So, I hear you’ve committed to spending the rest of your life with your best friend… Congratulations! The engagement phase is super exciting. What better way to remember this time than to capture you and your partner on an epic engagement shoot.
To get the most out of your engagement session, and create images you’ll want to keep on your wall forever, I’ve put together some important tips that will help you rock your engagement photos and have a blast while doing it!
What exactly is an Engagement Session?
Firstly, it’s important to remember the purpose behind the shoot. Think of it like an ultimate date, with a third wheeler (that’s me!) holding a camera. Get lost in each-other. Enjoy each other’s company. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been engaged for 10 years or 10 days, use this time as an excuse to date each other and be in your loved ones company.
Make a day of it! There’s no point capturing pictures of your tired faces at the end of a long working day: go out for brunch, set off on a hike, make breakfast together, play guitar on the lawn, drink cocktails at your favourite bar, read books in front of the fireplace, walk along the beach at sunset, and simply invite me along for a section of your date day. Keeping a whole day blocked out will mean you’re refreshed, alive, and happy; the best state to capture on camera!
An engagement shoot is also the perfect chance to practice feeling comfortable in front of a camera before your big day. Your wedding day can be overwhelming, and it’s even more stressful when there’s a camera pointed at your face and you don’t know what to do. An engagement session will help you relax, understand the camera won’t bite, and we’ll get to know each other too.
Where is best to take the photos?
Location, location, location. This is CRUCIAL to planning your engagement session. It ultimately dictates the main vibe of your photos. First things first, throw away all your Pinterest perfect ideas, and set your mind on a location that is special to you and your partner. Is it at home in the lounge, doing a sport you love, sharing a coffee together at your favourite cafe, or adventuring outdoors to a new spot you’ve always wanted to roam? The location will make or break your photoshoot, and this is your chance to get creative. I’m up for anything! Don’t be shy to let me know where best suits you.
I’m really awkward and I don’t know how to pose…
Like I said earlier, consider this a date day, with a tag along carrying a camera. All I ask you to do is relax and have fun, the rest you can leave up to me. I will encourage you to interact with each other, give you on the spot tips, jokes, instructions, and guidance. Don’t fret! Be yourself, don’t feel you have to keep looking into the camera, and if the nerves are too much… kiss! That’s a brilliant icebreaker.
What should I bring?
It’s best to think minimally. I will be capturing all those times when you feel the camera isn’t on you, and if you’re lugging around a huge bag, those spontaneous shots won’t be as romantic. With that in mind, it can be fun to bring along props that reflect you and the location. It may be a picnic rug and snacks to nibble on at the park, your tennis rackets if the court is where we’re heading, or even your dogs if they are part of your family too! Whatever best reflects who YOU are as a couple, bring it.
What do I wear?
Just like breaking in running shoes before a marathon, wear something that makes you feel comfortable. Choose an item that screams YOU and that you’ve worn before, even just for a test run.
It’s a great idea to avoid super bright fluoro colours, intense patterns (stripes and checkers), and large logos. Consider how your outfits work alongside each other, and if in doubt, opt for solid neutral tones. Is your location the beach? Don’t worry about shoes if that’s not your usual footwear, and make sure your clothes are ironed if they require it (shirt wrinkles are harder to remove on photoshop than you’d think). Pick clothes that suit your chosen activity and location, and don’t be afraid to wear your most worn out t-shirt simply because it’s your favourite.
Should I get my hair and makeup done professionally?
Here’s an idea that will save you money and time: have your wedding hair and makeup trial on the same day. If timing suits, this can be the perfect way to kill two birds with one stone. Don’t worry, your beautician can take your actual hair out before the shoot so it’s still a surprise for your partner. Alternatively, if you don’t usually wear makeup, don’t feel pressured into having a full face caked on. I’ve said it a million times, and I’ll say it again: be yourself.
Please be on time!
To finish, I want to express the importance of being on time. We settled on a specific time because of where the sun is sitting, and even though I would wait, the sun won’t wait for anyone. Capturing the natural light is what I do best, and it makes for the most beautiful images. Please consider leaving time for any unexpected traffic.
Use this as your checklist:
– Location
– Outfits
– Hair & Makeup
– Props
– Timeline planned (arrive ON TIME)
– Get ready for an awesome session!
