Do you have a complimentary Engagement Photo Session or Pre-Wedding Session as part of your Wedding Photography Package? Not sure what to wear or how to prepare for your Engagement photo session? If it is your first time with a professional photographer, it can make you nervous and self-conscious to be in front of the camera. We hope this guide helps to ease out some of your stress, anxiety and help you enjoy your Engagement photo session.
Why should you take an Engagement Photo Session?
If you are reading this post, chances are most likely that you have decided to take Engagement photos. The most important reason why you should take Engagement photos is to get to know your photographer and how they work. What do you mean? I spoke to my photographer multiple times over the phone, met them in person and felt that we have a connection and I think I know them. Yes, that’s true but talking to a photographer is different from being in front of their camera. Engagement photos not only give you an opportunity to get comfortable with your photographer, but it also gives your photographer an opportunity to gauge you as a couple, understand your good and bad angles, see how you connect & what makes you both comfortable in front of the camera.
How to prepare for your engagement photo session
You can go on a traditional route to pose for the photos at a beautiful location or you can do something you both love doing. Whether it is a coffee shop or bar hopping, going for a walk or a hike, bringing your pets along etc. Having photographers who are also a couple usually helps. When taking photographs, we will show you how to pose where to stand etc. Then we use prompts to capture the in-between moments. This helps us to capture the interactions, emotions and all the magical things that happen in between. We also use questionnaires and our initial conversations to know more about your both to see what works and what will not. If we are not your photographers, ask your photographers about their process. They are usually happy that you asked and will be excited to answer all your questions as we do.
What to wear for your engagement photo session?
Wear something you are comfortable in & bring a few different outfits. Most of us, including myself are not comfortable in front of a camera. Let’s not add to this by wearing clothes that are too tight or something you are not comfortable in. We want you to enjoy the moment instead of focusing on covering yourself or fixing your clothes. If you are purchasing new outfits, wear them for a trial run for a date night or just because you want to get comfortable in them before the session. With us living in Edmonton, do dress for the weather. We don’t want you being cold to show up in the photos. These photos represent you, dress so you can feel like yourselves. Don’t forget to Steam or iron your clothes as well.
Whether you choose formal or casual outfits, solid colours are a must. Try to avoid patterns, big florals, and completely black or white clothing. Some couples like to coordinate their colours and it’s totally fine as long as you don’t go overboard with it. If you don’t know what colour to choose, pick neutral tones you both like. Choose a contrasting colour. For Example, don’t wear white for a winter outdoor photo session, green or brown when you are in the woods.
Hair & Make-up
Schedule your hair and makeup trials on the same day as your engagement photo session to make your engagement photos extra special. Saying this hair and make-up is not mandatory. You can go with natural or light makeup to give it a different look from the wedding photos.
When to schedule our engagement photos session?
The best time to get the photos done is as soon as you hire the photographer. You can use these photos for save-the-dates, wedding websites, wedding invitations, Guest books etc. If your wedding is in winter, you can plan for a summer or fall engagement session. Just make sure you plan the timelines accordingly as the photographer needs time to edit the photos.
In the end, we want you to live the moment, forget the cameras and have some fun.
Your engagement is a time for celebration. It is also for planning your future life together as a married couple. Your engagement photos should be a reflection of you as a couple. Love is about making a connection and we want to capture those sweet moments. In the end, we want you to dress nice, relax, live the moment, forget the cameras and have some fun all while we capture beautiful photos for you.
Lastly, here are a few more articles that should help you with wedding planning.
10 Questions to Ask When Touring Wedding Venues
Wedding Checklist to keep your wedding planning organized.
How to plan a wedding once engaged?
5 tips on how to find a wedding photographer
A detailed guide to creating a perfect timeline for your Wedding day
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