The engagement photography can be romantic, energetic, glamorous or homey; it’s up to you how you want your images to represent you. You can also tie them back to your wedding theme if you have one.
Many photographers offer packages that include digital and print products. To ensure you get the right package for your needs, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Location
Many photographers offer an engagement photoshoot as part of a larger wedding photography package. This can be a good way for couples to save money and test out a photographer before committing to their wedding day services. However, it can also devalue the session by treating it as a “freebie” instead of a valuable service.
Some locations are more popular for engagement photos than others. For example, New York City’s Meatpacking District offers wide streets and cobblestones that are perfect for a stylish shoot. The West Village is another historic neighborhood that features secluded alleys and gorgeous storefronts.
It’s also important to consider the season when choosing a location. Winter engagement photos can look beautiful if there is snow, and fall photos often feature stunning foliage. Summer sessions are known for their vibrant flowers and sunny skies. Finally, engagement photos taken in a greenhouse or garden can add a unique and romantic touch.
- Time
Typically, an engagement photo shoot will last for about two hours. However, this time frame can vary depending on the couple’s schedule and how many locations they want to go to. It also depends on how the photos are used: They can be displayed at their engagement party or wedding, added to save the date cards, or turned into framed prints for their home.
Most engagement photographers recommend scheduling a session a few months before the wedding. This will give couples enough time to prepare for the session and get comfortable in front of the camera. It’s also a good way to avoid overpaying for the photos.
During the engagement photoshoot, it’s important to express yourselves as naturally as possible. Couples should feel confident that the photographer can capture their personalities. Having fun during the photoshoot is also very important. Some couples even add props like boards, smoke bombs, and flowers to make the photos more creative and unique.
- The Photographer
Most engagement photographers offer multiple packages, some of which include a variety of printed products, like mugs and wallet prints. Some also include digital files. It’s helpful to have a list of what you want to receive at the end of your session so that when shopping for quotes, you can be more specific with each photographer.
Many couples use their engagement photos for save-the-dates or wedding invitations, so having a clear understanding of how the images will be used is crucial. Some photographers recommend booking an engagement shoot about a year out from the wedding, so that the photos can be used for both.
Most photographers suggest starting sessions about an hour before sunset for soft, warm lighting, but it’s up to the couple to decide whether or not they want to do this. Some photographers may charge an extra fee to add in a studio shoot, so it’s important to ask what is included in each package.
- The Images
During your engagement photos, you will likely pose in many different ways so that your photographer can capture multiple shots from various angles. Taking time to practice some of these poses in advance can help you feel more comfortable on the day of your photo shoot.
It's also a good idea to have your couple bring multiple outfit changes to the session so that they can change from casual to formal attire. This will give the couple plenty of options to choose from and help them tell their love story with unique photos.
