ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS: DOS & DON’TS

HOW TO CREATE YOUR DREAM SESSION

Engagement season is in full swing and that inspired us to share some of our top engagement photography tips that you should embrace and avoid in order to have an amazing engagement photography session! We know it can be intimidating to share your love in front of a camera, so let us help ease your nerves with some of our favorite advice.

WHEN & WHERE

TIMING

Choosing the right time for your engagement photos can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your photos. Consider the time of day and the season when planning your session. Plan for the good light and aim for a softer, more romantic look by scheduling your session during the “golden hour,” which is the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset when the light is warm and dreamy.

SEASON

Another thing to consider is the season and weather conditions. If you prefer a lush, green backdrop, consider scheduling your session during the spring or summer months. If you prefer a cozy, intimate feel, consider scheduling your session during the fall or winter months. The right time for your engagement photos depends on your personal preferences and the look and feel you want to achieve, so take the time to choose a time that works best for you and your partner.

INTROVERT OR EXTROVERT

If you are shy or uncomfortable in front of the camera, consider planning your session for a weekday when there are typically fewer people around. This can help alleviate any anxiety or pressure you may feel and allow you to relax and enjoy the moment. Choosing a less crowded location or time of day can also help you feel more comfortable and allow your photographer to capture more intimate and candid moments.

LOCATION

Selecting a meaningful location for your engagement photography can make your session even more memorable. Consider a location that has special significance to you and your partner, such as the place where you first met, your favorite park, or a scenic location that you both love. This can add a personal touch to your photos and tell an important part of your story.

If you are the adventure type who would like to check out some place new with epic views, Colorado has you covered and we will help you find the perfect spot for your session!

OUTFITS, HAIR, MAKE-UP? CHECK!

COORDINATE YOUR OUTFITS

When choosing your outfits, consider coordinating with your partner to create a cohesive and stylish look that complements each other’s style and personality. Choose clothes that fit well and make you feel comfortable and confident. Avoid wearing clothes with big logos or graphics that can be distracting in the photos.

When it comes to hair and makeup, opt for a natural and simple look that complements your natural beauty. Consider having a professional do your hair and makeup to ensure a flawless look that will last throughout the session.

Ultimately, the goal is to look and feel your best while still feeling comfortable and confident, so take the time to choose outfits and styling that works best for you and your partner.

IT’S A DATE

Why not turn your session into a date night for you and your partner? Once you have dressed up, styled your hair and makeup, and taken amazing engagement photos, it’s only fitting to continue the excitement and turn it into a date night. The session will pass by quickly – we always wish we had more time! So go ahead and make reservations for a nice dinner after, use this opportunity to soak in all the newly engaged excitement.

Sprague Lake Rocky Mountain National Park Estes Park Colorado Engagement Photos

TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

One of the most important engagement photography tip is to let your photographer do what we do best. Avoid stressing over poses or how you appear in front of the camera. Your photographer is a professional with plenty of experience, so trust them when they say they will pose you and make you look your best.

They know exactly how to guide your moments together and ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. So, relax and let your photographer take the lead. They will know how to capture the best shots and help bring out the natural chemistry between you and your partner.

BE AFFECTIONATE

One of our favorite engagement photography tips is to show affection towards your partner during the session. Your engagement session is an opportunity to capture the love and connection between you and your partner, so don’t be afraid to be affectionate. Hold hands, cuddle, and kiss to create photos that truly reflect the essence of your relationship. Be playful and have fun with each other, as this will help to create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

HAVE FUN!

The most important engagement photography tips is to have fun during your session! Your engagement session is a special moment in your life that deserves to be celebrated and enjoyed. Don’t be afraid to laugh, joke, and be yourselves. When you have fun during the session, it will shine through in your photos.

Consider incorporating fun and creative poses or activities into your engagement photography session, such as playing with props or incorporating your favorite hobbies. By having fun and being yourselves, you’ll create photos that truly capture the essence of your relationship and the love you share. So, let loose and enjoy the moment!

DON’T STRESS ABOUT POSING OR WORRY ABOUT APPEARING PERFECT!

Enjoy the moment and have fun with your partner! We don’t want you to stress about posing or looking perfect in front of the camera during your engagement photos because the goal of engagement photography is to capture the love and connection between the couple in an authentic way.

We are experienced in working with couples and know how to create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere to bring out the best in you. Instead of worrying about posing or looking perfect, focus on enjoying the moment with your partner and being yourselves.

As your photographers, we will guide you through different poses and settings to capture beautiful and natural moments. Remember that imperfections are what make us unique and beautiful, so don’t be afraid to let your true selves shine through in your photos. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the experience!

DON’T CHOOSE AN OUTFIT (OR SHOES!) THAT ARE UNCOMFORTABLE

An important engagement photography tips is to avoid choosing an outfit (or shoes!) that are uncomfortable or don’t fit well. You want to feel comfortable and confident during your engagement photography session, so choose clothes that fit you properly and make you feel good. Avoid clothes that are too tight or too loose, as they can be distracting in the photos. Opt for comfortable and stylish shoes that you can walk and move around in easily.

DON’T SCHEDULE YOUR SESSION IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY

Good light can make or break your photos. Avoid scheduling your session for the middle of the day. The middle of the day is when the sun is at its highest and brightest, which can create harsh shadows and unflattering lighting. This lighting can make it difficult for your photographers to capture beautiful and natural photos of you and your partner.

Instead, consider scheduling your session for the “golden hour,” which is the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset when the light is soft and warm. This lighting can create a romantic and dreamy effect that can enhance the overall look and feel of your photos. If you can’t schedule your session during the golden hour, try to schedule it for a time when the light is more diffused, such as on a cloudy day or in the shade. This will create a more even and flattering light that will help your photographer capture stunning photos of you and your partner.

DON’T FORGET PROPS OR ACCESSORIES YOU WANT TO INCLUDE

Consider bringing any props or accessories that you may want to incorporate into your engagement session, such as a picnic basket, champagne or any other item that can be incorporated into your shoot seamlessly. Accessories such as hats, scarves, or jewelry can also add interest and personality to your photos. Keep in mind that the focus should still be on you and your partner, so avoid bringing too many props or accessories that may be distracting.

DON’T WEAR CLOTHES WITH DISTRACTING LOGOS OR GRAPHICS

The focus of the photos should be on you and your partner, and wearing clothes with large logos or graphics can take away from that focus. Instead, opt for solid colors or subtle patterns that complement each other’s outfits and create a cohesive look. This will help to create a timeless and classic look that will stand the test of time.

Consider the location and setting of your shoot when choosing your outfits. If you’re shooting in a natural setting, consider wearing more neutral colors that blend in with the surroundings. If you’re shooting in an urban setting, consider wearing more edgy or modern outfits that fit the vibe. By avoiding clothes with big logos or graphics, you’ll be able to create a timeless look.


Loving what you see? Check out our blog for more engagement photography tips when planning your session or download our engagement session guide for insider details!