Preparing for an engagement session might be a daunting idea, especially if you and your fiance have never taken a formal or posed portrait together before. What do we wear? Where do we go? What do we do with our hands? Do we have to kiss in front of the photographer? I’m here to answer these questions for you in these engagement session tips.
It’s totally normal for you to feel a tad awkward at the beginning of the session. However, just relax and slowly settle into the moment. Being prepared and knowing better what to expect will make your engagement session go smoothly. Remember that the engagement session ultimately will be a testament and celebration of your love.
Engagement Session Tips from a Texas Wedding Photographer
- The single, most useful tip I can give you for your engagement session is have fun! Relax! Be yourself!
- Be on time—especially if your photographer is a natural light photographer. Light is the most important part of a photograph. Without “good” light, you will not get a good image. If you’re late to your session, the session is not extended, but will in fact end when the light does.
- This tip is for ladies only! Use the engagement session as a practice run for your wedding day hair and makeup. This will not only make you feel done up and pretty, it will boost your confidence.
- Bring personal items that showcase your fantastic personalities! I’m not talking balloons, picture frames, and umbrellas! If you’re into music, bring your iPod™. Enjoy writing? Bring your journals. Love to bird hunt? Bring a shotgun. Don’t hesitate to bring anything that truly reflects you individually or as a couple.
- Bring a change of clothing. It’s nice to have variety in your images. Shoot part of the session in dressier outfits and part in more casual clothing.
- Speaking of clothing, don’t feel that your clothing has to precisely match. Just make sure that the outfits complement each other! Pinterest™ has tons of clothing and outfit boards to get inspiration from. Please, please, please do not wear the same colors! If you feel you must wear the same color, choose a fabric that has a texture or small print or pattern.
- Make sure your nails are freshly groomed or manicured. They will be in the shots, especially the closeups of the engagement ring!
- Let your photographer know how much physical contact you’re comfortable with. If you’re not comfortable with kissing in public, then make sure the photographer knows before they ask you to.
- If there is a location that is special to you (the place you first met, where he proposed, etc.), let the photographer know. Shooting the engagement session at a memorable location will give special sentiment to your images.
- The best scenario is to also have your engagement photographer be the photographer to shoot your bridal sessions, your wedding day ceremony/reception and even the day after session. This gives you a few opportunities to work with the photographer before the wedding and ensures you develop a rapport. This automatically equals better pictures because you feel more comfortable in front the photographer and their lenses.
Again, the best advise is just to be yourselves and relax! If all else fails, just smile, hold hands and look into each other’s eyes. Whispering into each other’s ears will also calm nerves. It will come together! Nothing is more sweet as a couple so in love that all their attention is focused on their partner.
Until next time, be positive, be happy, be healthy, and don’t forget to be photographed.
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I am a San Antonio-based wedding and senior photographer who started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. As one of the up-and-coming San Antonio wedding photographers, I am also available to shoot in Austin, Houston and Dallas and the surrounding areas. I am also available for destination weddings worldwide. Ata-Girl Photography Co. offers an amazing wedding photography service that you won’t soon forget. As a professional photographer, my sole purpose is to provide you the absolute best photography experience.
I am a professional photographer who enjoys documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I enjoy watching my daughter play softball, hiking, cycling, reading, and listening to Elvis!
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