Why do Engagement photos?
A lot of clients that I have had, are not interested in Engagement photos... AT FIRST. I always recommend my clients do an engagement session for a couple reasons. One, when you book your wedding with me, the engagement session is complimentary so in all honesty, why not do it? Two, this helps you and your photographer get to know each other better before your big day. If you have never had professional photos taken, the last thing you want is for your first time in front of the camera to be on your big day. You want to know how your photographer talks, poses you, directs you etc because that is all SO important when it comes to you being comfortable in-front of the camera. Meeting your photographer for more than just a cup of coffee or a zoom meeting also gets you more comfortable with each other so you don't feel awkward having a stranger photographing the most important day of your life. Save the dates are also a lot more fun for your guests when there is a beautiful photo of the couple they're celebrating on it!
So what can you do to prepare for your photos?
In these next couple paragraphs I am going to give you FOUR tips to make your engagement photos go as smoothly as possible; being prepared helps you be less stressed when it comes to your big debut in front of the camera!
#1 Wear something comfortable
This is a very important one! You do not want to show up to your session wearing something that is super restricting, not comfortable or that you don't feel 100% confident in. You want to feel like your most perfect self when you are getting ready for these photos. My advice? Wear what you normally would and stay true to who you are! We want to capture you in your most natural state!
#2 Send your photographer your inspiration
We've all done it, spent hours upon hours scrolling through Pinterest adding ideas for home decor, hair styles, birthday party decor etc. Do the same for your engagement photos! Scroll through Pinterest, gather some images that you really like the look of and send the board to your photographer! Please note that when you do this, most photographers, like myself, are not going to do the exact poses that you send, we are going to put a twist on it and make it our own while still sticking to your inspiration for the session. Sending your inspiration to your photographer also helps us know what you're wanting and your expectations for your session, however, most of the time we will exceed those expectations!
#3 come ready to love up on your partner more than you ever have before!
I always recommend to my couples to make the day of your session a a fun filled day to go reconnect! You don't want to come to your session after running errands all day, stressed, tired and completely disconnected. Instead if possible have a slow morning, go out to breakfast together, watch a movie, play a game, do something that really gets you and your partner connected. You do not want your engagement photos to just be another check in the box on your wedding to do list. Your session should feel like a fun little date ! You're going to love up on each other, kiss (A LOT), play and have a fun time! Every photographers goal is to have you and your partner genuinely having a good time, laughing, smiling and enjoying yourselves, it shouldn't feel forced.
#4 BE YOURSELF
During your photos, our goal as photographers is to capture your love for each other and tell your story through photographs. In order to do this, we need you to not hold back who you really are as a couple. Don't feel the need to sensor yourself or be someone that you're not. These photos are about you and your partner and the love that you share for each other, so come ready to goof around, and be your authentic self!
And that's it!
These 4 simple tips should help you feel more prepared and in the know when it comes to your engagement session. It is so important to just be yourselves durning your session. You don't have to pretend to be someone that you're not to fit an aesthetic. Your relationship is beautiful and perfect in its own way, and as photographers it is our job to showcase that in the best possible way. I hope you enjoyed this post and I hope you feel more prepared now! Until next time!
