like your photographer, you may want to hire them for your wedding as well.