5 Things to do Before Your Engagement Shoot

One question that I get asked all the time from my clients is what to expect for their upcoming engagement shoot. I wanted to share five tips that I have learned over the past few years. I hope after reading my tips you will feeling more confidant going into your engagement shoot.

#5- Be yourself. This is easier said then done. There is nothing more awkward then trying to act normal when you have a photographer you only met a handful of times in your face telling you to make out and clicking away on their camera. One thing I like to do is start out my session with a long lens. I don’t make you feel like i’m invading your personal space. When I feel the two of you are more comfortable with me then I will put on a wider angle lens and move closer. But the most important thing is to remember to have fun. Go ahead and dance if you want to. Be silly, laugh. the romantic photos will be taken, but before that can happen you first in to feel comfortable.

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#4- What location should my engagement shoot be? when it comes to the location you would want to think of a place that holds some sort of meaning to the two of you as a couple. Weather that be at the beach, the city or even the zoo. As long as its meaningful for the two of you.

Also if you feel a little stuck on the location then don’t be afraid to ask your photographer. When I have a couple come to me and they feel like they don’t have a clue on the direction they want their shoot to take. Some thing I like to ask is. What is one thing they like to do to have fun as a couple? Do you two like to be indoors or outdoors? Do you like the city or the country? Just remember your photographer is there to help. They will always be there to steer you in the right direction.

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#3- What should I wear? depending on the location that you choose will depend majorly on the outfit you choose to wear. You want to be able to stand out in your photos. One example I like to give is. If you are shooting in a field of green grass then you do not want to wear the color green. Because by doing this you will end up blending in to the background instead of popping out. Try to choose a color that is opposite on the color wheel then the color in your surroundings.

Also when choosing an outfit try to stay way from busy patters that might draw the eye away from the two of you. In my example she is wearing a pretty yellow dress covered in flowers and he is wearing a sold blue shirt. Yes she is wearing a pattern but since he is wearing sold colors there is no big conflict drawing your eyes away from what is important. But at the end of the day it is always comes down to what you feel comfortable in and what makes you feel good about yourself.

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#2- Get your hair and makeup styled. Think of your engagement shoot as a trail run for your hair and makeup. By doing this you are not only seeing if the look you want will work for you, but you will also be able to see if your stylist will be able to achieve that look you are going for before your wedding day.

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#1- And the last tip I have is hire the same photographer for your wedding and engagement shoot. the reason for this is because you want to work with someone on your wedding day that you feel comfortable with and know they will be able to capture they look you are wanting. Because they already shot your engagement shoot they will already have an idea of your expectations .

Most wedding photographers offer engagement shoots as part of their different wedding packages. If not they will most likely be able to make it an add on. In my opinion it is worth the extra money to add on an engagement shoot.

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I will leave you with one last extra tip. Remember to have fun. This is a time for celebration, not a time for stress and anxiety. Take a breath and enjoy every little step of the way.