How to Prepare for your Engagement Photos

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At first look, engagement photography looks like it's only about striking a pose, but it’s much more than that! Having a session is the perfect opportunity for you to tell your unique love story the way you see fit. So, how do Engagement Photographers do it?

Catching the unique and rare moments between couples is what we photographers find the most challenging. It takes a lot of preparation to ensure the couple feels relaxed. That way, the love spark is not only seen but also felt in the photos and videos.

With that in mind, we’ve prepared a guide for all you soon-to-be-weds wondering how to prepare for engagement photos. The process may seem challenging at first, but by taking the necessary steps, you’re in for a romantic and incredibly exciting engagement photography session!

Setting the Scene

The first thing we do is set the scene for the engagement photoshoot. Don’t rush it - take some time when selecting the ideal location and timing for your engagement photography. These shoots aim to craft a visual narrative that mirrors the unique essence of your connection. Once we agree on the session dates, you'll have to join forces with your fiancée and brainstorm ideas for the perfect location. 

Of course, we can provide some ideas, but it’s always better if the couple finds a place that's special to them. Choosing a location with sentimental value is priceless. We urge you to think in terms of your first date, the spot where you first kissed, a favorite childhood spot, and so on. 

While doing this, envisage the vibe you want to go with – an urban jungle, natural and scenic landscape, or maybe you fancy a timeless historic venue. We believe these contribute distinct visual elements, adding depth and context to the captured moments.

Thoughtful planning and coordination ensure that the chosen location and time align seamlessly. This results in a visually compelling and context-rich engagement photography experience. 

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Tip: If you want to keep the engagement shoot within budget, Sidpix offers a Combo Package that includes both the Videography and Photography packages. Simply put, you’ll get to relive this milestone forever! 

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Don't Be Late

Being punctual is a key engagement session tip. Shooting the first two hours after sunrise or just before sunset is ideal for avoiding harsh shadows. Hence, you'll understand when we say punctuality is crucial; after all, the sun works on the clock and won't wait for us. We know getting up in the break of dawn can be backbreaking for some, especially if you are not a morning person. Then ask yourself this: Will watching the sun rise above the horizon with the love of your life get you out of bed? 

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If we don't catch the exact timing at sunrise or sunset, we risk rescheduling the shoot. Why? Because as the day grows, the sun intensifies, and as it gets darker, we lose the light. But you don’t have to think about this. Let us worry about the lighting – you only need to be on time. 

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And one more tip: if you had your first kiss in a secluded, darker place (for example, a movie theater), beware that shooting there means your photos will be moodier and with harsher shadows. 

Dressing Up for the Occasion

A general rule for selecting the wardrobe for engagement photography is to wear something comfortable that looks flattering on camera. Adjust your wardrobe to the location where the shoot takes place. Taking your photos is all about moving around, so you might want to rethink wearing high heels in a natural setting. 

Moreover, you don't have to be all matchy with your outfits, but make it look like you are both going to the same place. It will look kind of weird if your fiancée is rocking denim and flannel and you are all dressed up for a fancy dinner. 

This is also the perfect time to talk to your makeup artist and hair stylist and test your wedding day look. Schedule your makeup and hair trial session and see what you look like in engagement photos before your wedding day. We recommend sticking to a soft and natural look that looks perfect in both photos and videos or going as bold as possible! It’s your engagement photography session, so curate it any way you like!

Of course, don't forget about getting your manicure. Yes, people will look at your nails when your Texas engagement photographer takes a shot of that bling you are wearing! Plus, the shoot is also an excuse to test the nail color you want to wear on your wedding day. 

Tip: If you only require photos and no videos of your engagement, then you can't go wrong with the Sidpix Photography Package. We offer up to 10 hours of photography and personal assistance throughout the photoshoot planning.

Make That Bling Shine

What good is an engagement shoot if we don't get a close-up of that rock on your finger? In all the excitement, many brides may forget to clean the ring and make the jewel really shine. Trust us, it does make a difference when we do a close-up photo of your ring during the engagement session.

All you need to do is give it a quick scrub at home. Soak the ring in a mixture of warm water and dishwashing soap, and use a soft brush to scrub the stone gently. Once you are done, rinse it and dry it well. If you are afraid you may damage the stone, then simply take it to your jeweler and get it professionally cleaned.

Strike a Pose

We use engagement photography sessions to get couples to become comfortable in front of the camera. This also includes getting comfortable with having us around and understanding the instructions we give you for a certain pose. But, at the end of the day, it's not about the pose as much as it’s about you being 100% yourself and having fun. 

