5 Tips for an Epic Engagement Shoot
What is an engagement shoot? Basically, it’s a photo shoot you do together as a couple to commemorate and celebrate your engagement. Not only is it a fun and relaxed way to help get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day, but you’ll also love having casual and memorable photos of yourselves together. Having an engagement shoot also allows your photographer to learn more about you and your significant other’s personalities before the wedding day. Are engagement photography sessions worth it? Absolutely!
Personalize it
Take time to think about what you guys absolutely love to do. If the idea of posing for an hour or two doesn’t make you (or your fiancé) overly excited, why not actually do something y’all love at the same time? Whether hiking to a mountaintop, sipping a beer outside your favorite local brewery, having a picnic or even making s’mores in the middle of winter- you can craft a shoot that's totally in-tune with your style and relationship. When you're coming up with a plan for your session, think about what would most represent you.
Wardrobe
Pinterest can be your best friend here! But always remember the location that you've chosen, as well as your everyday style. These images are a representation of you! Just like breaking in running shoes before a marathon, wear something that makes you feel comfortable. Choose an item that screams YOU and don’t be shy to wear something you’ve worn before, even just for a test run.
One big tip when thinking about your engagement shoot wardrobe— If you can, avoid busy patterns, plaids, or mixing patterns as you and your partner should be the focus of each image, not your outfits! Solids or "quiet" patterns + neutrals and earth tones always photograph well. Or if you're more of a color lover, soft pastels work wonders.
Time of day
This is where magic happens. The time of day is crucial to the lighting of your photos. Typically, shooting two hours before sunset onwards makes for the best glowy evening light. Or alternatively, you can wake up before sunrise and shoot for those hours right after the sun goes up. If the day just doesn’t serve up some sunshine, don't fret! Overcast & foggy skies (especially in moody, mountainous settings) can look absolutely gorgeous. Lean on and trust your photographer to give you the best time of day for the perfect engagement shoot photos.
Consider bringing along props
Another fun tip is to think about bringing along some props to the shoot. Feel free to get creative and think about what additions could add a pop of fun or color to your shoot.
Some really cool prop examples: smoke bombs, prosecco (a spray of bubbly looks so fun in photos!), flowers, or umbrellas, your pet(s), a picnic rug, blankets, smores, etc.
Whatever best reflects who YOU are as a couple, bring it.
Inspiration
Look for images you love in the setting you have both chosen! Make sure to share your inspiration images with your photographer a few weeks before your session, that way they can cater to the type of photos and poses you love.
Still don’t know what to do with your engagement shoot? Communicate with your photographer if you don’t know what to do! They are professionals and love being able to give advice! They know what works well behind the camera and what doesn’t. And remember- just remember have fun and love having that extra one-on-one time with your best friend (plus the third wheeler- the photographer)!