5 Tips for Nailing Your Engagement Session/ 5 Tips for Preparing for Your Engagement Photos
If you’re reading this post, then you’ve already decided to take engagement photos. (yay you!)
We understand that taking professional photos can be so intimidating. Especially with everything else going on with planning a wedding. Engagement photos can be a practice run before the big day and help with the photo jitters. Time is already so limited on the big day, it’s best if the first half of the couple portrait session isn't spent warning up. This also allows me to get to know you better as a couple, establish your "good side" and get great shots that you can use on save the dates, invitations, wedding websites and other wedding prep.
1. Wear Something You Look Amazing In
This seems like a “well duh” advise but it's really the most important one. If you're clothes are too tight, ill-fitting or just uncomfortable, it will show on your face which will show in the pictures. You'll most likely spend the whole time pulling this and adjusting that and that's no way to spend time during your session.
My advice is to choose an outfit that you love and you feel your best in. When you look at yourself in the mirror you need to feel like you can give Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively a run for their money. If you choose something new, take it for a test drive around the house to make sure it fits the way you like. Also, if you've had it for awhile, be sure to check if it still fits. I can’t be the only one that packed on that quarantine weight! There’s nothing worse than running around the day of looking for a replacement outfit - yikes!
2. Iron The Outfits Ahead Of Time
I know I said it before but this may actually be the most important one, at least for me anyways. Be sure to de-wrinkle and/or steam your clothes before your session. A photographer’s least favorite question is “can you just Photoshop that out later?” Having things like wrinkles retouched in your photos comes at a hefty additional cost per image. Save yourself the stress and get wrinkle-free ahead of time.
3. Consider Professional Hair And Makeup For Your Shoot
If you have clocked in hundreds of Youtube makeup tutorial hours and are confident in your skills then by all means skip right over this one. If not and you are unsure of how to do your makeup, what hairstyle goes with what, etc do yourself a favor and hire a professional.
Professional photos can require a little more pazaz than the everyday look to avoid looking washed out. You can take this time to try out the stylist and makeup artist you've hired for the wedding. You'll be able to see how the makeup photographs and make any changes you want for the big day.
Fellas! This is a good time to test out your wedding hairstyle too. See how long you want it, how high, etc.
4. Location is Everything!
Like the old saying goes, location, location, location! This is not just important in real estate, this is so important to set the scene for your engagement shoot. Choose a location that's beautiful but also tells your love story. Something that speaks to you as a couple. Think about going back to the place where you first met, or where you got engaged.
Not sure of a location, I got you covered! Here are a list of my favorite local locations that I know will be a hit!
5. Coordinate Your Outfits
When choosing an outfits, be sure to coordinate as a couple. While the outfit doesn't need to be matchy-matchy, picking colors that compliment each other is key. If he's wearing a suit, try wearing something as formal to match. Also be sure to coordinate the outfit with the location as well!