Let’s face it; we aren’t all supermodels who can move it the right way in front of a camera for that perfect shot. When your wedding day is the only time you are going to get wedding photos taken, you want them perfect first time, every time, the answer, engagement photos!
Feeling the pressure? Don’t. An engagement shoot can be a way to ‘break the ice’ for you and your partner in front of the camera and ensure that the by the time you are set up to smile in your wedding day attire, you’re going to get that perfect shot.
It’s important that you feel comfortable with your wedding photographer, and engagement shoots will give you that time you need to become familiar, as well as give you the opportunity to test out a few wedding photography locations around your wedding destination. You have more time at your engagement shoot to get creative, climb trees, play with light, go on an adventure to a new location – all things that will help you get fantastic photos on your wedding day. Knowing what you want and where to go after your ceremony will ensure that you aren’t rushed or stressed before your reception.
An engagement shoot is also a chance to test our your hairstyle and make up ideas so you are guaranteed to look how you imagined on your big day. A lot of brides have an image in mind of how they want to look but find out too late that their hairstyle made them look like, well – not themselves, or that their make up reflected the camera flash too much and made them look pale and washed out. Ironing out these glitches in a ‘practice shoot’ can save disappointment down the track.
The engagement photos themselves not only look great on display, but can also serve as a ‘save the date’ card, your wedding invite, or just a visual reminder of the love you and your husband/bride-to-be have for each other. So speak to your wedding photographer about an engagement shoot and start putting ideas together for your ideal photographs to ‘practice’ to make sure you can get them right when it matters most.
Now… I bet your thinking, but What to wear.
Male or female, some days we can really struggle with the question ‘what am I going to wear?!’. There is little doubt that there is even more anxiety behind this question when you’re making the decision for your engagement photo shoot. But by asking your photographer for some hot tips, you’re not being shallow or ‘stupid’- instead, you are giving yourself the best opportunity to create a striking set of photos that still reflects you and your partner as the couple you are.
First things first – dress as yourself. To look comfortable in your photos, you have to feel comfortable; so dress in your own style, in clothes you don’t have to constantly fiddle with to sit right, and make sure that when you look back at the pictures, you’re not wondering who the couple is that they photoshopped your faces onto! Feel awesome, and you will look awesome.
To wear colour, or to not wear colour, that is the question! Don’t be afraid of wearing colours if that is who you are. Want to add some colour, but tone it down a bit? Why not wear neutral or soft tones, with a bright tie/bangle/scarf in your favourite colour? A black top, your favourite jeans and your greatest hot pink heels would look just as striking in a photo as your hot pink dress and nude heels – do what works for you.
But (isn’t there always a but?) – avoid big prints. Wearing big prints and logos can make your photo seem busy and take the viewers focus to the wrong place or simply blend you in with the background. Also avoid stripes, and bright white shirts – neither of these photograph very well – if you want to wear white, aim for an ivory or cream style as it photographs much better.
Speaking of colours, remember there is no law saying you and your partner must ‘couple dress’. How often do you leave the house in the exact same colour jeans, and the exact same colour and style of top? Never? Then why do it for your e-shoot? Don’t aim to match, instead aim to coordinate. Remember that bright coloured tie and bangle earlier? They are a great example of coordinating but not matching. Both want to wear jeans – great! That’s coordinating, and you can freely express yourself in your choice of clothing for your top half (or non-clothing, whatever floats your boat).
To make your photo truly reflective of who you are, bring a prop. If your husband-to-be can’t go a morning without surfing – bring the surfboard. If the bride finds it hard to decide who she loves more, her horse or her potential husband, you know Mr Ed needs to be part of the shoot – just coordinate that one with your photographer first!
Ideally, bring 2 outfits – one neat casual and another a little more formal. Think about how you might want to use your photos – photos being used for ‘save the date’ cards could include a hint of colour that reflects your wedding day colour themes. If you want a photo to hang in your earthy toned lounge room, wear clothing or accessories that will tie into that décor.
Too much to think about? Just stop thinking; stand in front of your wardrobe, pick out your favourite outfit and remember to accessorise, be comfortable and feel awesome to ensure your engagement photos are a true reflection of you.
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