5 Tips for Engagment Photos + Our Engagement Pictures

Nov 08, 2017

Today’s post was highly requested from a couple of people and I apologize that I’m just now getting around to writing it. But today I’m going to be talking all about taking engagement photos! The engagement photo shoot is probably one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning leading up to your wedding. Justin and I loved ours so much that we actually did a second shoot!

Our photographer, Liza of Eliza Jane Photography is absolutely amazing and talented beyond words. Justin and I were so fortunate enough to be able to work with her twice AND book her for our wedding (she was the first thing we booked after we had a date). If you’re in the Hudson Valley/New York area I cannot recommend her enough. Not only is she an amazing photographer but she’s probably one of my absolutely most favorite people ever. So anyways, for today’s post I’m going to be sharing 5 tips for engagement photos that I learned from doing our two sessions and I’ll be sharing a few of our favorite engagement pictures!

Make sure you’re comfortable with your photographer

I cannot stress enough how critical it is that you’re comfortable around your photographer. Your engagement photo shoot should be full of fun and loving on your fiance so an uncomfortable relationship with your photographer is going to make the whole thing awkward. Photoshoots are already awkward enough if you’re not used to them. Meeting your photographer in person before hand is definitely a must so that you can get a good read on their personality and how they will be during your shoot. One of the reasons we love our photographer, Liza, so much because she makes her shoots SO much fun. We look forward to shooting with her so much that it just has us that much more excited for our wedding, which we know she is going to kill.

Look at poses and pictures of couples you love

Pinterest is your best friend, if it isn’t already. Not only is looking at engagement photos on Pinterest great for getting outfit inspiration but it’s also a great way to find poses and shots that you want to try for your own engagement shoot. I spent a lot of time on Pinterest and looking at my photographer’s other shoots with couples before each of our shoots. Getting an idea of the kinds of poses that are typical for engagement shoots really helped me to feel more comfortable and confident on the day of our shoot. You can even grab your fiance and practice a bit if you’re feeling nervous.

Don’t be afraid to tell your photographer what you want

If there is a certain type of look you’re going for for your engagement shoot, a certain pose or a certain prop you want incorporated, make sure to let your photographer know ahead of time! When you’re working with a photographer your best bet is always to make sure you communicated clearly about the desired outcome of your photoshoot. I’ve heard some serious horror stories of couples not getting what they were expecting and being completely devastated after. If you’re researching for photographers still, don’t be afraid to ask ahead critical questions to ensure you’re getting what you want out of the shoot.

Choose outfits that you and your partner feel comfortable and confident in

I cannot stress enough how important it is to make sure you and your fiance both choose outfits that you feel comfortable in. The last thing you want to feel during your photoshoot is self conscious. If you never wear dresses or hate the way you look in sleeveless tops, don’t wear these items! Choose outfits that make you feel like you could tackle the world in them and that cover up any problem areas you may think you have!

Have fun and enjoy it

People stress way too much about taking their engagement photos. It’s understandable since most people don’t have professional couple photos done before this time. However, it’s important to remember that your engagement photo shoot should be fun. You’re celebrating a super exciting time in your life with the person you love most in the world so don’t forget to enjoy it and make it fun! Have a fun dance party in the car on the way to your shoot and really soak up the whole experience.