7 Tips for Great Engagement Photos

Taking engagement photos is kind of like a trial run for what taking your wedding photos are going to feel like! Minus the white dress, the ring studded hands, and the official “I dos”. It’s a great chance to get to know your photographer (many include an engagement session in their wedding packages), to flaunt your style, and get comfortable being “posed”. So let’s dive into 7 tips for great engagement photos so you feel like your best self in front of the camera.

Yes, there are a few things you are going to want to think about before your engagement session, so I’ve teamed up with the amazing Adriana from Simply Adri Photography to lay it all out for you!

1. Think of it as a date

Do something fun that’s reflective of you two, and don’t forget to be adventurous! This will be the time prior to your wedding day where you can go off anywhere you’d like to take photos without the pressure of a wedding timeline and location. Choosing an activity or location you are familiar with creates a sense of ease around you and your honey, making for great engagement photos!

2. Make sure you are comfortable in what you are wearing

The key to looking good in photos is feeling good! If you are worried about what looks good on camera stick to complementary colors, neutrals, and pastels. You want to compliment each other, but not necessarily match. If one of you is going to wear a pattern, have the other wear a solid color. Also make sure to eat a good meal beforehand, bring plenty of snacks and water to keep you fueled up!

3. Choose a location with texture, natural lighting, and that has meaning to you

Kind of like choosing a wedding venue, one tip for getting great engagement photos is to pick a setting that is going to amplify your love and tell part of your story. If this means doing your engagement session in the home you share, with memories piled high in the photos and decor, that sounds perfect! Or go out to the place you got engaged, a restaurant that holds a significant memory, or a park where you can run free.

Simply Adri Photography

4. Be on time

This one probably goes without saying. Practice your hair and makeup beforehand so you know how long you have to prep. Map out the drive, and maybe scope out parking in the area if you are unfamiliar. This tip for great engagement photos shouldn’t be skipped, because it also puts your best foot forward when working with your photographer for the first time. You always want to be respectful of their time and talents!

5. Find a photographer that reflects your vibe

Whether you love something dark, moody, and romantic or a light, ethereal look make sure that you are inquiring with photographers that are going to nail this on the head. Photographers want to make you look your best while doing their best work! By making sure you are aligned with what you are looking for in a finished product, you will achieve great engagement photos.

Simply Adri Photography

6. Don’t be afraid to do your research and show your photographer what you are looking for

Establish good communication with your photographer and let them know what you like and what you don’t like. In the end, these will be your photos to keep so make sure you feel comfortable enough to voice your thoughts and opinions. Remembering to also give your photographer the creative freedom to create beautiful images.

7. Don’t overthink it

Some tips for great engagement photos can end up making you pull your hair out from all the logistical planning! I know that spending too much time thinking about something can take all the fun out of it. But that’s exactly what you should be doing this day! You can have fun, be goofy and totally playful as you would if there wasn’t a camera on you! Be yourselves. Enjoy these tender moments as an engaged couple! Plan your wedding your way so you get to enjoy every moment. And always remember the good times.

Still looking for your dream wedding photographer??

I have two quick tips to help you find the best wedding photographer for you –

1. Ask your venue or wedding planner/coordinator who they recommend for your style of wedding and budget! These two vendors work very closely with photographers and may even have a preferred vendor list to assist you in finding someone who knows the ins and outs of your venue. To succeed, every planner needs a superb photographer to partner with and vice versa. Hiring a photographer who has a wonderful working relationship with your planner will create so much ease on your wedding day.

To learn more about how crucial the relationship is between photographer and planner, check out this inside look as to why a photographer WANTS you to hire a wedding coordinator!

2. Browse locations on Instagram! If you have booked your wedding venue or know where you want to take your engagement photos, Instagram can show you who has checked-in there before! Do a deep dive into your favorite park or a cultural location and see if any photographers (or couples) have posted any photos from this venue. You can also look-up the venue/location and browse their tagged photos as well on Instagram.

Getting engagement photos taken is such an exciting step in your wedding planning journey!

And you won’t have to go it alone when you hire me for wedding design or coordination. Be it creating a logistics layout, or checking off items in a timeline I find so much joy in helping couples navigate the process of planning.

My goal is to cheer you on, make planning easy & enjoyable, and provide you with an experience that leaves you feeling invested in & loved on so you can spend time loving on your special people.

Now let’s get planning your epic, love-fueled celebration!