How To Prepare For An Engagement Shoot
Planning a wedding is hard enough, but then there are the announcements
. Invitations are the one thing that everybody sees, whether they come to the wedding or not.
If you or your soon-to-be spouse have never met the others' friends, this is how you will be introduced. That one picture, or seven, if you're one of those people.
So naturally, most people stress out about their engagement outfits, hair, weather, location, etc. If you've hired a professional photographer (highly recommended) then don't worry about the location, they can make anywhere look good.
Just choose something that you are all comfortable with. If you're outdoorsy, do them outside in the woods, fields, beach, etc.
If you're more metropolitan, choose some cool buildings in your city. If you have a spot in mind, somewhere that means a lot to the both of you, mention this please!
Your photographer has ideas for sure, but if you do too, share them. You will be doing everyone a favor, especially if you know you'll regret not sharing.
As far as clothing goes, there are a couple of "guidelines" that will make the whole experience more enjoyable. Here they are:
1. Choose something season appropriate. Don't stand in a blizzard in a strapless dress and don't wear a jacket if you'll be in the hot, summer sun all afternoon. You will be uncomfortable and your pictures will show it!
2. Wear something location appropriate. If you're going for the "grunge" look, with the graffiti wall backdrop, then a flowing gown is not best. If you're on the cascading steps of the Capitol, or a beautiful building downtown, don't wear shorts and a t-shirt.
3. Bring a change of clothes. Most photographers will allow at least an outfit change, if not a location change so this is the easiest way to switch things up a bit. This is also nice if you're having a hard time deciding between outfits: Bring them both!
4. Complimentary outfits are best. Matching can be cliche and childish. It's best to wear outfits that compliment each other and don't distract by being too perfectly planned.
Most colors go together pretty well, depending on the shade. Don't stress about this - just find something you're both comfortable in and that accentuates your favorites parts of you!
If you have striking blue eyes, compliment them! Luscious locks, Let 'em down! Tan legs, Show 'em off!
Now that you are dressed to the nines and ready for your close-ups, it's time to talk about how to get your picture taken. Most people love the idea of getting their pictures taken, but once they're in front of the camera they get awkward and self conscious, especially if they're not used to be publicly affectionate.
Your photographer will have you hugging and kissing tons, so for lots of people this can be very strange. The easiest way to get over the camera "stage fright" is to talk with your photographer.
Tell them you are uncomfortable and this is new. They will understand and take things easy at first.
The longer the shoot progresses, the more time you have to get used to them snapping photos left and right. If you're finding it hard to get a natural smile make yourself laugh!
Or have your fiance make you laugh. That will get both of you involved and make for some fun, natural looking pictures.
For posing, most photographers have some go-to poses that work for couples, but if you guys can mix it up at all it will be that much better. It won't look like the same pose over and over with different backgrounds.
Hold hands and stand close, touch noses, kiss foreheads, wrap arms around each other longingly, stare into each other's eyes, look at the camera, kiss on the cheek, you get the idea! There are a million different things to do, so do them!
And listen to your photographer, because chances are, even if you feel weird and repetitive, they are getting different shots and when they say, "That's great, keep doing "blank" they mean it! You're doing great!
If you're doing multiple locations, the best time to change outfits is between two locations. This will provide for some really interesting, different pictures.
And even if some of them end up being the same pose, it is a whole new picture! Just make sure your locations aren't too far apart, engagement sessions are tiring for everyone involved.
The last thing you want to do is drive an hour between locations. One idea is to do a more formal location with nicer clothing to show off your sophisticated sides, and then do a fun location in some more casual favorites and just have a grand time laughing and playing.
This will provide your photographer will all sorts of different "sides" of you and your personalities to capture, and will be more meaningful for you. This might make choosing just one location a difficult choice, but it's better to have a few that you love than none at all!
Most importantly, just have fun and enjoy! After all, everyone is going to see these pictures.
by: Terry Daniels
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