Engagement Photo Tips; How to Have a Successful Engagement Photoshoot

Engagement Photo Tips; How to Have a Successful Engagement Photoshoot

While some may view their engagement session as just a prelude to the wedding day, let this be your reminder that it is so much more. An engagement session is an opportunity to celebrate and document this season of your relationship. It is both a symbol and a testament to who you are as a couple, how you’ve grown together, and the future commitment you intend to build your lives on. An engagement session is often the first time couples step in front of a camera together, and work with a professional photographer. It’s natural to feel a little awkward, or to even let the pressure of perfectionism cloud the importance of this milestone. Remember, the goal isn’t to create a flawless facade, but to encapsulate the genuine connection and joy that define your relationship. If you’re looking for a candid, positive, and authentic experience, we’ve compiled a list of engagement photo tips to set you up for success. 

Choose a Location That Resonates With You

Think of the location as the canvas for your engagement photos. Determine the level of importance the location has to you before you commit to a specific place. Some couples love to chase after trendy backdrops. Others prefer the sentiment of places that play a significant role in their story. If there’s a specific mood or energy you’re looking to achieve in your engagement photos, a location can make or break the aesthetic. Lean into this vision with your photographer, and allow them to offer suggestions based on their knowledge of composition, lighting, and how different landscapes can impact the final photos.

As professionals who rely on emotional elements to curate tailored experiences for every couple, we recommend choosing locations that carry emotional significance. The connection you share to the space will be a natural highlight in your images. If you’re unsure where to begin, think about places that make you feel the most at ease. These could also be locations tied to pivotal moments in your lives. Perhaps it’s the cafe where you had your first date, or the trail where you spend your weekends hiking together. It could even be the city street where you shared your first kiss. Maybe it’s a place that neither of you have been, but it’s a place you’ve always wanted to explore together. The location of your engagement photos is one of the first decisions you’ll make to personalize the overall experience.

Embrace an Editorial Approach to Styling

Your outfit will undoubtedly be a staple in your engagement photos. The clothing you choose to wear will have a strong influence over the mood and aesthetic of your session. Aim for pieces that reflect your personal style, while elevating your look to match the timeless essence of the images. The saying is true – if you look good, you feel good. When selecting your attire, consider texture and movement. Flowing fabrics, tailored silhouettes, and complementary color palettes can create a sophisticated feel. The key is to coordinate with your partner, you want to avoid blatantly matching.

Bonus Tip: Stay away from small or finely lined patterns, as they can appear distorted on camera.

Keep in mind the setting and the season. Some ideal pairing suggestions for varying landscapes include light linens for a coastal or beach session, rich tones for a wooden or forested scene, or sleek monochrome for urban sites. One of our most tried and true engagement photo tips is simple – don’t become overwhelmed with creating overly trendy outfits. Instead, opt for something that’s a more elevated version of comfort and elegance with a nod to your individual style. Consider working with a stylist, or consulting with your photographer, to ensure your wardrobe accentuates the ultimate vision. This attention to detail will help you feel confident, which translates seamlessly into candid, and honest moments.

Pinterest can be an amazing tool to find outfit inspiration and more! Click this link to see what past couples have worn, and to find other sources of inspiration to help you style the engagement session you’ve been dreaming about!

Prioritize Connection Over Posing

The most captivating engagement photos all have one thing in common – they are all created from genuine moments of expression and emotional exchange. Immersing yourselves in the experience is not only the best way to achieve these qualities in your own engagement photos, but it’s one of our best engagement photo tips we have to offer. It’s important to work with a photographer, (like us), who use a documentary-style approach that’s driven by directional observation and intuitive guidance. You won’t get these kinds of images through rigid and traditional posing. You want to be able to trust in your photographer’s ability to read in between the lines. This is where they find those fleeting smiles, soft glances, or the way your hands instinctively intertwine. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s authenticity.

Set the Tone With Preparation and Planning

A seamless engagement session begins far before the camera clicks. Dive into the planning process with your photographer. Together, you can design a flexible timeline that accounts for both spontaneity and planned activities. No one should feel rushed or pressured to get through the experience, it should all just flow together. If you’re planning to visit multiple locations for specific lighting situations, like golden hour or blue hour, be sure to allocate the proper transition and travel time between locales. 

Incorporate small details that have the power to weave each element of your engagement session together. You can create a special playlist that sets the mood, or you can pack a favorite beverage for a celebratory toast somewhere along the way. If you’re feeling extra romantic or reminiscent, give each other hand-written notes that attest to the excitement you’re feeling about entering this next phase of life. While the focus of your engagement photos should remain on your relationship, thoughtful touches like these build upon the narrative in a visually appealing way.

Trust Your Photographer’s Vision

Out of all of the engagement photo tips we have, our number one piece of advice is to work with a photographer you trust. If you don’t feel confident in their expertise and creative instincts, you’re setting yourself up for a disappointing experience. Working with a photographer you love is absolutely paramount to the process. Your photographer is not just there to take pictures, they’re also there as storytellers. It’s important to clearly communicate your vision, story, and preferences, but allow space for creative freedom from your photographer. Some of the most profound images come from the moments you’d least expect. Maybe it’s the way the wind tousles your hair, or how the sunlight filters through the trees. When you relinquish total control, amazing things can happen. Allow your photographer to guide the process, and you’ll open the door to an experience that feels organic and effortless.

Be Present and Enjoy the Process

Don’t feel like you have to rush your engagement. Enjoy this milestone, and all it represents. In fact, you can use your engagement session as a unique way to memorialize this period in your lives. Ultimately, the energy you bring to the session is what will set these photos apart from all of the rest. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable, as it often leads to the most beautifully candid moments. Savor the experience, focus on each other, and let your intuition lead the way. If you’re interested in planning your very own Wild Elements engagement session, follow the link to inquire now. For additional free planning resources, check out our blog here.