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Not everyone is a cameras dream, like these guys. They were absolutely beaming from morning to night and seemed very comfortable in front of the camera, but that is not the same for everyone.
The thought of being in front of a camera can be intimidating or even a frightening prospect if you aren’t used to having your picture taken, especially with a professional.
With engagement photo shoots, whether you think you are photogenic or not, or, you are not sure how to look or pose on camera you’ll have a professional to guide you every step of the way!
The key for these photos is for them to appear as natural as possible but in a sleeker and more refined way and to show the love you both share.
No doubt these will be photos that you will cherish years down the line. You may even be considering breaking the news of your engagement in this way! Yesterday we shared a blog on the 5 reasons we think having a photoshoot will be beneficial for you. Take a look here.
Having an engagement photo shoot really helps couples who may not be the most comfortable having their photograph taken, it exposes you to what it’s likely to be like on the wedding day meaning with a bit of luck and a friendly photographer, you’ll be totally relaxed come your wedding day.
Today we share our top tips to ensure you look your best and can be confident in front of the camera for your engagement shoot.
Be you, Be comfortable
Talking openly about your fears and worries with your photographer is great for you to get to know and be comfortable with the photographer. Your photographer wants you to love your photographs and will be happy to discuss any fears you have and tailor their style to your needs and comfort levels.
The more relaxed and chilled you can be around your photographer, the better your engagement photos will turn out and wearing clothing that feels like you will help bring across your true self. You will want to select clothing that will look nice and fits your body, looks great on camera but most importantly that is very much…..you! The clothing you wear for your shoot should have some consideration on the location and mood too.
Compliment each others choices, but don’t clash
Having both you and your partner wearing matching outfits, or the same colour isn’t as cute as you may think, and sometimes it just doesn’t translate well on camera, unless you are thinking of wearing Christmas jumpers! However at your engagement shoot it’s likely you’ll be taking a different approach.
Bold and striking colours like a neon green or orange and big patterns or other distracting clothing aren’t ideal, so opting for more neutral colours is a better approach. The focus on your pictures will be on how happy you both are but looking your best certainly helps.
Considering a colour scheme prior to your shoot is helpful for you to consider what colours work together and will translate well. Consider where you’ll be having your pictures too – if it’s in a park around wintertime you’ll probably look out of place in a cocktail dress!
Similarly having pictures done in a professional studio with a white background, you may want to consider steering clear of white so as not to blend too much into the background. Your photographer will be happy to give some suggestion and show you past engagement shoots for inspiration.
Finally check out Pinterest – there will be lots of couple inspiration there. And yes, feel free to steer clear of matching outfit’s….David and Victoria is so 90’s!
Timeless over some fad trend
This is a great tip for your wedding theme and photos too. These are memories and pictures you are going to look back on in years to come and so try and steer clear of items of clothing and looks that are in trend. When you pick out clothing that is timeless you’ll ensure that even in 10 or 20 years you pictures aren’t dated. Fads come and go so be sure pick out clothing that is well fitting and not particularly trend heavy and it will always look classic. Although inevitably you want to be uniquely you!
Create some interest and intrigue
When it comes down to the engagement photos having an outfit that you can work with, can do wonders and having detailing and textures is perfect for creating more depth to the images taken. Incorporating textures such as faux fur and leather. As well as incorporating items such as scarfs, hats, gloves and other accessories can help elevate the photographs. It also means that you can get a few looks on the day – pictures with your jacket on, jacket off, more cosy pictures with your hats and scarves and then it looks like a completely new shoot when you remove those layers. Don’t go too overboard with the accessories and make sure they don’t clash.
Outfits and Style Direction
Wondering how many outfits you need or what types of clothing you should possibly wear? Ask your photographer. It’s likely they have you booked for a set amount of time and will know how best to utilise that time and where you can get changed. You don’t want to eat into your photography time by getting changed too many times. My advice is to have two different outfits planned out and one more for back up, just in case.
Having your hair and make up done can be a great treat to have before your big shoot and gets you ready to go through that treatment again on your wedding day. Your engagement ring is going to be pictured a lot – so treat yourself to a manicure so you can show it off with confidence.
Have fun!
Finally, and most importantly, trust your photographer! This is your photo shoot, and it is a time to have fun, let loose and enjoy the moment. Really believing that you are about to have a good time will come across on camera!
Are you considering having an engagement photo shoot? If so where? I'm sure our readers will love to hear how that went for you.