Our job as Texas engagement photographers is to guide you through the process and keep you as laid-back as possible. We practically ensure everything is in order – all you need to do is relax and enjoy yourselves. Since having fun means you’ll be more carefree and live in the moment, your poses will look very natural; this, for us, is the best way to capture stunning and wonderful memories. 

The key trick in engagement photography that we use with couples is humor. A well-timed joke that will make you laugh may seem awkward to you, but it's what we're looking for to capture that one moment in a photo or video! Fake and forced emotions are easily spotted, so if we ask you to tickle your fiancée, we want you to interact with each other and forget we're there. 

Tip: Don't spend money on endless, low-quality videos. Sidpix goes all-in on providing high-quality video footage for the best (and, at the same time, lowest) price. Our Videography Package covers drone footage, social media reels, and even a half-hour video highlight story.

Pack for the Occasion

You don’t want to get to the shoot and remember you’ve forgotten something. As we said, time is key here to get the best lighting. So, ensure your engagement session bag is well-prepared with the following essentials:

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• Extra outfits, especially if you anticipate wardrobe changes during the session.
• Comfortable flats or flip-flops for ease of movement between different photo locations.
• Makeup for quick touch-ups to maintain a polished appearance.
• A refreshing bottle of water is essential if we are shooting in the summer heat.
• A coat or cover-up to stay warm when the weather is cooler.
• Cash for parking fees, if applicable to your chosen location.
• A personal touch, such as flowers, a bottle of champagne, or a cozy blanket, adds a unique and personalized flair to your photoshoot experience.

Personalize It With Props

The purpose of using props during your engagement photography is to create personalized images. We recommend couples use props that showcase their personalities, hobbies, and talents – things that are meaningful to them.

We always recommend props that define your relationship. For instance, if your fiancée plays the guitar, grab the instrument and bring it with you – we'll find a way to incorporate it into your engagement photos. We also advise that you tailor your prop selection to the ambiance of your engagement session. 

That being said, avoid overwhelming the session with an excess of props. A thoughtful selection that resonates with your uniqueness will enhance the visual narrative but should not overshadow the essence of your engagement story.

Include Your Furry Friend in Your Story

Many couples we've worked with choose to include their furry friends in the engagement session. We support the idea because we feel it adds an adorable touch to your photos. If you are going for this, pick a pet-friendly location and bring along a friend to take care of your pet or take them home. As much as you love your pets, they can not be in every single photo.

Now, remember, your pet will also need grooming to prepare them for the shoot. It's always good to exercise the pet before the shoot so they won’t be restless. Also, ensure that you have some of their favorite treats nearby.

Have a Post-session Date Night

Since you got all dressed up for your engagement photography, why not go on a date night when the session is over? Once the camera stops clicking, you can relax and pick a fun post-session date night spot. Make a reservation at your favorite restaurant, or maybe try a new spot that will become your new favorite place where you'll celebrate your love for years to come. 

Post-session date nights are a great way to end a fruitful day and recap the special moments. Trust us – you'll have lots of fun going through some of the fun moments of the photo session. 

Get Some Rest

A big no-no is coming to an engagement photo session tired and with visible dark circles under your eyes. No grooming will cover the overall look of exhaustion nor will the editing.  

Yes, it's easier said than done, but try to be as relaxed as possible. We always recommend drinking lots of water and getting your beauty sleep the week before the shoot. As previously mentioned, be aware that the camera closely captures every state and shows everything clearly in photos and videos.

What to Expect From Your Photographer

Not all of us are fans of staged engagement photos, so expect a lot of action. We advise couples to move around, get handsy, kiss, flirt, joke, laugh – basically do everything people in that head-over-heels love usually do. 

Have a Blast!

So, there you have it, lovebirds! We touched on all the points you should consider when preparing for engagement photography. From choosing the perfect outfits to scouting dreamy locations, it's all about creating a visual tale that screams you.

Remember, it's not just about the photos or videos but about capturing the laughter, the stolen glances, and the crazy, beautiful love you share. And don't forget to have a blast! Let your personality shine, embrace the creative chaos, and turn your engagement shoot into a memory as unique as your love story. 

And how can you do that? Only if you stick with professional Texas engagement photographers! Use this engagement photography preparation guide as your trusty roadmap to turn those pre-shoot jitters into pure magic. 

Here at Sidpix, we have loads of things lined up for you. Just give us your name and personal email, and we’ll ensure you’re among the first to know about all the valuable and inspirational blogs coming your way. If you wish for us to capture your story, feel free to schedule an appointment!

For now, we’ll leave you with this: cheers to the journey ahead, filled with love, laughter, and frame-worthy moments!