Congratulation on the engagement! We are here to help guide you through planning the perfect engagement photo session in 6 steps! Engagement photos should be treasured as much as wedding photos- they are also an opportunity to get to know your photographer (who could become your potential wedding photographer). We want you to be comfortable in front of the lens. Here are some tips on preparing for your session; from what to wear, to where to go. Keep these six things in mind before your upcoming photoshoot!
Choosing the Right Location
You do not get to choose where you fall in love. However, you and your partner both have a say in where you would like to do the photoshoot. Consider the aesthetics of the spot you’re thinking on. Debating skyscrapers versus mountains in the backdrop is a good place to start. Follow a theme with the location. The engagement photos can be the perfect preview for your big day- they can really tie the whole experience together! Add some personality; bring props that are sentimental to the relationship. Choose somewhere significant. Like if you met at the University of Colorado, it would be meaningful to have your session there!
What to Wear
Choosing something to wear from your closet or going shopping to get new outfits can be daunting. Worry not, we are here to help. You want to choose something that is comfortable. If you feel great in a certain pair of jeans or like a million bucks in that one dress, then those are great options! If you wear something uncomfortable, it will show in the photos. Wear something that compliments each other. In other words, sweatpants and a ballgown might be a hard sell! This can be done simply by wearing similar colors or the jerseys of your favorite sports team! Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors and patterns! Play around with solids and patterns in lots of different shades to find what works best for you two! Lastly, in what to wear, work with the location. Meaning a green dress might get lost in a grassy field, while white might wash you out in front of a snowy park.
Indoors vs Outdoors vs At Home
Location is everything, so before heading to your neighborhood park for engagement photos, think about what you really love as a couple and what places reflect that. If you relish making coffee together and snuggling on the couch with some good ol’ Netflix, maybe an at-home session is right for you. Are you an adventurous couple who spends your weekends hiking? Take your photos in the forest or mountains, hiking gear in tow. Junebug Weddings says to not be afraid to incorporate your favorite activities like riding bikes or taking a canoe down to the lake.
Bringing Pets
Sixty-seven percent of U.S households own a pet. Get all paws on board to celebrate life’s special moments! Make your session more exceptional and unforgettable by including your beloved pet in the photos. Although your fur family may not be in every photo, the day will feel special knowing that they were included! Check out this fur-tastic engagement session we’ve done here!
Winter (Or Other Seasonal) Session Tips
When it comes to a seasonal engagement shoot, make sure you and your loved one both feel comfortable in that environment. You might choose a location that highlights the best parts of winter. The dazzling holiday lights in Downtown Denver or the frosted pines trees of Sapphire Point make great starting points! If you are still struggling to decide, your photographer may be able to help with location scouting. See tips on preparing for a winter engagement session here. Of course, if you choose to have your photo session in another season like summer, still try to pick the right location that will highlight the warmer months.
Save the Dates
The best part about Save the Dates is that they are not wedding invitations. Show off your personality and unleash your creative side! In other words: you’re free to take a design risk; use a little humor, or try an out-of-the-box photo. Being creative with your engagement photo save the dates’ can include your pets, playing Scrabble (spelling it out), or even just acting goofy. Also, did you know that we can do the Save the Dates for you? One less step for the both of you to worry about!
Now you’re all ready to get your perfect engagement photo, which leads of course to the wedding! We love getting involved with our clients no matter the occasion and we would love nothing more than to be a part of your wedding day! Just remember, when in doubt, kiss it out!
