Engaged and ready to make it photo official with an engagement shoot?! Here are some tried and true tips from some of our fave photographers for picture-perfect moments during your engagement session.
What to Wear?
Megan of Megan Saul Photography recommends color coordinating with each other. Wearing small prints and logos can be too distracting. “Think timeless,” she says. Outfits don't have to match entirely or be overly coordinated but your style and color choices should complement each other.
Jason Brown Photography agrees that your photos should look timeless and not distracting, so avoiding logos and bold patterns is a must! Instead, Jason suggests “wearing clothes that flatter your body and show off the parts you love the most. If you’re self-conscious,” he says “try wearing 3⁄4 or full sleeve shirts instead of tank tops and halter-type tops.”
Time & Location?
It’s important to pick a location that means something to both of you and fits your personality. Before finalizing a session date, check the city calendar to see what's going on in the area (festivals, conventions, shows, races, etc). Try selecting a date and time that your session location will be less crowded. Megan Saul Photography suggests “Places are always more crowded during weekends and the light typically isn't the best midday.” Talk to your photographer to see what they think works best for the best quality photos based on the location, time and season!
City Savvy Imaging endorses making it an all day activity and not just crossing something off of your wedding to-do list! “You’re not going to be your cutest, most genuine selves at the end of an errand-filled stressful day. So take it easy all day! Grab lunch together, get a drink, relax together doing something you enjoy.” That way you allow the photographer to capture you both on your best day - being the best version of yourselves!
What do we do during a photo session?
Engagement photography sessions are meant to express true emotions. Jason from Jason Brown Photography says that it’s important to be yourselves and try not to over think being in front of the camera. “The couple should feel and act as their authentic selves in front of the camera,” he says. “I like to catch small natural moments, even in the context of portraits.”
Ultimately, the day is all about you and Renae from City Savvy Imaging wants to capture just that! “I want your dynamic connection to set the tone and mood of the shoot,” claims Renae. “Not what you think a session should look like. Don’t act like you think you should, I want to capture you as you are.” She even suggests whispering something unexpected in your partner’s ear to make them laugh or blush to get that true reaction! Also try to avoid tense conversation that may involve stressful topics between the two of you before and during the session - just have fun with it!
Canceling out the Nervous Jitters!
It’s totally okay to get a little nervous before a shoot, so go ahead and grab a drink beforehand! Head to your favorite bar or have a glass of wine at home prior to the session to kick the nerves! Gene from Gene Yoon Photography has a tip of his own to make for an authentic, enjoyable and fun shoot. He proposes to “make a playlist of some of your favorite jams and play the playlist from your phone or bluetooth speaker during the shoot.”
Beauty Tips!
Kate Johnson Bridal Artistry always has some of the best tips up her sleeve! Here are her top pre-engagement session tips!
If coloring your hair; schedule at least a week prior to the shoot for the color to settle and look a bit more natural
Do not get a facial the week of the shoot, especially if you haven’t had one before (i.e. breakouts!)
Don’t use your hair/make-up trial for your engagement session! You don’t want the same look for your engagement session as your wedding day!
Choose a natural and everyday look but with slightly enhanced makeup to translate well in photos
Get your nails done! Even if that just means a basic manicure with clear polish - there will inevitably be the close up ring shots! Men, this includes you too!
Get an organic spray tan three days prior to the shoot which allows it to settle naturally on your skin.
Get your smile "Camera-Ready"!
You want to be sure your smile is nice and bright for those photos! There are many options for teeth whitening services and we recommend either of the two below:
In-Office Whitening: Smiling Bright
In-Home Whitening: Snow
Now you know some of the best tips and tricks to creating a fun engagement session that will result in some of your favorite photos for years to come!
Post was written in collaboration with Jason Brown Photography, City Savvy Imaging, Gene Yoon Photography and Megan Saul Photography and Kate Johnson Bridal Artistry.
Photo Credits in order as shown:
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