Tips for a successful engagement shoot.

An engagement photo shoot is a great way to celebrate your engagement, and your upcoming wedding.  It’s a way of telling the world, “I’m getting married”.  So how can you make the most of your engagement shoot?  There are several important factors: location, clothing, and props.

For location, you will 1st need to decide if you want a studio photo session, or have your session on location. If in studio, then clothing is critical. So you will want to coordinate what you wear to match or compliment each other. 

We offer 3 basic types of studio portraits; high key, low key or traditional. With high-key photography, a bright background, usually white, is used, creating a more contemporary feel to the session. With low-key photography, it's the opposite, using a solid black backdrop, creating a more dramatic portrait, while the tradition photo session may use a neutral colored backdrop, often with canvas or muslin backdrops.  

  High-Key Engagement PhotoThis engagement photo is an example of a high key photo where their clothing compliments each other.   Low Key Engagement PhotoThis engagement photo is an example of a low key photo with the couple wearing all black, creating a very dramatic portrait.

If your engagement photo session is on location, like a park or garden, then you'll need to think about scenery that incorporates your personality.    Do you like the country or the city. Do you like the water, or hiking in the mountains.  Do you want a location with a rustic feel, or a location with a beautiful garden.    

Vanderbilt Mansion In this photo, the gardens at Vanderbilt Mansion make for a beautiful backdrop for this engagement portrait.

Longview ParkLongview Park is a great location that overlooks the Hudson River.

In choosing what to wear, the old saying is true, that less is more.  In other words, keep it simple.  

For clothing tips, we recommend solid colors. Try to avoid anything with a lot of patterns. ( ie stripes and polka dots) or logos. When your photo shoot is outdoors, neutral colors work well, like browns, blues, tans ect… But it does depend on the season.  For example, warm colors in the fall,( think autumn leaves) cool colors in the winter, and more vibrant colors in the spring and summer.  If you can, new is better than used. (A good excuse to go shopping) Avoid sneakers and white or bright socks. Try to coordinate your clothing by wearing the same color, shades of the same color, or colors that compliment each other. (see example photos below) A tip for choosing a color scheme is to go to a paint store, and look at their color swatches that  show you what colors go together. (You can also Google it)  For footwear, we recommend shoes or boots. 

Also, try to match what you wear with the time of year. So sweater and jackets for the cooler months in Fall and Winter. And dresses, jeans and shorts for spring and summer.  Colors should also match with the season. Cool colors in the winter like whites, blues, and grey's, warm colors in the fall, like browns, burgundy's, and deep oranges. Bright colors in spring and summer, using yellows, reds, and purples (think flowers).
 

Locust GroveAn example of a Fall engagement photo. Here the couple is wearing sweaters of olive green and tan the match each other, as well as blue jeans with brown boots and shoes.
It’s always fun to bring props to your photo shoot.  What are props you may ask?  Props are personal items that somehow speak to your relationship with your fiance; or tell a little about who you are.  It can something as small as sunglasses because you like to go to the beach, or something as big as a fire truck, because your in the fire department.  Maybe you like sports, so you could bring a football, or even wear a baseball jersey.  Often times, couples will bring chalkboards or create signs that may have a love quote, or a fun saying. Contact us if you need suggestions.  With props you can really make the session your own.

Fireman's Engagement Photo.An example of an engagement photo with a firetruck as the prop, along with the fireman's gear to really make it authentic.

Engagement photo with "I said yes" signA example the an engagement photo using an "I said yes" sign as a prop for their portrait.

One extra tip.  Choose the right photographer.   Whether we take your engagement photos, or your wedding photos, we’ll help create an atmosphere for you to have fun, and to enjoy the experience, as well as the photos.  I hope this photography blog helps you when you plan for your engagement photos.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. 

We congratulate you on your engagement. I hope and pray you'll have many years of happiness, as you begin your lives together.

Thank you.                                                                                                                                                                                                          Myles C Pinkney - Photographer