Taking engagement photos is one of the first big tasks of the wedding planning process. Of course, you’ll want to make sure you do everything you can to make sure they’re absolutely perfect! If you’re preparing to take your engagement photos, here are a few tips to ensure the session is a success.
Make Sure You Pick the Right Photographer
It is important to interview a photographer before you fire them to make sure they’re a good fit. Besides making sure their photography style matches what you’re going for, you’ll want to ensure you are actually comfortable around them. You want an engagement photographer who makes you feel relaxed, not awkward! How you feel will be reflected back in the photos, so make sure you spend a bit of time before hiring anyone to make sure they’re a good match.
Wear Something You’re Comfortable In
You’ve probably noticed that what you’re wearing directly influences your mood and confidence. If you feel uncomfortable in the clothing you pick out, it will show in your photos. You’ll want to pick clothing that you can comfortably move around in that allows you to be completely at ease. You don’t want to feel stiff, or constantly have to adjust your clothes. Wear something that not only looks great but feels great too.
If you bought new clothes for the engagement session, you should do a test run and wear them around the house to make sure you feel your best. Your engagement photo session shouldn’t be the first time you wear those clothes! You might even want to have your partner and your friend take a few photos of you in that outfit to make sure you’re completely happy with how it looks on camera.
Pick Outfits that Complement Each Other and the Setting
Speaking of clothing, you and your partner will want to work together to pick outfits that complement each other. This doesn’t mean you need to be matching. You’ll just want to pick colors, patterns, textures, and styles that blend well together. You’ll also want to wear clothing that works with your setting and the overall vibe you’re going for. It’s a good idea to collaborate with your photographer and run some outfit ideas by them so that you’re all in agreement about the overall look you want.
Give Yourselves an Activity or Prop
Brainstorm with your partner to come up with a few props you can bring to your session or even some activities that you like to do together that you can include in your session. You could bring your dog to play a game of fetch, throw around a frisbee, enjoy drinks in your backyard, cook a meal at home, have a picnic, or even just go for a walk in your neighborhood. Talk to your photographer as well to see if they might have any recommendations. These activities will add movement to the photos to create visual interest, and better reflect you as a couple. Activities and props will also give you something to focus on and take your mind off of the camera – which is great if you’re a little nervous about being photographed!
Get a Manicure
This one is for the brides-to-be – be sure you get a manicure before the session! There will be a lot of focus on your hands, so make sure they are in top shape! Be sure to pick a polish color that matches with all outfits you plan to wear. Generally, a more neutral color will be best.
Make a Hair and Makeup Plan
Ensure you create your hair and makeup plan well before your shoot. Many brides will choose to have a professional hair and makeup artist they’re interested in for their wedding do their beauty look for their engagement session – it’s a good way to do a trial run. If you choose to do your own hair and makeup, don’t try anything new. Stick with beauty looks you know how to create and that you know look good on you. Be sure to also bring lipstick, powder, and any hair products you may need for touch-ups during your shoot.
If you are in the process of planning your wedding, come to the next Georgia Bridal Show near you. You will have the chance to meet with wedding professionals from Georgia and the Southeast who can help bring your vision to life!
Georgia wedding vendors, as well as other wedding professionals across the Southeast, can contact us about opportunities for exhibition and online marketing with Georgia Bridal Show.