That period between summer and the end of the year can be coined the “engagement season.” According to CNBC and Wedding Wire, one in five engagements occurs between Thanksgiving and February, with December being the most popular month. What is seen as romantic and charming timing is also convenient and rational for couples who plan to be married in the wedding season: late summer and early fall.
So, in light of that, we spoke to wedding photographers and a bride-to-be to gather their most important engagement photo tips.
Location & Timing
India Earl, traveling wedding photographer based in Utah: “Incorporate meaning into your engagement photos in some way. Sometimes that can be the spot where you first met, or where you took your first road trip together, or it is a coffee shop you go to every Sunday morning or a hike, you both love.”
Candace Moore, wedding, portrait and fashion photographer at Minerva House, based in Houston: “You want something that fits with your couple’s style. I always ask if they want something soft and rural (like a country setting) or something in the city (a downtown, industrial setting). From there, you are looking for a location that isn’t too crowded and offers a cinematic backdrop [like an empty rooftop bar or park].”
Kelli Durham, fine art and film wedding photographer based in Houston: “Timing is everything, and lighting is key. We want to make sure we schedule sessions within one-two hours prior to sunset during what we call the ‘magic hour.’ This can transform an ordinary location into something magical.”
Rachel Taylor, a wedding photographer based in Houston: “If you live together, I like to have you start the session in your home, it is kind of a more organic sort of feel. It is a good way to get to know the couple, and also serves as a way to make them feel super comfortable. Prepare for an hour and a half to two hours. Usually, 90 minutes is kind of that sweet spot where you get comfortable in front of the camera. Any more than that is a little long.”
A bride-to-be’s take:
Meghan Adams, social media coordinator and influencer at Sunday Riley: “I wanted to make sure that the venue I chose reflected my overall mood and aesthetic. I wanted something elegant, light and airy, so we chose a venue that evoked a feeling of home.”
Wardrobe
Durham: “I always advise couples to coordinate what they wear, but not be too ‘matchy-matchy.’ The goal is for the bride and groom to look as if their outfits belong together without wearing identical attire. I tell couples to wear something timeless — not something necessarily super trendy. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself, ‘In ten years, will I look at these photos and wonder what I was wearing? Solids usually photograph best. Prints often look busy (especially if there is already a lot going on in the background of the couple). We want outfits to highlight not take away from the subject.”
Ask yourself, “In ten years, will I look at these photos and wonder what I was wearing?”
Moore: “Think about what you are using your photos for. Save The Dates? Will you be displaying them at your wedding? If so, your wardrobe needs to fit with the color scheme and vibe of the wedding. Bring two outfits. A more formal option and one that is a bit more laidback. Make sure you choose pieces you feel comfortable in. If you choose classic/timeless pieces, your photos will stand the test of time. Plus, steam or iron your clothes!”
Taylor: “If you are going for dark and moody photography, do darker fabrics. But if you want a lighter and airy feel, I encourage light neutrals. But all round, flowy fabrics and dresses with chunky details or texture photograph really well. For the guys, sports coats look really nice and dress up their outfits a little more.”
A bride-to-be’s take:
Adams: “I wore a long, white, off-the-shoulder dress because I really wanted to match the venue, whose walls were dressed in whites, creams and neutrals. I wanted our engagement session to have a bridal feel, yet still feel every-day and effortless.”
Posing
Taylor: “A lot of couples when they kiss, they purse their lips in an exaggerated way. Make it a soft kiss, don’t overly purse your lips. Kiss, and then pull away slowly. As you pull away, laugh a little. Usually, it creates a really cute moment afterward, too. Also, try to incorporate movement, like walking towards me, or pretend it is cold outside and get really close to each other, or practice your first dance, so giving a little twirl. I often have my couples refer to Pinterest for inspiration, so browse the site and make a board.”
A bride-to-be’s take:
Adams: “Be yourself, be natural, and interact with your partner just as you would in real life: tell each other jokes, whisper sweet nothings in each other’s ear, and laugh. That always results in the best candid photos.”
Preparation
Durham: “Regarding makeup, if you don’t generally wear a lot, I would advise whoever is doing your makeup for your session what your preference is for style. I often have had brides complain that they didn’t feel like themselves at their session because their makeup was too heavy, or they decided to try something new the day of the shoot.”
Taylor: “Don’t go crazy with your spray-tan. Be mindful of keeping a more natural look to your skin. Even if you think you won’t need it, and if it is in your budget, I recommend booking a makeup artist, and if you can afford hair too. Also, get your nails done in a neutral color since your hands are in a lot of these photos. Additionally, make sure you eat before, especially for the guys. The last thing you want is to be hangry during the session. In the summer bring cold water and snacks.”
Moore: “Things that are super important to pack on the day of: a mirror, brush, makeup for touch-ups and water. Depending on the location and the nerves, you may start feeling a little dehydrated.”
Earl: “Bringing whatever is meaningful to you at the time will make your photos mean so much more down the road! It could also be wearing your favorite band t-shirts or bringing your dog along or shooting with your old pickup truck you both love.”
A bride-to-be’s take:
Adams: “I went through Pinterest a lot before to make sure that we got shots that we definitely wanted. I got some inspiration from a Beyoncé and Jay-Z photo where they are standing next to each other, holding hands and looking straight at the camera. That kind of gave me #bosscouple vibes.”
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