Friday, April 25, 2008

Budget Wedding: Engagement Photos

He popped the question and now your planning is in full swing but there is one question: Who will take your engagement photos? Before you run out and pay hundreds of dollars for a professional photographer to take your engagement photos, think of asking a friend. Who better to take your engagement pictures than a dear friend who knows the both of you and cares so much about you? Allow me to tell you about my experience and how I saved a lot of money on my engagement photos.

First, everyone has at least one friend who is artistic and who would love to take pictures. Honestly, give most people several roles of film and a halfway decent camera, and you’d be surprised at how beautiful the pictures can turn out. Ask a friend or two ( I asked my friend and his sister) if they could take your engagement pictures for you; you will probably find that they will be honored to be asked to do this. Next, think of a good location, preferably by a lake or a beach. Near sunset is a good time to take pictures so that you can get daytime shots and dusk shots (be sure to bring regular 200 or 400 speed film along with a higher speed film such as 600 or 800 for the night). You might also want to bring a roll or two of black and white film.

Second, set a date. Make it a weekend day when you both have at least four hours to dedicate to the photo shoot. And please, consider these fashion/photo tips:

1) Men shouldn’t wear any jewelry, not even a watch. Women should be super-simple with the jewelry wearing only stud earrings and no necklaces, bracelets or watches (trust me).

2) Wear calm colors such as medium or light blue, lilac, or other cool colors. White is usually a no-no but may work if you are matching each other and at the beach.

3) Your clothing style should match; don’t have him in jeans and a t-shirt and you in a formal gown. My husband and I both wore jeans and light blue shirts (his was a button down and mine was a sweater). We looked relaxed and happy in our pictures we took at the beach.

4) Forget the shoes! There is something so romantic about a couple in love with no shoes! Especially if you are in a park, by a lake, or at the beach.

5) Light on the make up! Please, just wear a tad more than usual and don’t wear dark eyeliner as I hear it makes the eyes look little.

6) Smile, play and have fun! Have your husband-to-be pick you up, hug you from behind, and walk hand-in-hand with you away from the photographer as he photographs.

7) Take the friend who did the photo shoot to dinner and call it a night!


I just know you’ll be pleased if you go this route with your engagement pictures. You may want to do it early enough in the planning so you can take more if needed. Ours came out perfect the first time and we have no regrets!!!

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