Get The Most Out Of Your Engagement Shoot - Colorado Engagement Photographer

Engagement shoots are one of my favorite types of shoots. I guess couples shoot fall in this category as well, but with engagements there is the excitement of the upcoming wedding, and the fact that these photos are probably going to be used for the save the dates. 

Colorado has so many locations that I have the opportunity to use for engagement photos that I get giddy just thinking about it. 

Not everyone likes doing engagement sessions, which is understandable due to the fact that being in front of a camera can be intimidating. Most of the time it tends to be the guys that don't see the need for them, but do them because their soon to be bride is keen on having them. 

But why would a couple even need or want engagement photos? Well, there are several reasons. 

As I mentioned above, these photo are great for save the dates. (Artifact Uprising  has some really amazing options for wedding invitations, and save that dates). It's is always great to have an epic photo of you two to add to these, plus you have some extra photos to give to mom and dad, which always is a good move. 

Another reason to have engagement photos done is to be able to spend time doing something with your future spouse. Weddings are stressful, and getting ready to go and shoot engagement photos has the potential to be stressful as well. After the shoot you can look back on the shared time as moment of building intimacy between each other. 

My favorite reason for getting the engagement photos done, is that in a way it can be an interview, a trial run for you and your chosen photographer. You have the opportunity to see how they work, how they pose, and best of all you get to build a relationship with someone who is going to spend the entire wedding day with you. Once you see their photos of you and your partner, you will have complete trust in who they are and what they can do.  

There are a ton of things that you can do to make your engagement session more enjoyable. One of the main things is finding an experienced photographer. Someone that knows how to put people at easy, how to direct, and has ideas in mind. After all they are the professional. And I believe that first and foremost that it is the photographers responsibility, not the clients to ensure an enjoyable session. If the engagement session is miserable, what will the wedding day be like?

Here are some things that you can think about for your session. 

Coordinate your outfits. (maybe not cheesy matching)

Launder and iron your clothes, Photoshop won’t take out wrinkles or animal hair.

Bring props: something meaningful to you, your pet, an instrument, a hobby, sport or whatever suits you the most. 

Use it as an excuse to get professional hair and makeup or splurge on those fantastic new shoes you have been wanting. 

Now for some things to NOT do

Wear anything with big logos or lots of writing (it detracts from the two of you)

Wear exactly matching outfits (unless you’re going for the 80/90’s look)

Wearing new clothes that still have store wrinkles. 

Wear clothes that hug the wrong spots, or hang to loose.

Wear white socks that peek out of your pants, this just looks ridiculous.

Tan right before your shoot. Just Don’t. Lets leave Oompa Loompa’s out of it. 

Think about your body type as well; you know what suits you and what doesn’t. Dress for the season, especially if your engagement shoot is outdoors. 

The most important thing during your engagement shoot is to be yourself! The whole purpose of the shoot is to capture exactly who you are, and show your personalities. If you pick an outfit that just isn’t ‘you’, you’ll feel uncomfortable and that is never fun.

Also be willing to try something, get in the water, ride the bike, lay in the middle of a road (if no cars are coming). The best photos are the ones that are challenging to get. 

Check out some of my favorite engagement photos from the past years

Mention this blog post and receive $100 off your engagement session in Colorado!