5 Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Engagement Session
Congratulations on your engagement!! Let the fun begin.
Are you wondering about how to take your upcoming engagement photo shoot up to the next level? Well, look no further! You have come to the right place. Here are 5 tips and tricks to ensure that you have the most gorgeous and memorable session to celebrate your engagement.
Beautiful light…
One way to ensure beautiful outdoor engagement pictures is to choose a good weather day for it with the most flattering light. Any time of day or year, there is beautiful light, some days more than others. It’s a matter of finding it. For natural light outdoor photos, open shade during the time when the sun is harsh and very bright is always best; however, taking photos at sunset “magic hour”, or sunrise for early risers, is more preferable. The sunset/sunrise golden glow allows for beautiful soft highlights and creates long shadows that compliment the photos and the people in them nicely. This time of day takes place either one or two hours before sunset or one or two hours after sunrise.
Bring fun props…
If you are going to bring props into your engagement photos, make sure that they are fun and/or meaning props. Props can take the occasion up a notch, from a plain picture to a fun and meaningful photo. Every couple usually has a set of props they choose from that speak to their personality, love story, favorite activities together, hobbies, and more. Some of my favorite props include flowers, an engagement banner, confetti, sparklers, balloons, musical instruments, food and drinks, cotton candy, ice cream, and that gorgeous ring on your finger of course.
Don’t be afraid to bring along the bubbly and a couple of glasses to enjoy while taking photos. The act of popping open the champagne and drinking from the glasses not only makes for great photos. but also allows a little liquid courage to loosen you up for the most comfortable and candid shots.
Flowers can be both special and unique to the individual relationship but add an amazing touch of color and pop your photos. Having any kind of “flower” in your engagement session always leads to some romantic photo ops! Have fun with the different kind of props to make for unique and unforgettable pictures.
Dress for the occasion…
One of the best ways couple to add personality to their engagement session is by expressing their personal style through their outfit choices. Both casual and formal outfits are acceptable, depending on what suits your couple best. Only one thing to keep in mind here is to wear something that you are comfortable in to make sure that you are not focused on how you look but, instead, on your partner. If you are wearing uncomfortable shoes or an outfit too formal for your personality, the distraction can show up in your photos. So pick an outfit that looks and feels like you!
Also do not forget to hit up the salon before your engagement shoot. If you feel confident in your hair and makeup skills, then you can skip on down to the next tip. However, if you aren’t sure what to do with your hair, you should consider scheduling a consultation with a hair dresser the morning before your session. Photos require slightly more saturated makeup than your everyday look so you don’t become washed out.
Location…
Choosing a location that speaks to who you are a couple is crucial. A place that not only provide a magnificent backdrop, but also allows you two to come alive and enjoy the moments as they unfold before the camera.
Some ideas on location include a memorable destination such as a place that’s been a part of your relationship story, where your first date or proposal took place, or in your first home together. It can also somewhere you both love, at home going about your daily life and surrounded by the things you love, on vacation (i.e. luxurious getaway in a nearby city or to the other side of the world, on the beach), or an unusual spot such as a bowling alley, etc
Let your guard down…
Don’t forget to have fun and be yourself. The best photos always happen when you relax and focus on your partner. Come to your engagement photoshoot with an open mind and an open heart to try different things out. Being in front of the camera can make a lot of people uncomfortable, and yes the photographer will help give you directions when you need it, but the best way to end up with pictures you’ll love is to be playful and natural. Don’t be afraid to go rogue, jump in the water, climb a tree, etc. Seconds of spontaneity often spark natural impulses that translate into some of the most candid and memorable photos.