I LOVE engagement sessions. I mean, what better time to take photos of a couple than when they have just agreed to spend their lives together? Engagement photos capture that exciting/ happy/ crazy/ head over heels kind of once in a lifetime love and they are so much fun to photograph. Engagement photos also share a glimpse into each couple’s relationship- they can be fun and quirky, romantic and artistic, silly and lighthearted or serene and magical. (Or sometimes, all of the above!) Poses do not make great engagement photos. Beautiful locations, fabulous outfits and accessories, expensive camera equipment and talented photographers do not make great engagement photos. People do. The interactions, the emotions and the realness between two people who are crazy about each other- that’s what makes great photos. If you are two people in love, you like to have fun, and you’re looking for relaxed, natural photos of you just being you- I’m glad we’ve found each other! Here are a few tips for planning a great shoot that results in some photos you’ll treasure for many years to come.
Location: Where should I do my engagement photos?
- Choose somewhere that means something to the two of you- the spot you met or had your first date, the place you got engaged, your favourite outdoor spot or anywhere that is special to the two of you. Your engagement session is a great time to get some photos in a place that you love, especially if you won’t have time to visit it with your photographer on your wedding day.
- If you can’t think of anywhere meaningful, think about the type of photos you’d like. Are you looking for a natural landscape, an urban backdrop or something a little more rustic? If you don’t have a place in mind, I’ve got lots of ideas and I’m more than happy to share!
- Not into braving the elements? We can try an indoor shoot in your home, your local pub or at your favourite weekend hangout. The key is that we find surrounding you’re comfortable in, so you can let loose and be yourselves.
What should I wear (or not wear) for my engagement session?
- An engagement shoot does not require you to shop for matching outfits (and I highly suggest that you don’t!) There aren’t any set “rules” here that you need to follow, just make sure you don’t clash with one another, and choose something you feel comfortable and confident in. If you feel self conscious in what you’re wearing it will show- so be sure to choose an outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks.
- Your outfit doesn’t have to “match” your location. Semi-formal outfits can actually work really well in rustic setting, and there’s nothing wrong with casual clothes in a modern, urban setting either. Again- there are no rules here! Have a think about what you want your photos to look like, and use that as your guide. If you’re stuck for ideas, I’m happy to make suggestions so don’t be afraid to ask.
- Wear something you’re comfortable in, and can move around in. We want the shoot to be as fun as possible, and you should be able to move around comfortably in what you’re wearing. If you’re happiest in trainers and jeans, go with that! Likewise if you feel most like yourself in a dress and heels, dress right up and go for it! Just be yourself.
I don’t love being in front of the camera: What do I do at my engagement session?
- The only thing you really need to do is get close- and stay there! If ever there was an appropriate time for a little PDA this is it! Cuddle, kiss, hold hands, link arms, snuggle in tight. If you are the type of couple who like to joke around together- do it! Laughter is encouraged too (and makes for GREAT photos.)
- Nervous in front of the camera? Hate having your photo taken? Don’t worry! These sessions are relaxed, fun and very informal- I’ll give you some light directions but for the most part I’ll let you just be you. You are in love and that really is all we need to create beautiful engagement photos.
- Nervous in front of the camera? Hate having your photo taken? You can relax (I promise). These sessions are fun and informal, no awkward posing here! I’ll give you some light direction, but for the most part I’ll just let you be you and interact with each other naturally. No one likes to be formally posed (myself included) and the key here is you both being comfortable and enjoying yourselves.
- Have fun. This should be a day you look forward to, not a day you dread! Don’t spend the weeks before your session practicing the “perfect” smile in the mirror or stressing about choosing the ideal outfit. If you can let loose and just be yourselves, I’m willing to bet we can get some pretty great photos. Grab a pint or a glass of wine before the session or plan a nice meal and hang out just the two of you. If you show up relaxed, happy and in love, we’ll have a great shoot.
- Don’t overthink it. An engagement session should be relaxed and fun! The most important thing to consider isn’t your outfit or your smile or even the location you choose- it’s simply that you sit back, relax and have some fun. I’ll take care of the rest, and I promise you’ll love the results.
Looking for an engagement photographer in Scotland? I’d love to hear more about your plans, please get in touch, email me directly at hello@rhiannoneale.com or check out more information on the link below.
