Tips for a successful engagement shoot.
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.
When choosing what to wear, it’s important to coordinate what you wear with each other. One simple way to do that is wearing the same colors. This could be one color or several colors. Another way is having a color theme. In other words at least one color should be consistent between the two of you. And lastly is to have colors that compliment each other. One way to determine which colors work well together is going to a hardware or paint store. They often have color swatches that show you which colors work well together. You can also try wearing shades of the same color. For footwear, we recommend shoes or boots. Of course, if your wears jeans and a T-shirt, sneakers would work, but they should still match.
Also important is the background. We offer 4 basic types of studio portraits; high key, low key, scenic or abstract. 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. Scenic portrait can have a nature theme or architectural theme, like a meadow or living room interior. Abstract backgrounds come in a variety of textures and color. They may even combine colors. I lie using this type because the focus in now on you, not the background.
I like to choose your background based on the colors your wearing, but if you have a preference, please let us know. Below are samples of both studio and on-location settings.
High-Key Engagement PhotoThis engagement photo is an example of a high key photo where their clothing compliments each other.
Vanderbilt Mansion In this photo, the gardens at Vanderbilt Mansion make for a beautiful backdrop for this engagement portrait.
Scenic Studio PortraitThis portrait uses a scenic background, chosen to compliment the couples wardrobe.
Engagement Photo at Longview ParkThis engagement photo session was taken at Longview Park. A great location that overlooks the Hudson River.
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.
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 fiancé, or tell a little about who you are as a couple. 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.
When I take your engagement photos, my job is to 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
