5 Tips For a Perfect Engagement Photography

You’ve found the One, and you’re keeping them forever. Now, you need some stellar photos to share the big announcement with the world. This is pop-the-champagne-worthy exciting news! For those planning a surprise proposal, we will write a whole different blog on the best way to do that and buy them a diamond so that blog post will be for you.

Today, I’m going to talk about something exciting and terrifying: your engagement session. This is just a big ‘ol excuse for the two of you to do some kissing and snuggling at sunset, so try not to get too freaked out about it. If you’ve picked the right photographer, chances are that on the drive home in your car, you’ll be talking nonstop about how much fun you had, and that’s our goal.

When I first connect with a couple, and they’ve said “I do” to hire me or one of the super-talented ladies on my team, they can rest assured that they’re competent and creative. Planning and ensuring we see your vision is crucial to a happy couple who loves their portfolio of images. But no matter who you choose, your session will go smoothly with some good communication and planning.

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel; engagement sessions are pretty straightforward. Unlike a surprise proposal, where one of the people having a photo session that all of their friends and family will see isn’t even aware that they will be photographed that day! In your case, you have the advantage of being able to participate and fully prepare for the experience.

1. Share your vision with your photographer. We send our couples a questionnaire to ensure we’re on the same page. It’s also very helpful to share a Pinterest board. You can load it up with poses, location settings, props, and outfits you might want our input on. It’s kind of like mini-wedding planning, and it’s fun.

You’ve most likely already seen the locations your photographer likes to showcase, and you can let them know if you love them or feel someplace else would be a better fit. Pinterest is a super-easy way to point us in the right direction for your engagement photography session. Or maybe you have friends who got recently engaged and loved their locations? Ask them what they loved or didn’t love about the spot. Ultimately, you’ll find so many stunningly beautiful places in northern California. It’s more about narrowing the choices than finding enough places.

The adventure photography movement has caught on in a big way, and you’ve probably already seen some of those stunning images on Instagram from areas like Yosemite and the Redwood forests or coastal cliffs. Even though they look like everyone just hopped out of their cars and took those pictures, a lot went into creating some of them. Let your photographer know if you are an experienced hiker and you’re up for miles of trail before your session or if you’d rather have the look and feel of a rugged landscape but ultimately need a location that works well if you’re wearing high heels.

2. Book a haircut and make up an appointment. It’s legit to spoil yourself with a bit of girl time before a professional photo session. You don’t do this every day; it will help you feel most confident. It’s an excellent opportunity to see if you like a particular hair and makeup artist and if you’d also like to work with them on your wedding day. Most photographers have a short list of vendors they work with and trust. Our company offers all-inclusive weddings, so we’ve got a solid list of contacts baked into our brand.

Some brides feel comfortable doing their hair and makeup, and that’s fine. If you’re going to do your hair and make-up on your wedding day, then it’s perfectly reasonable to do it for your engagement session. One comment that I hear a lot is that brides worry that their artists won’t have the experience for their particular ethnicity. That’s a valid concern. Make sure you check ahead of time and ask to see images from the artist you’re going to work with. Some new vendors always want the work but don’t have the experience for your needs. Don’t be shy about asking.

3. Be aware of lighting and timing. I know some of you want to shoot for the moon and have everything from cityscapes to running down beaches, popping the bubbly at sunset, and standing on a mountaintop while gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes. You can have all of that, but not in a one-hour session.

Have a frank discussion about your number one and two most significant locations and how much time it will realistically take to accomplish your goals. Most engagement pictures look so sweet and effortless, but being a model for a day takes some work and time. You don’t want to be under pressure or rush through locations on your way to the next spot. Please keep it simple and take your time. It’s so much easier to be snuggly when relaxed.

Photography is so much about the lighting. We can fix a lot in editing, but if you give us a lovely, soft, beautiful light, we can create some magic. If you can, the hour leading up to sunset and just after is when you want to be out in nature. You can get away with brighter light if you’re doing an urban session.

4. What are you going to wear? Wear clothes that make you feel like yourself. If you’re both super laid back, don’t go for a sequined ball gown and tux. The idea is to show the best version of yourself but still stay in your comfort zone. Do you know one outfit you always have the BEST time in in your closet? Wear that or something like it. Wear clothes that complement each other but don’t match. You wouldn’t wear the same outfits when going out on a date, so don’t do it for your engagement session. Compliment each other in solid colors, and avoid busy prints that could be distracting in your pictures. Lighter shades like pastels and cool or neutral tones look the best and work on most skin tones. The connection and chemistry between you should stand out most when you look at your final images, not a particular bold piece of clothing.

Keep it seasonally correct. Don’t wear a strapless dress, halter top, and bare legs outside in November. Being physically comfortable is just as important as being emotionally confident during sesh. Seasonal looks that play up at the time of year add a nice layer to the whole look. Layering is another great way to change your look, just by removing or adding a coat or cute scarf and mittens if it’s winter, or chunk jewelry and a straw hat with a ribbon if it’s warmer. If you want something new but don’t want to buy it, some excellent clothing subscription sites like www.renttherunway.com exist.

5. Personalize it. Is there someplace unique that the two of you call “your place,” or maybe your first date was someplace special that you’d like to revisit for your engagement session? Settings that evoke happy memories bring your whole relationship full circle and remind you of your journey together as a couple. Think about the things you love to do together. Maybe it’s attending a Giants game, riding bikes through the wine country, snuggling on the couch, or watching movies with a massive bowl of popcorn. All of these are things you can work into your plan. Cute, sweet, and quirky are just as good as the most fantastic scenery. Props are also great. If you know somebody with an old rusty truck in a field, a classic car, or even pastel pink mopeds, these could all be lovely backdrops. Often, you can find items to rent or borrow from friends or family for a few hours. Use your imagination, but also make sure it’s you. And if it is, then you can’t go wrong.