Here are some of my top engagement photo tips. When you book your photo shoot with your professional photographer, consider these tips to help it go as smoothly as possible. These engagement photo tips can apply to a photo shoot in a professional studio or a shoot on location.
Be on time for your photo shoot
The very first of my top engagement photo tips is time. When you book a professional photo shoot, often the photographer schedules a block of time. It can vary by photographer but can be anywhere from one hour to 3 hours or more. Please understand that some photographers may book more than one photo shoot in a day.
When you book a time and are late, it may shorten the time you have with your photographer, and you may be rushed during your shoot. A good idea is to get a google map pin of the location you’re shooting at and the average travel time. Once you get the travel time, plan on an additional 15-20 minutes for traffic and detours. It’s better to be early than to be late and early gives you extra shooting time!
Be excited about the shoot
This is YOUR photoshoot! You’re paying good money for these memories. I know you’re thinking, “but I am excited”. By excited, I mean your poses and body language show your excitement. Practice your poses at home in a full-length mirror (or your bathroom mirror). Think about your facial expressions when you take selfies, for example.
What are good poses for my engagement photoshoot?
The photo shoot must reflect your personality. Are you an introvert? More quiet and reserved? Don’t try to do too much that you might be uncomfortable with. Introverts can have nice poses and a great shoot. Maybe you’re an extrovert or somewhere in between (ambivert). Most times posing for you is a breeze but sometimes it helps to be a little low key for balance. Try doing a Google search or check out Pinterest for pose ideas. No matter your personality type, your photographer can make suggestions with pose ideas also.
Pinterest photo idea tips
Speaking of Pinterest. While you can get great engagement photo tips from Pinterest (I have several boards there myself with ideas), remember that they are just ideas. It is a place to get you started. As photographers, we often try to duplicate the pins you share with us, but each photographer is different. Since we are different, what you see on Pinterest may not be EXACTLY what we are able to do at your shoot. Was the pin you saw taken inside or outside? What time of day was the photo taken? I actually encourage clients to get engagement photo tips from Pinterest, but again, remember we can come close, but not always get exactly what you see.
Hair and makeup tips for photos (hair spray and brush, touch ups for makeup and sweat)
Most often, clients get their hair done, the day before, and some even the day of the shoot. This is good as it helps you look your best. With that in mind, sometimes, it helps to bring a comb, brush and maybe even hairspray to help keep things together. Depending on what season of the year you shoot, consider things like humidity and wind and what it can do to your hair and come prepared. Photo shoots in Summer in Houston for example, can bring a lot of humidity.
While we are talking about weather, be mindful of pop-up rain showers so allow for some flexibility in your shoot time and if you can’t wait for the rain to pass, it might be best to reschedule. You won’t be charged a fee for weather related issues out of your control.
Can I bring my pets to my photo shoot?
One of my favorite engagement photo tips is about pets. Yes! Bring your pets to the photo shoot. The family pet can be a great additional and makes for amazing candid photos. If you decide to bring your pet (or pets), have someone else come along to help hold them for the shots that you choose not to have them in. Bring some of their treats to encourage them to cooperate in the poses you want them in. Your helper can also stand near or behind the photographer and get the pets’ attention and get them to look toward the camera so someone who is familiar with your pets helps.
I hope my top engagement photo tips were helpful to you. If you would like to see more of my work, please check my gallery. When you are ready to book a photographer for your engagement photos, you can contact me or just send me an email and allow me the opportunity to serve you.