How to Prepare for Your Engagement Photoshoot
You will want to have this special time of your life together documented and remembered well, as it all flies by so quickly. If you have set up an engagement photoshoot before your wedding with your wedding photographer, I want to affirm you how this decision will benefit you and your partner greatly! It’s always a good opportunity to get familiar with your wedding photographer and comfortable in front of the camera. Go you!
Chances are you and your fiancé have never had your photos professionally done together. Try not to worry about this, as I’m hands on with guiding you the entire session. My goal is to make the mood lighthearted and fun while allowing space for you to be yourselves together. You can expect lots of cuddling, and I promise after the first initial few minutes in front of the camera, you will feel relaxed with your parnter.
Think of your photoshoot as a fun date out together. I love to encourage using your engagement photoshoot as an excuse to keep the vibes high afterwards! Make a dinner reservation or grab cocktails after :)
Prompts will help guide you. I do a lot of directing at photoshoots to make for an easier experience. When I give you a prompt, I always like to encourage any kind of movement. This is how we get those candid, natural photos in your gallery. It sounds funny, but any kind of movement, including swaying with each other, will show up beautifully on camera. This helps keeps images from looking too stiff or unnatural. Finally, I ask you trust the process. I’m ready for any kind of laughter or reaction that reflects your real emotion. My goal is to make you feel comfortable and have fun which is why I always come prepared with guidance for ya’ll. With this, if I don’t say something for a moment during shooting, this means I love what you’re doing and am trying to compose it in the frame.
Getting Ready for Your Photoshoot
What you wear to your engagement shoot is an important topic which has a major impact on the final turnout of your photos. I’ve put together a whole guide for what to wear to set you up for success. I want you to have the best tips for this particular topic. The guide goes in depth about colors, movement, comfortability, and pairing with your partner. In a nutshell, neutrals or muted earthy colors are your best friend. Clothing you can easily move and walk in is key. Choose your outfit and get dressed in the mirror together to make sure you love what you’re in! Try to do this days in advance before the day of your photoshoot. This will make for a seamless getting ready the day of! Wearing a makeup look you feel best in is also key. Natural looking makeup could be the best route here so you feel most like yourself.
Sunset or sunrise is the optimal time for photos. Plan on scheduling your photo one hour before golden hour so we get the best light. If we’re having an overcast or foggy day, we will usually plan to start 30 minutes or so before the planned sunset time, since the lighting is even and extremely flattering for photos with clouds or fog.
Bring your favorite accessories and comfortable shoes. Adorning yourself with dainty or statement jewelry and/or accessories like hats can make for some really great photos, so I would encourage to bring them along! I will always recommend shoes made for walking because many engagement photoshoot locations are along dirt or gravel trails to get to scenic spots. You will have a much easier experience to get to and from the locations. If we are in the mountains, mentally prepare high wind is a possibility.
On the day of getting ready, make sure you both have a full belly! You will need the energy for walking, and if you’re anything like me, you want to avoid the hangry jitters. If we are shooting during a cold season, grabbing a hot tea or hot coffee before your session is always a good idea. I usually provide you with hand warmers for inside your coat/ jacket as well.
Put on some feel good music and set the mood on the drive. Get the date vibes goin. You’re getting married soon and documenting these memories together is so so special. You are more than welcome to bring champagne to your engagement shoot.
Know it’s totally okay to be nervous, most every couple mentions this part . If you have something you’re concerned about, ‘This is my good side’ for example, definitely let me know. I can pose you with this in mind because I want you to love your photos. Trust it will turn out to be a piece of cake!
Bring a backpack. I would include a water bottle if we are hiking more than 20 minutes to our location or if we are elevated in the mountains. A backpack is also useful for bringing a picnic blanket (if you want one for sitting photos), and an outfit change if you want to bring one along. You are more than welcome to have an outfit change during your session.
