5 Tips for How to Kill it at Your Engagement Photo Shoot

close up shot of a black couple kissing in a parking lot

Engagement photo shoots are popular for a lot of reasons. One being that this is the first marker of your wedding planning journey! You also get to practice poses and get to know your flattering angles for your actual wedding photos. On top of that, these photos can be used for all of your content for your wedding website and save the dates! Getting the fresh “just engaged” glow on camera is something you will forever cherish, so don’t overlook taking engagement photos! They may not be essential in any way, but they will help you hold onto the memories of your love before you’re married, which is a beautiful thing.

 

Wear something you’re confident and comfortable in

Engaged coupe walking in joshua tree and laughing with one another
Photo Courtesy of Jana Contreras Photography

This is probably the most important tip we could give you! So, if you take anything away from this post, it better be this! Feeling confident, especially if you aren’t used to being in front of a camera, is key! And what better way to feel confident than wearing your favorite outfit that you know you look bomb in! If you buy a new outfit for your shoot, make sure it isn’t too tight so you aren’t pulling at your clothes the whole shoot. Instead, take your outfit out for a test run! Have a date night with your partner and get a feel for the outfit! Better yet, tell your boo to take some cute pictures of you so you can see how it photographs!

 

steam or iron your outfits ahead of time

gay couple sitting in front of palm spring wind mills
Photo Courtesy of May Iosotaluno

This one might seem obvious, but try to make a note of it so you don’t forget! The last thing you want is wrinkly clothes in your engagement photos. Yes, your photographer can photoshop things out, but save them the extra time of digitally de-wrinkling your clothes and try to get it done before-hand!

 

make it a whole day affair

couple sitting and kissing on the edge of a porch both in robes and towels with mountains behind them
Photo Courtesy of Sarah Falugo

Rushing is not fun. Having an hour or two to get your perfect photos might seem like a long time, but so many couples have said one of the best pieces of advice they can give is making the shoot a whole day event! Having no time limit to warm up to the camera will be great for you and your photographer to really get to know each other! As a bonus, you and your partner will have a chance to really connect. Try starting your day at a local coffee shop or at home and invite your photographer so you can get some cute shots before switching locations.

 

consider getting professional hair and makeup

lesbian couple, one sitting on the hood of a car with the other hugging her.

If you’re lucky, you only get engaged once! Therefore, you’ll never have another chance to have an engagement shoot. Treat yourself and get your hair and makeup done professionally! You want to be looking and feeling your most confident, so splurge and spend that extra $50-150!

 

location is everything

far away shot of a couple on a row boat at golden hour
Photo Courtesy of Diktat Photography

If you can, think of more than one location for your shoot! Pick places that are meaningful to you as a couple. If you’re big TV watchers and love spending your nights off at home on the couch, try doing an at-home shoot for one location! If you’re into adventure and the outdoors, take your photographer to your favorite hiking trail! Think of places that hold the most significance to your relationship; where you had your first date, the place you said “I love you”, or where you were when you got engaged.

 

We hope that you feel a little bit more prepared after reading these tips! Do what makes you feel the most comfortable! Don’t feel like wearing something dressy? Wear that old band tee you love with your favorite doc martens! Don’t want beach photos because of the sand, even though all of your friends are telling you to? Opt for a sunflower field instead! There are no rules that you need to follow when having your engagement photos taken. As long as you and your parter feel comfortable and confident, that is all that matters!

HAPPY WEDDING PLANNING!

XOXO,

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