How To Plan Engagement Photos
Inspiration.
First thing is first. Close your eyes. Take some deep breaths. Imagine. How does it feel when you are embraced by your lover? Sexy? Deep? Romantic? Safe? Start from that centered spot. Daydream a little. What do you most want to express in your engagement photos? It can be elegance, passion, whimsy, the fun you two have together, how you help each other grow, etc. What is the glue that makes you two work?
Next- write down what inspiration came to you, or create a pinterest board to share with your photographer, or you can grab some magazines and craft a good old fashioned collage. You want to talk to your partner now if they haven’t been daydreaming with you. What do they want to add? Inspiration can hit anywhere- give it a little time to ruminate. You may find it watching an older couple holding hands, or in your parents banter, in your favorite flowers, or that movie you watch on repeat. Just be open.
Okay, time to bring in your photographer. If inspiration has been less than forthcoming, your photographer should be able to guide you. They can offer locations, previous experiences, and hopefully ask you insightful questions. You can create a Pinterest board with your photographer.
Time.
I recommend my couples have at least an hour for an engagement photoshoot. An hour gives you time to warm up, and time to get at least two separate looks. This can come in handy when creating your wedding website. If you haven’t taken many photos together, this gives some diversity. Also, you can use a more casual, intimate look for your engagement announcements or social media posts. Then a more refined and elegant look for your official invitations. Or you can keep one look stashed away for holiday cards!
If a couple is planning to hike with me for their photos, I bring along a pop up changing room. You can find these at most camping stores. Or if you are taking photos in an urban setting, make a plan to be near a restroom so you can change into your second look!
If photos are outdoors, late afternoon or early evening are ideal for photos. During that time the light is the most warm or golden, and that is very flattering for your skin tone, and also the colors of your environment.
Location. Location. Location.
If you decide an outdoor engagement shoot is the way to go, and most of my couples do, then have a rainy day plan! Clear umbrellas are very handy- I have some. Does your photographer offer flexibility to switch times if there is inclement weather? Most don’t, but it is something I like to plan for with my couples, a back up day. If they can’t offer a back up day, then have a back up location!
Living in the mountains I am surrounding by dozens of gorgeous outdoor locations- forests, overlooks, rivers and waterfalls. If nature speaks to you, there is no better backdrop. For those of you who are not into hiking, and maybe prioritize looking the picture of elegance for your engagement shoot- you can focus on creative art deco buildings downtown, or (with permission) getting photos actually in an art museum, for romance you can look for gardens or the Biltmore Estate, maybe you crave the urban landscape, or beautiful murals. The focus can also fall on what you want to do together. I’ve had couples play board games, blow bubbles, pop champagne, bring their dogs to a friendly wine vineyard, have a picnic, dance, cosplay their favorite fairy tale, have a mud fight, and even take a bubble bath together! I’m still hoping one day a couple is going to have an epic light saber battle!
That being said, one of life’s greatest simple pleasures is simply walking side by side holding hands with the one you love! It can be an imaginative shoot, an organic shoot, or a simply elegant love story.
Attire.
Let’s talk hair first. Don’t get a haircut the day before your photoshoot. Give yourself at least a week between a hair appointment and a photoshoot in case you need to modify. Think about keeping your hair away from your face too! We want your face to be seen in photos. If your hair keeps falling in your face it can be distracting. Also if you have big curly hair, or hair with a lot of flyaways, this is the time to use a little more product, even if you don’t normally.
Stay away from loud patterns, especially both of you wearing loud patterns. This rarely works, and typically clashes. Even if you’re a lover of new fashion, try to think about looking at your photos years from now. Stay away from any fads you might see yourself one day cringing at. You can still be edgy, chic and fresh- especially if that’s your passion, but try to blend that with some elegant timelessness.
Either lay out your outfits side by side, or try them on next to each other and look in a mirror. Staying in color families or working with complimentary colors can be helpful, but you don’t need to match! You and/or your partner may tend to wear t-shirts and jeans, and maybe you want to dress up for your photos. Just make sure you’re still comfortable in whatever you choose to wear. This isn’t the time to break in new shoes! If you decide to wear high heels, maybe bring a change of shoes too. Not all your photos need to be full length and include your feet.
Experience.
Your engagement season is an ephemeral and romantic time in your life. Many of us rush through it, planning the wedding. Why not slow down and make your engagement photoshoot part of a romantic weekend or a date night? If you are already dressed up, you can head to a restaurant you’ve been wanting to try out afterward. You could rent a cabin and cuddle up on the couch or relax in a hot tub. Just spend some quality time daydreaming about the life you are building together.
And the photoshoot can be as personalized as you want to make it. You can bring a portable speaker and have your favorite playlist on. If you want to hike out to that perfect waterfall, bring your bugspray and towels. Want a gourmet picnic for two? We can make that happen! Definitely take some time to think about what would make a fun experience for you both and not just some time in front of a camera.
