Haley J Engagement Photo Tips:
Have you scheduled your engagement session? Are you currently asking yourself a million questions? Well, take a deep breath, the anxiety you’re feeling is totally normal! Usually engagement photos are the first time you and your significant other have been in front of the camera of a professional photographer. This alone can cause you to feel uncomfortable and nervous. In addition, you may worry about what to wear, what your hair should look like, or where you should have your photos taken. To help you plan and relax, here are a few of my engagement photo tips!
1. Outfit Choices
The best advice I can give is to coordinate and not be matchy-matchy. I always recommend to stay away from busy patterns and graphic t-shirts. Having one solid and one pattern is a great way to include patterns without having it be too busy. In addition, I also recommend picking hues of colors that go well together like navy and white, maroon and brown, and blue and pink.
Also, it is important that you dress for the weather. Nothing is worse than feeling uncomfortable from either the heat or the cold! In addition, think about how comfortable you will be in your outfit. I recommend having one outfit that is more dressy and one that is more casual. Be able to easily move in your outfit choices! Last but not least, dress in layers! Ladies include scarfs, necklaces, cardigans etc. Gentlemen can wear layers too! Click here to see some perfect outfit ideas.
2. Location
Picking a location is sometimes one of the hardest parts of your engagement photos! I recommend a location that has significant meaning to you. This may be the location where you got engaged, had your first date, first place you said, “I love you”, or a park where you enjoy walking your dog. If no location speaks out to you, pick a location that has pretty architecture or scenery. City overlooks, open fields, beaches, lighthouses and state/national parks are perfect engagement photo locations. If you are totally stuck on locations, brainstorm with your engagement photographer. I always have a list of places that are perfect depending on the time of year and what my couple is hoping for. After all, this is your first time doing photos like this so ask away! Your engagement photographer will be more than willing to recommend locations to you!
3. Pick a season you love
Are you having a long engagement? Do you have time to schedule your engagement photos during any season you want? Deciding on the time of year is best depends solely on what couples are looking for. Fall is a super popular time of year in New England due to the gorgeous colors of the leaves and cooler temperatures. If you love fall, book with your engagement photos early, as many photographers book fast during that time of year. If fall isn’t possible due to your timeline or you just don’t care for fall, no worries! Every season has its positives. Having shot couples in all of the seasons, you can make your engagement photos express your love and emotion during any time of year! Pick the season that you like the best and can confidently rock!
4. Be confident!
“We aren’t photogenic!”- Most couples feel like they aren’t photogenic and are awkward. Most times, this anxiety is due to not having your photos taken by a professional before. Everyone can be photogenic! Your engagement photographer will make you look your best! The key to being photogenic is to be genuinely you and be confident! Does your nose wrinkle when you laugh? Let it! Do your eyes go squinty when you smile? ROCK IT! If you are confidently you, your engagement photos will be a true representation of you and will show the love that you and your fiancé have!
5. Include your dog!
I always encourage couples to include their dog. 9 times out of 10 couples who have a dog want to include them anyways but I feel that including your dog, especially in the beginning of your engagement photos can “break the ice” and help you feel more comfortable. Additionally, not only will your dog help you get more comfortable but you will also get beautiful photos of your little family.
6. Hair and Make-up
Ladies, if you are anything like me, you aren’t the best at doing your hair and make-up. Getting photo ready is a bit different than your every day look. I recommend hiring a professional to ensure that when you get your engagement photos back you are pleased with your appearance. Having your hair and make-up done professionally will also up your confidence. This opportunity will also be great practice for your wedding day. In addition, it is also helpful to get a fresh manicure before your scheduled shoot. Your hands will be in the photos a lot to show your ring off!
I hope these engagement photo tips I’ve shared will help ease your anxiety and help you plan the absolute best engagement shoot possible! Engagement photos are a time to relax and document this special and exciting time in your love story! Let loose and have fun! Be adventurous and remember to be confident and genuinely you!
