Engagement Photos: Planning Your Perfect Engagement Session
Engagement photos are more than just a wedding checklist item. They capture a special time in your relationship, allowing you to celebrate your love and share this new chapter with family and friends. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create memorable engagement photos, from why they’re important and how to take them to outfit choices and timing.
What Are Engagement Photos?
Engagement photos are a set of professional photographs taken of a couple after they become engaged and before their wedding. Typically, these photos are more relaxed than wedding photos, showcasing your unique personalities and the connection between you and your partner. Whether displayed at your wedding, shared on social media, or used for save-the-dates, engagement photos are a beautiful way to document this milestone.
Why Are Engagement Photos Important?
Engagement photos offer several benefits. First, they provide you with quality images to announce your engagement, and they’re perfect for wedding invitations, websites, and decor. But beyond the practical uses, an engagement session also helps you build rapport with your photographer. Many couples find that this “practice” session allows them to get more comfortable in front of the camera before their wedding day, which often translates to better wedding photos.
How to Take Engagement Photos
The key to capturing great engagement photos lies in thoughtful planning, choosing a meaningful location, and working with a professional photographer. Here are some tips to ensure a successful engagement session:
Hire Your Wedding Photographer First: Choosing a photographer who can shoot both your engagement and wedding photos is ideal. This not only builds a trusting relationship with them but also ensures your photos maintain a consistent style.
Select a Location That’s Meaningful: Consider a location that holds special significance, like where you had your first date or a spot you both love. Meaningful locations naturally make the photos more personal and authentic. Ask your photographer for recommendations on what works best.
Time of Day and Season Matter: Lighting can greatly influence the mood of your photos. The “golden hour”—just after sunrise or just before sunset—is known for its soft, flattering light. Additionally, consider the season; spring and fall offer beautiful color palettes, while winter and summer provide unique scenery depending on your region.
Candid Posing: Candid shots can capture natural, spontaneous moments. Instead of focusing on formal poses, let your photographer capture you two laughing, talking, or interacting in a way that feels genuine. This is predominantly how we like to photograph. Keeping you relaxed and having fun is our main goal.
How Can You Prepare for Engagement Photos?
Preparation is essential to ensure a stress-free engagement session. Here’s how you can prepare:
- Set Goals for Your Session: Think about how you want to use these photos, such as for save-the-dates or decor, and share your ideas with your photographer.
- Coordinate Outfits and Colors: Choose outfits that complement each other but aren’t too matchy-matchy. Earth tones and neutral colors often work well in photos.
- Discuss Your Vision with Your Photographer: If you have a specific theme or look in mind, communicate this with your photographer so they can guide you in choosing locations, outfits, and poses.
What to Wear for Engagement Photos
What you wear for your engagement session is key in creating a cohesive look and ensuring your personalities shine through. Here are some helpful tips:
Planning Your Outfits
Your outfits should be comfortable and reflect your style. Many couples choose two outfits: one casual and one more formal. This variety allows for both relaxed and elevated photos. Pick outfits that complement each other and aren’t too busy with patterns, which can distract from the photos.
Coordinating Colors
Choose colors that complement each other and the surroundings. Soft, neutral tones and pastels work well in natural settings, while richer tones can add a pop of color in urban environments. Think about the season and location when selecting your palette; for example, jewel tones look beautiful in fall, while lighter shades might work better in spring.
What is the best color to wear for engagement photos?
Neutral colors, like beige, grey, or pastel shades, often work well as they don’t overpower the photo. However, bolder colors like deep red or navy can also look stunning, especially in urban or winter settings. Choose a color that complements your skin tone and makes you feel confident. Any color can work for engagement photos, as long as you coordinate your colors and style.
Coordinating Your Style
Whether you want a modern or classic look, coordinate your styles with your partner. For example, if one of you is wearing a formal outfit, it’s best if the other also dresses up. This consistency ensures your photos look polished and unified.
More Than One Outfit: Casual and Dressy
Most couples bring two outfits for their engagement session. A casual outfit allows you to capture fun, relaxed moments, while a dressy outfit adds a touch of elegance. Discuss this with your photographer to plan locations that suit both styles.
