An engagement session comes standard in most wedding photography packages these days, well with me anyway, and for good reason. It not only gives you chance to get to know your photographer in their professional role, but also offers the opportunity to try out your wedding make up/hair/tan, photography locations (or somewhere entirely different), but most importantly, get comfortable in front of the camera.
An engagement shoot is all about the fun – there is no pressure to get certain shots, be anywhere at a certain time, or trying to round up other people in the family. It is just you, your lover, the photographer and the blissful feeling of love and anticipation for the future. That’s why engagement photos are so natural and joyful.
I’ve put together my top 4 tips for engagement shoots – and I can’t wait to join you for your engagement photos.
1 – Test out your wedding day tan; if you’re the fake tan kinda girl, an eshoot is the best time to test out how it is going to look for the camera. You can’t edit out fake tan! (Well you can but it is going to cost you a tonne) I have a good rant about that here. Having your hair and make up trial on the same day is not only a great test for your photos, but a nice way to spend the day. And while you’re looking so smashing, go out for tea afterwards.
2 – Don’t ‘match’ your outfits, but complement them. If he’s wearing a patterned shirt, pick a colour from it and use that in your accessories. Wear complimenting colours, but don’t think that you both have to wear jeans and white top, and not funk it up with your own style. Your bright pink heels with his pink and blue checked shirt? Adorable.
3 – There are things to avoid though; go for cream over white, avoid big prints in the centre of a t-shirt, also avoid thin stripes, and only wear what you feel comfortable in!
4 – Use your photos as unique save the date cards or even thank you cards for people who have sent you gifts and congratulations on your engagement. I’ve had a lot of fun working with brides for the save the date card designs, using their engagement photos.
When you choose to have an engagement shoot, you really are just celebrating this fantastic time in your lives, and taking the opportunity to capture it in beautiful photographs. You’re making a good choice!
