PREPARING FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT SHOOT

 

Now that you know you want to have a couple's shoot, it is time to get to work!

I highly recommend booking your engagement (ALSO referenced as a couple) shoot with your wedding day photographer. Often it is more cost effective for your wedding budget and allows you to experience the professionalism and product from your photographer for the day.


1. PREPARe YOUR OUTFITS

Yes; I said outfits. I recommend preparing for two looks - Day Date/ Couple's Casual and a Formal/ Romantic Date Look. Color scheme matters so much for these looks. Incorporate complimentary wedding colors, so if you decide to use your photos for your Welcome Sign; it seamlessly will match.


2. SESSION MAINTENANCE

Photo Shoot Maintenance can cause you to be late and potentially stressed. The best results happen when you two are happy, excited and prepared. Here are a few popular session maintenance tips that will secure results:

  • If you tan or get a spray tan done on a normal basis, schedule these appointments at least a week prior.
  • Utilize your hair/makeup trial for your couple's shoot. This allows you to work with your hair and makeup stylists outside of the wedding. Building relationships with your vendors builds trust for you to have a better experience.
  • Schedule your support maintenance - nails, wax, eyebrows, facials, etc.
  • The day before or go take your engagement ring to be cleaned. Most jewelry stores will do it for free and normally online takes 10-15 minutes.
  • Treat this as a date! Continue riding this high. Don't stop it in the middle. Go out on a romantic dinner, a cigar lounge, listen to live music or all of the above. It is common for the back to back preparation can give you a tiny bit of anxiety. The shoot will feel more like work, if you don't remind yourself to incorporate the romance. 


3. CHOOSE A LOCATION FOR YOUR PHOTOS

This seems to be the last detail you think about. Please base your location on your attire and preferred vibe . Think of what brings value to the location. I recommend to communicate your vision and vibe to the photographer and/or wedding planner. Between the two resources, you will have found an amazing place. Here are some ideas that my past clients have done or that may spark your ideas:

  • A park you spent a lot of time together
  • Your favorite coffee shop
  • Local brewery/restaurant
  • Carnival/amusement park
  • Your home
  • Studio
  • Downtown
  • Food trucks
  • The farmers market
  • Vacation (destination) Hint: A great place to elope


4. PINTEREST YOUR POSES

It is time for me to share my first couple's session with my husband. It hadn't ever dawned on me that the value of a photographer is also in the direction. I am not going to tear anyone down, but I will say this. There were many disconnects throughout the shoot synergy because my husband and I were given direction that honestly made no sense. We had no idea how to show that in our body language or facial expressions.

 The most value in your photographer is their direction and vision. Isn't this why we are attracted to them for the wedding day

Because of my uncomfortable experience, I practice professionally and personally making a vision board for any photo shoot I do or assist my clients in planning. I pin photos that embody the emotion and memories I would like captured with the photographer and videographer. Because of this, they are able to recommend a proper setting and instructional direction to get the best results.

View a few Pin Boards that some of my clients use as references.

Blended Family Weddings

Engagement Couple's Shoot - Chocolate Edition

Engagement Couple's Shoot


5. BE PREPARED!

Here are some things you may need for your engagement shoot:

  • WATER! Hydrating your body is so underrated.
  • Mints – kissing is the main activity!
  • Small makeup kit for touch-ups
  • Hair kit – brush, hair ties, bobby pins, gel, and spray!
  • Garment bag for your outfit change
  • Check the weather. If there is the slightest chance of rain. Bring a clear umbrella. TIP: Ask your photographer if they may have a clear umbrella for you to use.
  • A towel or paper cloth for sweat-whatever is best for the skin. Men sweat when they are nervous.


6. THE SHOOT TIME 

What time should your engagement shoot take place? I know we are about to jump to something that seems off topic, but stick with me.

So..... LIGHTING.

The perfect light depends on your photographer's recommendation. For example, if your session will be held at an outdoor setting, direct light is sometimes not preferred. Every photographer has their own way of shooting. I recommend knowing what your Pinterest vision looks like, confirmed outfits and color scheme prior to confiding in your photographer for advice. They will ask you this information anyway.

Photos: The Bohde Collective

I hope some of our top tips help you to being prepared, calming the anxiousness and enjoying your shoot.

Until Next Time

Fancy

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