If a pre-wedding photo shoot is stressing you out, these engagement photo tips will help put the joy back in this step of the wedding planning process! One of the most fun things you’ll do as soon-to-be-married couple is take engagement photos. But if you aren’t used to being in front of the camera or are simply nervous about nailing these images, fear not! Some of our favorite Pittsburgh wedding photographers are here to help. From relaxing and being yourself to stepping up your attire, here is some advice for the best engagement photos from the pros!
Choose your photographer wisely.
This step happens before you even schedule your engagement session – make sure you hire the right photographer for YOU! I hear from so many couples that they either went with a photographer based on price or convenience and not because they connected and felt comfortable with them during the interview process. Your photographer will guide you through the right steps and help you prepare for your engagement session so that it is fun, easy, and stress free! Also, some photographers (like me) will send you a preparation guide full of helpful hints and tips for your upcoming session, such as having your hair and makeup trial the same day as your engagement session so that you can see how you will look in photos on your big day!
Recognize the value of an engagement session.
Engagement sessions are about more than some nice photos of the two of you. It’s a chance to get to know your photographer better and vice-versa. That’s what makes it really valuable. Choosing to take photos in familiar surroundings will give your photographer an idea of what’s important to you since it’s probably going to be a place where you go to find positive energy. Speaking of positive energy, if you want to bring your dog then, I’m all for it!
Look the part.
Putting some thought into your wardrobe and what looks good can easily elevate your images. You don’t want to match your significant other, but compliment each other. Dressing up adds a huge amount of production value too. Think about doing two outfits and make one of them fancy.
Choose a meaningful location.
Pick a location that has meaning to you – the park where you love to walk your dog, the campus you met, the bar where you had your first date, your first home together. It doesn’t have to be the only location, but you’ll always look back at those shots and love them a little extra since they are in a place that holds actual meaning to your love story instead of somewhere that’s just photogenic or popular!
Live in the moment.
I always tell my clients to not worry about what the photo is going to look like. Be in that moment. Feel that moment. Because we cannot have the photo without the moment. I think that helps them live in the present of what we are doing and the fun we are having, rather than obsessing too much over what the image is going to look like.
Be yourselves.
Embrace your personalities and chemistry as a couple. Let go of expectations and take this time together to have fun, to create beautiful memories, and to be with each other. Have a glass of wine before the session if that helps you relax. There is no right or wrong pose or photo. I’m there to guide my clients through some poses but also to help them unwrap their uniqueness as a couple, and to show that through the images. Also, treat the session as a pre-date, then go have dinner at your favorite place!
Share your favorites.
After the session, share your favorite images with your photographer so that they know which kind of angles and styles you are drawn to for your wedding photos. Also, credit your photographer when posting the images on social media.
