If you are trying to figure out how to prepare for engagement photos, then congratulations—you’re engaged! Being engaged is such an exciting season of life. Hopefully, it is filled with celebrations surrounded by friends and family and moments to commemorate this special time in your life. Engagement photos are the perfect way to capture your love story in this sweet moment in time!
As a wedding photographer, I’ve photographed countless engagement sessions for engaged couples. I’ve learned what works (and what doesn’t!), tips every couple should consider, and, of course, how you should prepare for your session! In this blog, I’ll cover all you need to know to help you prepare for your engagement photos. Keep reading for all the details!
7 Tips for How to Prepare for Your Engagement Photos
#1. Choose the right location for YOU
Location is the most important decision for your engagement photos (other than maybe your photographer!). To make your photos unique to you and your partner, it’s important to choose a location that feels special to you and your partner. Whether that’s your favorite sunset spot on the beach, scenic overlook in the mountains, the porch swing at your grandparents’ house, or even your wedding venue. If you hire me as your photographer, not only will I travel wherever you want to go, but I’ll also provide specialized assistance in finding a location that’s right for you! Since mountain locations are my speciality, I have a great list of 10+ mountain locations that’s perfect for couples looking to have more of an adventure engagement session.
Things to consider when picking an adventurous location:
- Wear comfortable shoes. It can be rocky and sometimes muddy!
- Consider changing at the top of the hike. I have a pop up changing tent we can use! (Unless it’s super windy)
- The weather in the mountains can change quickly. Although I will do the best to make your epic photo dreams come true, there is a risk of it being extremely windy, temperatures can drop suddenly and it’s possible for it to be foggy.
#2. Plan Your Outfits in Advance
Choosing the perfect outfit for your engagement photos is important, but don’t let this stress you out! Since you have a few factors to consider when picking out your outfit, it’s always best to plan your outfits at least the day before your session.
When it comes to actually choosing your outfits, choose something that makes you feel your best. Have fun with it! I always recommend neutral colors. Avoid bright colors/neon colors as they reflect onto your skin and don’t always photograph well. If one of your outfits has a pattern, the other person should be in solid colors. That way, you balance each other out, and it’s not too busy. The goal is to have your outfits mesh well together and look natural against the backdrop so YOU and your partner are the main focus!
Regardless, I always recommend wearing two outfits during your session. One that is more casual and the other more dressy, giving you two different looks for your engagement photos! If you choose to wear a casual outfit, we always start off with that. Then you’ll change into your more dressy outfit closer to sunset. (Unless we’re shooting at sunrise, then you would wear your more dressy outfit first.)
Still need help choosing the right outfit? Check out my Pinterest board here for more inspiration! If you book your engagement session with me, I’m more than happy to help you decide on your outfits too!
#3. Pick the Best Time of Day for your Photos
If you don’t know already, there’s specific times of day that are best for photos! Not all lighting was created equal haha. Your session should always be scheduled to catch the best possible light on the day of your session (usually around sunrise or sunset). I always recommend arriving 10 to 15 minutes early for your engagement photos so that we have plenty of time. If you’re even a little bit late, we might lose the chance to get the most out of our session! Unfortunately, I cannot control the sun and that *perfect light* only lasts for a short time each day.
If you hire me to capture your engagement photos, I always make sure to factor in the right amount of time and ideal timing for your session. Inquire with me here!
#4. Make it all about You & Your Partner
As I said earlier, engagement photos are about capturing this special moment in time. So make sure the photos are a reflection of who you are as a couple, make it all about what you guys love!
Want to do something fun, or showcase something that’s special to you and your partner? Order your favorite pizza and watch the sunset on the beach? Hike to your favorite mountain overlook? Or maybe fun sunglasses, matching band t-shirts’s or something that’s sentimental to your relationship? Bring it along so we can incorporate it into your session!
#5. Clean your Engagement Ring
Is your ring ready for it’s closeup? Cleaning your engagement ring prior to your session will bring out the shine! It only takes a few seconds and will be so worth the extra step to prepare for your engagement session. And if you’re following me on Instagram, you already know I love some ring details shots!
#6. Get a little *extra* Glammed Up
Your engagement photos are the perfect excuse to have a day of getting glammed up! Some of my clients even schedule their hair and makeup trial on the day of their session. That way you can not only test out one of your wedding vendors, but you get use out of your glam look! Sometimes a beauty artist will alter it slightly after you see the final look (planned for your wedding day) so it’s a little different for your engagement photos.
If you prefer doing your own hair and makeup, I always recommend going one step bolder than your normal look, it photographs better on camera!
#7. Take a deep breath, relax, & ENJOY!
Don’t feel like you have to be a pro model. Most photographers will tell you what to do and how to pose for your photos! The engagement season is fun, exciting, and filled with love – let all those emotions show on camera!
If you hire me to capture your engagement session, I’m going to help direct and lead you through your session. It’s going to be fun, pinky promise!
Hey, y’all. I’m Heidi!
I am an Asheville-based elopement + wedding photographer who is inclusive and ready to celebrate this adventure with you and your partner. My approach is not to “pose” my couples but rather create a setting using prompts to showcase the true connection and emotions (And your awkward quirks, too!) unique to every client. I will help guide you through your session and capture those epic and heartfelt photos you’ve dreamed of. Even though your wedding day may pass by in a blur, I want you to be able to look back at your gallery and relive the day as it unfolded, as beautiful as it was.
If you relate to any of this, then I would LOVE to work with you. Reach out to me here!