When to Take Engagement Photos in Your Wedding Timeline
Usually the sooner the better! Timing your engagement photos early in the wedding planning process is ideal, especially if you plan to use them for save-the-dates or your wedding website. Scheduling your engagement session around six to nine months before the wedding ensures you’ll have your photos in time for these uses. Many photographers recommend scheduling the session right after booking them for your wedding.
Selecting Your Location for Your Session
The location you choose sets the scene for your photos. Here are some popular options:
- Outdoor Parks and Nature Spots: Ideal for couples who love the outdoors, nature spots offer plenty of scenic backgrounds.
- Urban Areas: City streets, cafes, or art-filled neighborhoods can add a trendy, vibrant look.
Bringing Props
Props can add a personal touch to your engagement photos. Some popular prop ideas include:
- A blanket for cozy, seated poses
- Champagne or sparkling wine for a celebratory vibe
- Signs or banners with your wedding date
- Pets, if you have them, for a cute family photo
Discuss any prop ideas with your photographer in advance, as they can advise on what will work best for your session.
Trusting Your Photographer
Trust is essential when working with your photographer. They’re there to capture your love story, so lean on their expertise in choosing locations, poses, and even outfits. They’ll guide you through the process, ensuring the photos feel natural and enjoyable.
15 Unique Engagement Photo Ideas
Here are some creative and unique ideas to make your engagement photos memorable:
1 – Capture a sunrise
2 – Play with reflections in water or mirrors
3 – Take photos at an airport or with airplanes
4 – Incorporate elements of your shared hobbies
5 – Incorporate cars or motorcycles
6 – Use some fun props to show your personality
7 – Go for a beach shoot
8 – Pose in front of iconic murals or street art
9 – Include a special message or sign
10 – Shoot at a winery or vineyard
11 – Use a vintage theme
12 – Capture candid moments
13 – Splash around in a fountain
14 – Use fun walls or architecture
15 – Bring your dog
What is the difference between proposal photos and engagement photos?
Proposal photos capture the actual moment of the proposal, often taken candidly. Engagement photos, on the other hand, are scheduled portrait sessions after the proposal, giving you and your partner the chance to document your engagement in a more curated setting.
Do people still do engagement photos?
Yes! Engagement photos remain popular as they capture a unique period in a couple’s relationship, and they’re useful for save-the-dates, wedding websites, and social media. We do an engagement session with most of our wedding couples. It’s such a great way to get to know each other better.
Do you need a professional photographer for engagement photos?
While some couples take DIY engagement photos, hiring a professional ensures high-quality images. A professional photographer knows how to pose couples, choose flattering lighting, and capture authentic moments. It is also a great time to work with your wedding photographer ahead of the wedding.
What is the point of engagement photos?
Engagement photos serve multiple purposes: they allow you to get comfortable with your photographer, give you beautiful images for wedding-related items, and celebrate your relationship in a meaningful way.
Do engagement photos go on save-the-dates?
Yes, engagement photos are often used on save-the-dates, wedding websites, and invitations. These photos set the tone for your wedding and help personalize your announcements.
When should you post engagement photos on social media?
There’s no strict rule, but many couples post shortly after the session or when they announce their engagement to friends and family. Some wait until they have save-the-dates or wedding details finalized.
How long is an engagement session?
Engagement sessions usually last about an hour, depending on the number of locations and outfit changes planned.
How much do engagement photos cost?
The cost varies depending on the photographer and region, but engagement sessions often range from $200 to $800. Some photographers include engagement sessions in their wedding packages.
How many photos do you usually get at an engagement shoot?
Depending on your photographer, you could receive as few as 20. Most photographers fall in the 50 – 150 edited images from an engagement session, though this varies based on session length and package details.
What will you do for your engagement photos?
Engagement photos capture the start of your journey to marriage, allowing you to celebrate this exciting chapter in your own unique way. From choosing the right photographer and location to coordinating your outfits and finding creative photo ideas, every detail contributes to telling your story. Above all, trust your photographer, embrace the moment, and have fun with your partner.
Engagement photos not only serve as keepsakes but also give you a chance to practice in front of the camera. These photos help you build a comfortable relationship with your photographer, making you feel at ease for your wedding day. From casual shots to more polished, elegant portraits, an engagement session provides you with a versatile set of images that reflect your love and excitement as you prepare to say “I do.”
Orlando Engagement Photographer – Mike Briggs Photography
