Here are some of my favorite ideas for engagement photos. Somewhere in your planning, you will hopefully meet with a professional photographer and start planning your wedding photos or engagement photo shoots. I say photo shoots because in addition to the engagement pictures, you may also want bridal pictures or even a day after session for even more memories. The engagement photo shoot is usually the first photo session that is done because most couples use the images from the session for the Save the Date card or some other engagement announcement, so here are some great ideas for engagement photos to help you in your planning
The engagement photo shoot provides a great opportunity to get to know your photographer. You also become comfortable with their style of shooting. It can also be used as a “personality test” so you can see how the wedding photographer will interact with you as a couple to make sure your day is captured the way you want. With that in mind, here are a few engagement photography ideas:
Make it personal
I know, you’re thinking, “it’s my session so it is personal”. Well, by personal, I mean make sure your personality reflects in the photo session. Often, brides go to Pinterest to get ideas and while that is OK, it sometimes can backfire. It’s OK to look through Pinterest, wedding magazines and photo galleries and get posing ideas. But, you don’t want your photo session to be “cookie cutter” and look like everyone else’s.
Whether the photo is being used for Save the Date cards or to be placed at the entrance of the reception venue, you want to make sure that when people see the image, your personality is reflected and not someone else’s. For example, if you don’t dress up often, then don’t make the guy wear a shirt and tie to the session.
You also don’t have to “dress alike” (unless that is what you always do). Jeans and a nice shirt are always a good choice, but depending on the length of the session, you may want to bring a change of clothes for a different look. Comfortable shoes or good walking shoes that you can change into are good as well.
Pick a spot
When you choose a location, make sure that it is a spot that you like. Your favorite park, the place he proposed, your old college campus, the place you first met, these are all good starting points for a good photo session. Your wedding photographer can recommend some good places based on their experience, but your choices always work best.
Make it a date
The best photos are the ones that are not posed but rather show the natural personalities of the couple. As it was stated before, look at the photo session as a “date”. Talk to each other, tell jokes, share, have fun doing something you enjoy. Let the photographer capture those intimate moments. Of course, we will do some posed shots and suggest poses if you don’t have any in mind already.
Keep this in mind also. Sometimes, your wedding planner may have suggestions on poses, but make sure they match your personality and your vision. There are times when wedding planners want to use your session as a feature in a magazine. While that is fine, you end up doing their vision and not your own.
Take the engagement session as a time to “interview” the photographer. See if your personalities work well together. In most cases, the person that is also capturing one of the most important days in your life. So you want to make sure you work well together. Above all, have fun! I hope you were helped by these engagement photography ideas. Please feel free to contact my office if you need further assistance to make your day great! If you want more ideas for engagement photos, please check out my gallery – Nathan Hamilton Photography
I would love to know what you think, so leave a comment and share your thoughts. You can click the Contact link above (or here) to send me a message or inquire about available rates and dates. I’d love to hear from you!!