You are engaged – congrats!!! Between all the excitement of wedding planning to dress shopping and staring at the new sparkler on your left hand (!!!), planning for your engagement session might be the last thing on your brain! And rightfully so!!! But don’t worry, I got ya covered!!! Below are five tips I’ve put together for you from my personal experience as a bride to thips I’ve learned over the years as a photographer to help you get the most out of your engagement session with your honey!
1. DON’T BE SCARED, GET COMFY.
I know, I know…getting in front of the camera is scary! Believe me, I’ve been there! And even as a photographer, I still get super nervous! My comfort zone is MOST definitely on the other side of the camera! But..I am SO glad Allan and I took engagement portraits before our wedding because it allowed us both to get comfy in front of the camera BEFORE our big day and get some of our jitters out. And, it allowed us to get to know our photographer and her style, which made us both WAY more at ease on the wedding day! So fi you can, take the time to do an engagement session and have FUN! Best part? You get a whole hour of a day to practice + perfect getting your wedding kiss and some amazing photos to boot!
1. DON’T BE SCARED, GET COMFY.
I know, I know…getting in front of the camera is scary! Believe me, I’ve been there! And even as a photographer, I still get super nervous! My comfort zone is MOST definitely on the other side of the camera! But..I am SO glad Allan and I took engagement portraits before our wedding because it allowed us both to get comfy in front of the camera BEFORE our big day and get some of our jitters out. And, it allowed us to get to know our photographer and her style, which made us both WAY more at ease on the wedding day! So fi you can, take the time to do an engagement session and have FUN! Best part? You get a whole hour of a day to practice + perfect getting your wedding kiss and some amazing photos to boot!
2. BRING TWO DIFFERENT LOOKS ALONG TO THE SESSION.
Although you definitely want to keep to your individual style, I recommend bringing along two different looks to the session. One outfit being a more relaxed and casual look, and the other being a bit on the dressier, more formal side. For gals, a more casual look can be jeans with a cute top, and your something dressier can be a flowy dress or skirt and top. If you are totally not a dress gal, then maybe consider two different tops with one being more solid and the other being a print. Or, if you are a girly girl and love dresses, then bring along maybe a shorter, flirty skirt and a longer, maxi dress for the second look. Same goes for guys…for a more casual look, jeans paired with his favorite plaid shirt is always a great start and a solid button-up can be a great second look. (Tip: The bigger the plaid print for guys, the better it photographs!)
Although you definitely want to keep to your individual style, I recommend bringing along two different looks to the session. One outfit being a more relaxed and casual look, and the other being a bit on the dressier, more formal side. For gals, a more casual look can be jeans with a cute top, and your something dressier can be a flowy dress or skirt and top. If you are totally not a dress gal, then maybe consider two different tops with one being more solid and the other being a print. Or, if you are a girly girl and love dresses, then bring along maybe a shorter, flirty skirt and a longer, maxi dress for the second look. Same goes for guys…for a more casual look, jeans paired with his favorite plaid shirt is always a great start and a solid button-up can be a great second look. (Tip: The bigger the plaid print for guys, the better it photographs!)
3. CONSIDER HAVING YOUR TRIAL HAIR AND MAKEUP DONE FOR THE SHOOT.
This isn’t a must, but its definitely one to consider! Some gals are so stinkin’ good at their hair and makeup, it practically looks professional, but I am so not one of those girls. I opted to have my trial hair and makeup done for our engagement shoot and I am so glad I did! I mean, fake lashes ALWAYS helps a girl feel a little bit glamorous, am I right?? And sometimes, having a little pro help can just add that little extra confidence to make ya feel ready for your close up!
This isn’t a must, but its definitely one to consider! Some gals are so stinkin’ good at their hair and makeup, it practically looks professional, but I am so not one of those girls. I opted to have my trial hair and makeup done for our engagement shoot and I am so glad I did! I mean, fake lashes ALWAYS helps a girl feel a little bit glamorous, am I right?? And sometimes, having a little pro help can just add that little extra confidence to make ya feel ready for your close up!
4. MAKE IT PERSONAL WITH PROPS OR A LOCATION.
I adore shoots that really showcases you individually and as a couple. Not only does it personalize your session, but it can also create a sense of comfort on the shoot too! For instance, I’ve had a couple take take their portraits on the college campus where they met. Another couple brought along a bike because the groom was an avid cyclist. The list is endless! Other suggestions may be: taking pictures where you went on your first date or a favorite place you like to go together on weekends, or bringing along a cozy blanket or a bottle of wine. Don’t hesitate to bring along anything that reflects your personality as individuals or a couple!
I adore shoots that really showcases you individually and as a couple. Not only does it personalize your session, but it can also create a sense of comfort on the shoot too! For instance, I’ve had a couple take take their portraits on the college campus where they met. Another couple brought along a bike because the groom was an avid cyclist. The list is endless! Other suggestions may be: taking pictures where you went on your first date or a favorite place you like to go together on weekends, or bringing along a cozy blanket or a bottle of wine. Don’t hesitate to bring along anything that reflects your personality as individuals or a couple!
5. RENT YOUR OUTFIT.
I remember totally stressing about what to wear for our engagement session and had no time to shop, and everything I did like was so expensive. And that’s when I discovered Rent the Runway!!! You can rent high-end dresses, tops, and even accessories without paying boo koo bucks to do so! And if you’re like me, anything that saves me time AND money is a win-win!
I remember totally stressing about what to wear for our engagement session and had no time to shop, and everything I did like was so expensive. And that’s when I discovered Rent the Runway!!! You can rent high-end dresses, tops, and even accessories without paying boo koo bucks to do so! And if you’re like me, anything that saves me time AND money is a win-win!
Hope these few tips were helpful for you! If you have more questions OR want to learn more tips, send me your questions at hello@lisadejagerphotography.com or comment below!