7 Tips To Have A Great Engagement Photo Shoot
If you want to get the most out of your engagement shoot, it is important to have a plan. Since you are spending your money on your photos and look forward to showing them off, you want to do every thing you can to ensure your photos will look great. For many, it is the first professional photo shoot you’ve done, so with a few tips you can be sure you’ll have everything you need to have fun and look great!
Start your day on the right foot.
If you get a good night sleep and give yourself time to get ready in the morning, you will have a natural, relaxed energy which is great for engagement shoots. Sometimes the best sunlight is early in the morning, so be prepared to have an early evening the night before if your desired setting calls for it.
Consider your make-up
Since you have already committed to getting a good night sleep and giving your self plenty of time to get ready, be sure to commit some of that time to using some makeup. Not too much, you want to show your natural beauty but enough to smooth your skin and cover any blemishes and create some color and contrast. Bringing color and/or shine to your lips can make a huge difference too. Just try to avoid using too much eye makeup. Your photographer is going to be shooting from a variety of angles so you don’t want to roll out of bed and only like how you look from one side. This may also be a good time to test your makeup artist to determine what you want for your wedding and how long it takes. Skin tone makeup (foundation) is also recommended for men if needed to cover blemishes, etc.
What to wear
It may seem obvious, but I can’t overstate that it is important to be comfortable in your clothes and your accessories. Fashion can be fun but if it hinders your day or changes your mood it’s not worth it. With that said, definitely use this as an opportunity to consider your style and fashion and maybe even match your wedding colors. Typically, the best way to approach this is to dress in layers and bring accessories that are easy to change in and out like scarves, hats, gloves, leggings, jewelry, jackets, etc. With each layer consider different pattern options and textures. Consider the scene of the shoot and colors and textures that compliment its feel. Textures and simple patterns can add character, depth and dynamic to your photos!
What not to wear
It is important to consider the life of these pictures when you consider your wardrobe. Since your style and taste will likely change over time, consider keeping things timeless. You want to be trendy, but not regret your outfit choice later. Bold colors and patterns and brand logos may be best to avoid. Also if one of you is much taller than the other consider avoiding outfits that accentuate the difference in height. So if you love your flip-flops but you are two feet shorter than your fiancée, it may be worth wearing heels or boots for the shoot. To be safe, bring a few options for shoes.
Having a bad hair day?
Depending if the engagement shoot is indoors or outdoors, winter or summer, formal or casual, there are many factors to consider in how to handle your hair. Of all the things to do, we highly suggest having options for the elements. If it’s going to be windy or rainy, we recommend you wear your hair either in an up-do, pulled back, or pinned to the side. You can even wear hats (great accessory for photos)! If it does happen to rain and the shoot must go on, umbrellas make great props and can help keep you dry and up-do’s can help hide the effect of the rain on your hair. If you prepare ahead of time and get ideas for all the possibilities, you can avoid stress the day of your shoot. This may also be a good opportunity to try out your Wedding hair stylist. It is also recommended that men use product that can help assure the weather wont affect their hair, if it is needed.
Speaking of weather
For your outfits, be sure to contemplate rain boots, hats, scarves, jackets and other accessories depending on the forecast. Galoshes, skirts, raincoats, and umbrellas can be sexy, stylish and fun to use. These photo shoots are a great time to have fun and get carried away.
Your hands may be featured.
Your photographer may want to take pictures of your ring, on and off your hand, so consider having a manicure or having your nails painted if you feel you need it. At the very least, be sure to moisturize ahead of time!
Your engagement shoot is a great opportunity to get to know your photographer and if you choose, your make up artist and hair stylist as well. With a little bit of preparation and a few ideas, your shoot is sure to be fun and productive!