subject: Ten Preparation Tips For Your Engagement Photo Session [print this page] Lately I have been posed a great deal of questions on the subject of engagement photo sessions, so I thought I would take a second to go over them, the reason why they're important, and just how you should best plan for one.
Engagement photography sessions are very important for lots of reasons. They allow you to get to know your wedding photographer, and vice versa, but they also allow you and your fiance' a chance to get used to the camera.
Think of your engagement photo session like a rehearsal for your wedding ceremony! Furthermore, this photo session commemorates an important time in your lives. There is a good chance this could be the one time (besides your wedding day) that you and your sweetheart have professional photographs taken (at least for a long time), therefore try to make it the very best session you can!
There are lots of interesting products which can result from your engagement session. Besides getting classic prints to share together with friends or family, and digital pictures (think Facebook, etc.), you can also buy coffee table books, signature mattes, along with signature guest albums... a terrific way to present your images as well as saving the loving messages from all of your wedding attendees. A lot of couples decide to include their engagement photographs into save-the-date cards, and still others decide to display the images in the form of a slide show at their bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and/or wedding reception.
And so, without further ado, here are some tips on how you can take full advantage of your session.
How to Rock Your Engagement Photo Session:
1.Location. Decide on a session location which is important to you and your fiance'. Do you enjoy backpacking and hiking? Think about a park or nature area. More of a city person? Metropolitan sessions are a fantastic way to incorporate your personalities. Maybe the seashore your preferred hangout? Sunset beach portraits are always wonderful. Did you go to university together? Perhaps you should hold the session at your alma mater. Think about what is important to you as a couple; integrate that into your photo session.
2. Proper grooming - You may be photographed from top to bottom during this session, and so overlook nothing! Take special care to do any primping which makes you really feel great about yourself. Plan haircuts, coloration retouches, any waxing (brows, or anything else.), and also manicures / pedicures in advance, so you aren't worrying at the very last minute. Or, think about getting your hair and makeup carried out by a professional... you are going to really feel more confident and attractive, which will show in the photos.
3. Attire - Just be yourself! If you happen to think of yourself a casual couple, choose clothes which demonstrate that. If you happen to dress up frequently, integrate elegant outfits into the session. Ideally you should be the best attired YOU during your session. In selecting your clothing, your outfits need not match the other person. Instead, regard your clothing as just one big ensemble... the tones and also level of dress should certainly go with each other. Its also very important to make sure your clothes is clean and wrinkle-free. One small wrinkle may well wreck an otherwise fabulous photograph.
4. Undergarments - Yes, this topic gets its own mention Its vital that you wear the correct underwear for your outfits. You don't want to discover afterwards that it's possible to see your bra (or whatever!) in every single picture. Try the actual undergarments on with your ensemble before you start to guarantee that the colors don't show through, absolutely no shoulder straps or lines are showing, and so on.
5. Variety - Bring a variety of garments with you. A few wardrobe changes will allow for variety in the images, and a completely different wardrobe may give a photo an entirely distinctive "feel".
6. Try to make it a date! Think of your engagement photo session like a date. It is a entertaining, really romantic point in time for you and your fiance'. Organize an excellent dinner afterwards in order to have a little something special to look forward to. And never bring friends... it will make it harder for you both to be relaxed and intimate in front of the camera if your friends or family are focusing on you.
7. Leave behind your cellphones, purses, outdoor jackets, etc. in the vehicle. You'll most likely be strolling all round a number of different settings, and stopping a lot on the way. You don't want to worry about your personal stuff when you're posing for photos. You likewise do not want anything bulky (car keys, mobile phones, and so forth.) in your pockets. You could ask your photographer to keep your keys... we won't mind!
8. Be adventurous! A session many times involves lying down on the ground, or climbing on benches, pathways, staircases, trees, etc. Don't be afraid to get a little bit messy - if you're nervous, it will show. Instead simply just chill out and go along with it!
9. Don't stress! Prepare your clothes beforehand, and confirm any of your appointments (hair, make up, and so on.) so you are not worrying at the last minute. If you're frazzled when you arrive for your session, you'll have a more difficult time relaxing in front of the camera.
10. Last but not least, have fun! This session is supposed to record a major time in your lifetime together as a couple. Ensure it is fun, and try to make it all about the two of you.
Article by Tampa Wedding Photographer Karen Harrison
