Getting Your Engagement Photos

You’ve interviewed several photographers and found the one that suits your personal style, fits into your budget and whom you like. A good way to get to know your photographer is with an engagement photo shoot. Even though you like their portfolio, you may not like how they work. What if he’s very disorganized, loses a roll of film, fumbles while changing lenses, misses the shots you want? Having an engagement photo shoot also gives your photographer the opportunity to learn about you. This will help him/her get a feel for the kind of pictures you want on your wedding day.

Your engagement photos should be a reflection of your relationship. Some of the best engagement pictures I’ve seen are of couples just having fun together. Think about your location. Go to a beach and play in the sand. Don’t be afraid to get wet! Lounge barefoot in the grass of a nearby park. Walk along railroad tracks holding hands. Play on a jungle gym. I once saw a wonderful wedding album that began with black and white engagement pictures of the couple in a parking garage. They also had black and white photos of the wedding party in the parking garage. It was pouring rain and the bride insisted on an outdoor location. Let your imagination run wild. Where was your first date? Where did he propose? You can use any significant location from your relationship to give your pictures special meaning.

Not all photographers include engagement pictures in their wedding packages. If your photographer doesn’t and you don’t want to pay too much extra, you can find a friend with a good camera and ask them to take some pictures of the two of you. Ask a photography student who will likely do it for the cost of film and processing. If you’re only looking for a picture to put in the announcements section of your paper you don’t need anything fancy. A portrait studio like Sears or Wal-Mart can take quality pictures at a reasonable price.

Whether you have your pictures done in a studio or outdoors, dress casually. Khakis or nice jeans are timeless. Try to avoid anything that will look dated. Stick with the basics; solid colors are good. Avoid busy patterns and prints. Keep your hair and makeup natural. You want people to recognize you!

Your engagement pictures will be a long lasting record of the beginning of your life together. They should capture the two of you, as you are every day.