The perfect way for many couples to celebrate their engagement is with a beautiful engagement photo session. This activity is for you and your partner to spend time together and have some fun. This also allows both of you to obtain experience in front of a camera together before the day of the wedding.
How do you start when it comes to this special moment? Many couples may feel overwhelmed with this question so we put together this guide to help you prepare and understand what will happen in an engagement photo shoot.
Highlights
- Engagement photos are an important part of the wedding experience that should be taken at a place that is important to the couple.
- Take your engagement photos five months before the wedding, 11 months if you plan to use them in your save-the-dates and bear in mind seasonality.
- Wear an outfit that is comfortable and timeless. Avoid buying something new that you are not familiar with wearing.
What are engagement photos?
Engagement photos are photos that are professionally taken of a couple to announce and celebrate their upcoming wedding. Images are taken in sessions typically in a location that holds meaning to the couple.
Why are engagement photos important?
Engagement photos are important because it provides you and your partner an opportunity to become acquainted with the photographer and practice being in front of the camera as a couple before the wedding.
When should your engagement photos be taken?
Engagement photos should be taken around five months before the day of your wedding. Save-the-date notifications usually go out six months before the wedding. You want to take your engagement photos 11 months to a year before your wedding date if you want to use them for your save-the-dates. Be sure to ask your photographer about editing time so you completely understand when the photos will be ready and allocate additional time appropriately.
Bear in mind seasonality and time of day. Prepare your photoshoot accordingly if you want Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer backgrounds. Many photographers target sessions during the “Golden Hour” which exists one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset where the light created by the sun provides a unique look.
Where should you take engagement photos?
Engagement photos should be taken at a location that has meaning and holds a special memory to you and your partner. This place could be your first date, your first kiss, a special outing you both took together, or anything else that was special. This location should be comfortable and reflect who you both are as a couple.
Don’t be concerned with technical issues such as lighting. Your photographer will be able to handle that. Make sure locations are close together if you have more than one single location. Be sure to clarify with your photographer how many locations you want to take photographs. The photography session will typically last longer than an hour if there are more than two locations.
What should you wear in your engagement photos?
You should wear something that makes you feel comfortable. You may need to be able to jump, run, and move around. You may also be tempted to go out and buy a new outfit, however; you don’t know how you will look in it and you may not be comfortable in something new. You know your wardrobe already so you may have something in mind that looks good and is comfortable.
If you do purchase a new outfit, you should wear it around the house or wear it out first. This will allow you to get acclimated with the new outfit. Pay attention to anything that is annoying like a strap that you keep fidgeting with or a spot that itches. Look at yourself from all angles to make sure you like the way you look and get a second opinion.
You will also want to wear something that is timeless. Don’t wear something that is trendy today and will be outdated in a few months. Make sure what you are wearing reflects your personality. Don’t try to wear something you do not normally wear in your engagement photos.
Coordinate your outfits so they complement each other. Wear outfits that match the level of the occasion such as casual with casual, semi-formal with semi-formal, etc. Match the season as well. Fall colors should be worn outside during the Fall. Avoid clothing with busy or distracting patterns.
Wardrobe changes require time. The number of wardrobe changes you can make depends on how much time you have reserved with your photographer. You may have one or possibly two wardrobe changes with most sessions.
Steam or iron your clothes before the shoot. You want to avoid wrinkles in your photos. Clean your tungsten wedding bands and any other jewelry. Getting your makeup and hair done professionally will make you feel more confident and the camera will pick this up. All of these little things will make a difference in how well the pictures turn out.
What should you bring to your engagement photo session?
Here are a few items you can bring to the photo session.
- Bottle of water.
- Snacks, avoid foods that stain.
- A small mirror, lipstick, and makeup kit.
- Brush, hairspray, gel, hair ties, and bobby pins.
- Breath mints.
- Change of clothes including comfortable shoes.
- A small towel for sweat.
- Optional – anything that is meaningful to both of you.
What should you be doing in your engagement photos?
Engagement photos are a representation of you, your partner, and who you are as a couple. It’s important for you both to be yourselves. The trick is to always keep moving and showing affection towards each other. Feel free to smile, hold hands, walk, talk, and laugh. The images appear less posed the more you interact with each other naturally.
How much do engagement photos cost?
Prices fluctuate due to inflation and seasonality. As opposed to giving you exact numbers, try contacting three photographers and ask them how much an engagement photoshoot costs. You should be able to get a general idea from there. It never hurts to ask for lower pricing if there is a specific photographer you like and want to take your pictures.
Some wedding packages include engagement photo shoots as well. Be sure to inquire if engagement photoshoots are included in a wedding package you are considering.
How to share your engagement photos
Display your engagement photos after the shoot is done. There are several ways to share them.
- Frame and display around your home – Putting your engagement photos into a frame and placing them in various places around your home is a lovely way to display your story to visitors.
- Save them in a photo album – Choose your favorite images and put them all into a photo album.
- Save-the-Date – Your friends and family will love to see the latest images of the both of you.
- Wedding website, blog, or social media – Sharing online is another great way to show off your engagement photos. You can make a gallery or carousel for guests to browse and comment.
FAQs
What if I am not photogenic?
Most people believe they are not photogenic, however; they most likely have not had a professional photoshoot taken. Professional photographers have worked with all different types of couples and know how to take images of couples at the right moment. Most couples are also usually surprised by how comfortable and how much fun they had at engagement photoshoots.
What should I expect in an engagement photo shoot?
Engagement photoshoots should be similar to having a date with your partner. You should be comfortable and be having fun celebrating your engagement. The photographer will ask you questions to get to know you a little better and make recommendations to get a better shot.
Can I bring my pet to an engagement photoshoot?
Many couples want to bring their pets along. You should ask your photographer if it’s ok to bring them. It may depend on where your photoshoot will take place and the activity you will be doing. There may be places where your pet cannot go because of the terrain or venue.
How long does an engagement photo shoot last?
Photoshoots can vary from 30 minutes to several hours. It depends on the photographer, locations, wardrobe changes, etc. Provide ample time to these photo sessions because they are important.
Do people still take engagement photos?
Yes, taking engagement photos are an important part of the wedding. It serves as a trial run for couples to feel more comfortable in front of the camera before the wedding and provides photos for their save-the-dates, wedding websites, home decor, imagery for framed gifts to family members, and more.
How many engagement photos should I get?
It depends on the photographer, however; most couples will typically get 50 – 100 high-resolution photos.
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