Engagement photo sessions are the perfect time for a couple to get to know their wedding photographer, and vice versa. My approach to engagement sessions is to create a memorable experience that suits my couple, and then spend a little bit of time getting to know them. Casual, relaxed, and fun! Taking engagement or love portraits for friends and family members is also a great way to get started in the photography industry–practicing “posing” or directing couples without the high pace and energy level of a wedding day.
I shoot engagement sessions seeking to provide my couples with a variety of naturally posed, emotion-filled photos. The following guidelines are lessons I’ve learned or rules I’ve invented, which are always somewhere in my mind while shooting engagement photos.
Variety. From all my favorite sets of engagement photos, I find at least a couple of these types of photos:
wide shots where the couple appears small against the landscape (creates a sort of secluded, private feel)
close shots where the couple is interacting with one another (obvious sweetness and romance)
close shots where one or both are camera aware (for posterity and traditional display)
movement shots (fun with dancing, walking towards, away from, or past the camera, all within reason for the chosen setting)
Real joy. The key to achieving this is to help the couple to feel as comfortable as possible. Chat about how they met, what they like most about each other, and what they’re most looking forward to about celebrating their wedding day. While you’re chatting, watch their mannerisms, expressions, and natural movements. Then when it comes time to direct, you can use the looks and movements the couple does naturally to direct them into natural positions for the photos you want to deliver.
Wardrobe. Good style can really enhance a set of engagement images. If there are colors you favor over others or that compliment your style of shooting, find a way to share that information with your clients. I want my couples to wear something that they feel good in but that they’re also comfortable wearing. When they look their best, so will my photos. This can be a daunting task for a couple to choose an outfit that they love and that will also look great on film. I love to send my clients a link to my pinterest board where I’ve pinned some favorite e-session looks!
Hair and makeup. Taking the look a step above good wardrobe, recommend a hair and makeup artists who you trust. Besides making the photos beautiful with minimal retouching, having professional hair and makeup will make the bride-to-be feel even more beautiful, which brings out a lovely confidence in the photos.
Tailor the set. Don’t be afraid to ask the couple which photos they are most excited about and if they have any ideas for the photos in mind. If they want to frame them at the rehearsal dinner, then be sure to shoot plenty of “portraits.” If they’re wanting a book to use a guest book, then take a more editorial approach with more of a storyline and plenty of details. If they really want a huge canvas print, take lots of options with plenty of negative space. Variety is key, but there is no need to waste film on shots the couple doesn’t want and won’t use.
