The Dos and Don’ts of Planning an Engagement Photoshoot

Any couple can tell you that one of their fondest memories is of their engagement photoshoot. It truly is a magical moment where the love of your life asks you to spend the rest of your life with them. It signifies the beginning of a new relationship and two families coming together. 

 

Naturally, you’d want to capture these memories in an album to look back and remember where it all started. It’s a wise decision to go for an engagement photography session because it gives you a keepsake that will stay with you for a lifetime. 

However, planning an engagement photoshoot can be stressful, given the many things you need to take into account. Fret not, though, because here’s a list of engagement photography’s do’s and don’ts. 

 

So sit tight and read everything you need to know about planning your dream engagement photoshoot. 

 

The Do’s of Planning Your Engagement Photoshoot

 

Planning the perfect engagement photoshoot requires some effort. Here’s a list of things you should do to ensure a great return on your investment.

 

✅ Do Plan for Location

A great wedding location can have a big impact on how your pictures turn out and how you remember the event. When choosing a location, make sure you take into account significance, setting, and logistics.

• Significance

Choose a location that means something to you as a couple. This could be the place you both met or someplace that holds value for both of you. This will significantly enhance the sentimental value of your engagement pictures.

• Setting

The setting refers to the location’s backdrops and lighting. Be sure to consult your engagement photographer regarding the location; they can give you some useful insights. 

• Logistics

Make sure your engagement photography location is accessible to you, the photographer and their equipment, and any guests you might have. 

✅ Do Plan Your Outfits

When planning the outfits for your engagement photography ideas, here are a few things to consider. 

• Coordinate, Don’t Match

Matching your colours or clothes can be off-putting off-putting. It adds too much focus to one area and prevents you from shining individually. 

Make sure you coordinate rather than match. You should wear the same color theme but different tones or a tie that matches the bride’s dress. There are so many other possible options you can check out here. 

• Comfort and Confidence

It’s important to be comfortable in what you wear to truly shine in your engagement photography. 

When choosing your wedding outfits, ensure you’re comfortable with what you wear. Feel free to look yourself in the mirror and ask, “Is this who I am?” You’ll most likely know the answer. 

• Consider Location

Taking into account location can make a significant impact. Look out for the weather, time of day, and so on, and plan your outfit accordingly. 

✅ Do Work With a Professional Photographer

Working with a professional engagement photographer is a worthwhile investment. Be sure to keep the following in mind when choosing one. 

• Research and Book Early 

One of the most important things you’ll learn during your wedding planning is to research and book early. Professional photographers are no exception. 

Good ones are rare, and it’s best to book as soon as you decide.

• Communicate Your Engagement Photography Ideas

Once you’ve booked your photographer, be sure to share with them your vision and how you’d like your engagement photography album to come out. 

Once your photographer knows what you want, they can plan their shoots according to those needs. 

• Trust their expertise

You might have a great artistic vision, but sometimes, you have to trust the expertise of the photographer. After all, they’ve got years of experience with hundreds, if not thousands, of events and see things you don’t.

If you’ve selected a great photographer, trust them and their expertise and allow them to create magic for you. 

The Don’t of Planning Your Engagement Photography 

Now that we’ve covered the steps to planning your engagement photography let’s examine some things you should avoid while preparing it. 

❌ Don’t Overthink the Poses

When it comes to wedding poses, you are either great at them or not—no worries, here are a few tips to look out for when posing for your engagement photography session. 

• Stay Natural

Focus on being yourself and as comfortable as possible. After all, this is your photo shoot, and you want to feel as confident and natural as possible. 

• Focus on Each Other

You’re having an engagement photography session to celebrate your relationship. Focus on your partner instead of the camera to get more candid shots of you in your natural element. 

• Don’t Imitate Others

Many couples tend to imitate poses from other couples’ engagement shoots. Focus on you and what makes you unique. This is what will make your engagement pictures stand out.

❌ Don’t Forget About Nature

Lastly, don’t forget about Mother Nature. When planning your engagement photography, there are three things you should be thoughtful of. 

• Time of Day

Utilizing the golden hours (one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset) can result in stunning portraits with beautiful lighting. On the other hand, scheduling a time with too much or too little light can be unproductive. 

Be sure to consider the time of day and consult your photographer. 

• Think about the weather

Sometimes, the rain just has to arrive unexpectedly. Be sure to consider backup venues just in case the weather is not on your side. 

• Seasonal Changes

Each season comes with a new variety of backdrops and colors for your engagement photography. Take into account the season and how you can leverage it. 

❌ Don’t Forget the Details

As the famous saying goes, it’s the little details that matter. Be sure not to forget the details because they can make a big difference on shoot day. Here are a few details to keep an eye out for. 

• Props and Accessories

Keeping small props and accessories, such as sunglasses and headwear that might hold symbolism or other little things, can make your photoshoot pop and capture memorable pictures. 

• Grooming and Beauty Prep

If you only have one engagement photography session, go to a professional salon to prepare yourself for the photoshoot if you can manage it. 

Also, keep spare hair brushes, pins, and other things you might need during the photoshoot. 

Planning Your Dream Engagement Photography

Now you are armed with all the do’s and Don’ts to have the perfect engagement photography. 

If you’re looking for a professional photographer to bring your engagement photography to life, P.Taufiq Photography has you covered. With more than 10 years of experience covering stunning engagement photoshoots, we will blow your mind away. 

Contact Us now to book your dream engagement photography session.