Engagement photos are a fantastic way to capture a time in your life that will be cherished for generations, but too often, it’s easy to stress about preparing for the session. Our best advice is not to overthink it, but rather, relax and have some fun with it. Here’s our three biggest tips to keep from fretting about your upcoming engagement photos.
What to wear
Choosing outfits is probably the biggest source of stress when it comes to any photo shoot. Here are a few tips for deciding what to wear.
Wear complementary colors, but don’t match exactly. If one of you wears a pattern (ie. plaid), the other could wear one of the pattern colors as a solid or layer shades of that color to add depth. Try avoiding lots of neon colors and extremely busy patterns as they may draw more attention than desired. The focus should be on you, not your clothes.
Choose timeless over trendy. These photos will be loved for generations, so clothing styles that have lasted through generations is a great idea. Things such as button-up shirts, classic sweaters or scarves, and A-line dresses look great and are always in style.
Choose an outfit that is somewhat fitted. Showing curves is great, showing every bump – not so much. Keep in mind, billowing shirts with a tendency to blow around or hang very fluffy and boxy, will add pounds in photos that aren’t really there.
Choose clothing that is weather and season appropriate. If it’s winter, a fashionable coat and/or scarf is not only wise, it will create a more natural look in photos. It’s tough to look comfortable, relaxed, or natural when you’re freezing without sleeves in the snow. Same goes for the heat. Opt for something other than your favorite cozy sweater on a hot summer day.
Wear something you’re comfortable with. Engagement shoots are not the time to create a “new look.” It’s hard to relax and enjoy the experience if you’re feeling awkward or self-consciousness in an outfit that just isn’t “you.” Engagement photos are all about celebrating the two of you as a couple, so wear what makes you feel like you when you’re at your best. Confidence and comfort look great in photos!
Location
Choosing a location for your engagement photos can be lots of fun! Of course, if you’re comfortable with your photographer and know you love his or her work, you can feel confident accepting his or her recommendations. But, if you have a certain location or activity that is meaningful to both of you, don’t hesitate to bring it up! Places that are sentimental to you or reflect who you are make great backdrops for photos and can create images even more meaningful to you and your loved ones. Here are some great location ideas that may spark a few ideas of your own.
- favorite hang-out (coffee shop, theater, cafe or fast-food, etc.)
- sports venue
- school campus
- botanical gardens
- a view you love (rooftop, mountaintop, overlook, etc.)
- hobbies/interests (airport, car show, farm, workshop, etc.)
- work place
- local landscape or iconic landmark
- your home
- where you met, where he proposed, other sentimental location
Relax and have fun
Although it’s natural to be a bit nervous about being photographed, engagement photos should actually be fun! This is a great time to celebrate the two of you together and the more you can focus on and enjoy each other the more natural and confident you will be. Both those traits photograph really well. Our biggest tip for getting great engagement photos is to relax, trust your photographer, and enjoy this time shared with the one you love. Your feelings for each other will shine for generations!
Best wishes,
Chris and Jeannette
