How to get your best Engagement Photos

There’s a good chance that if you’re reading this, you’ve already made the decision to take engagement photos. But it’s okay too if you’re still debating. There are several reasons why you would want to take engagement photos. That includes getting to know your wedding photographer and having images for save-the-dates and wedding invites. And the fact that you can look back on this special time in years to come too!

The thought of being in front of the camera can make taking engagement photos stressful, especially if you’re not used to it. I want to offer the advice I learned over the years to help you feel comfortable and succeed in your engagement session. Whether you are already engaged, or believe that the big question is on the horizon. Before your upcoming photo shoot, keep these things in mind, from what to wear to where to go!

Why should you take engagement photos?

An engagement shoot is an excellent way to develop a solid relationship with your wedding photographer. This is a chance for you to observe how they work. At the same time, your photographer will get a feel for you two as a couple, how you connect and how to best capture that.

While some couples are quieter and more intimate, others are energetic and goofy. The more familiar you are with your wedding photographer, the more at ease and natural you would feel on your wedding day!

Most people experience awkwardness when in front of the camera. But all these moments will be worthwhile when you have them captured as memories for years to come. Photography is my absolute passion, rest assured I am here to make you feel most comfortable all along working with me. I just love what I do and I have many tricks up my sleeve to make sure you’re at ease and you are nailing your engagement photos.

I see life as like a box of chocolates. Each couple I work with brings their own unique shine. Being able to relate to the diverse personalities and tell their stories through my photos that are particular to each and every individual makes me incredibly happy.

I think there’s a reason our paths have crossed, and I hope a significant part of that reason is that you connected with my work. We have a great start if that is the case.

Either way, before our meeting, I’ll email you a questionnaire to find out even more about you two, what matters to you, what your love language is and the little things you love most about each other are some of things that I’m curious to learn about. It’s only fair that you know who your photographer is so feel free to ask me any questions!

When to take your engagement photos

Schedule a session at least 7-10 months in advance if you intend to use the pictures for save-the-date cards, which are typically sent six to eight months before your wedding. With this, your photographer will have enough time to edit the photos. You will also still have time to design the invites! If your engagement is longer or if you won’t be using pictures on save-the-date cards, you have greater leeway.

As to the seasons, spring and autumn are ideal since you can stay away from excessive temperatures and still enjoy the lovely, colorful foliage while avoiding the sweltering heat of the summer. 

My personal favorite months for photos in Montreal are October, early November (that magical light and brown reflections), the beginning of December right after the first snowfall, and early June before it gets too hot.

Timing is a factor!

Majority of photographers will say that they prefer to take photos during the golden hour. This is the period of time between sunrise and dusk. Your images will come out soft, warm, and flattering because of the ideal amount of warmth the light delivers. The photographs have a magical and dreamy glow because of the low sun.

This doesn’t have to be the only time that you shoot for your session though! A cloudy day makes for perfectly even light and is absolutely beautiful for photos.

Blue hour, also known as dusk or dawn is another good time to take your photos. This time of day casts a cool, pastel undertone. Because the sunlight is almost close to gone, there is a blueish hue and the difference between highlights and shadows is pretty minimal.

If you are someone who wants more dramatic portraits this is the time for you! The harsh light of flash creates dramatic and glamorous photos. We also don’t have to rely on the sun so we have endless time to get just the right photo! Especially in the city with flash is a very cool vibe.

There are a variety of lighting options depending on the results you want for your images. The photographs will be unique because of you and are not only dependent on the lighting! Therefore, if the lighting isn’t precisely ideal on the day of your session, don’t worry too much.

Where to take your engagement photos

You have several options when picking the ideal location for your engagement photos. Either choose a special spot or let your photographer guide you.  If you have a specific location in mind, such as a first-date spot, a favorite coffee shop, or a neighborhood park along your preferred walking route, discuss it with the photographer first.

Look for a location that matches what both of you find most inspiring. Setting the scene for your engagement photos is essential here. When you find a location that truly inspires you, you’ll realize that taking images isn’t as intimidating as it first appears to be!

I typically advise my couples to pick a place with a different ambiance from their wedding. Therefore, if your wedding is in a rural area, consider an urban engagement. And if it is in the spring, consider a fall engagement session to capture the autumn foliage.

Discuss the ideal location with your partner and the photographer. You can decide to have the photoshoot at a location with a gorgeous backdrop or one that is significant to your love story.

In you both enjoy traveling, you and your partner may choose to have your engagement photos while on a trip. Yes, this probably means you won’t be working with your wedding photographer. But if traveling is your “thing” as a couple, there’s nothing better than engagement photos from your trip.

I have a huge community of photographers around the world! Let me know where you are going and I would love to help you find someone at your vacation spot to capture your photos.

Make it an activity

When you are busy doing something you truly enjoy, it is easier to forget that there is a camera present. Take a stroll around the neighborhood, opt for a picnic at the beach, make breakfast at home, or maybe go apple picking! I love engagement photos that are bursting with natural movement, spontaneous laughing, and sincere feelings. Nothing makes it simpler to achieve that level of candid emotions than coming up with an activity! It also helps you to bring out the best in each other. Your genuine laughter, loving gazes, and deep connection will be felt in everything you do.

What to wear?

This is perhaps the question I get asked the most when it comes to preparing an engagement photo session.

When choosing the ideal attire for an engagement photo, less is more.

For a timeless, classic aesthetic, choose soft and light colors. The most flattering colors are muted tones like beige, taupe, black, and white. Red or orange that is highly saturated or bright should be avoided since they may reflect off of your face, especially in the sun.

Despite the temptation to dress stylishly, comfort should always be a considering factor. But this doesn’t mean that you should just wear loose-fitting sweaters and yoga pants! You can still purchase a stylish new outfit, but avoid wearing it for the first time on the day of your engagement photo session. Nothing is worse than showing up for the shoot and learning that your shirt wrinkles terribly, your pants start to stretch after 30 minutes, or you just don’t like the way it appears.

You can also test your wedding-day makeup during your engagement photos. Use your engagement session as a test run with your make-up artist. It’s great to see how makeup appears in images taken by professionals. Frequently, what appears to be a lot of makeup in the mirror doesn’t appear as drastically on camera. Being able to adjust your makeup after the engagement photo shoot is important. Your special day will be flawless in this way!

Make a date out of it

Making your engagement shoot a part of an all-day date is one of the best pieces of advice. If you’re shooting during the week, take the day off work and spend it with your loved one relaxing before the shoot. After the session, why not finish up the day with a nice meal at a restaurant since you’re already dressed to the nines and look your best? To me, that sounds like a brilliant idea!

What to expect

You can count on having a great time!

Remember why you are doing this in the first place; it is not for the Instagram post, the matching outfits, or anyone else except yourself. It’s a perfect reason for spending some quality time together, strengthen your bond, and be present during this extraordinarily important period of your life.

Do not be worried if you are unsure of what to do during the photo shoot; I will guide and direct you! Looking at each other rather than at the camera is the best thing you can do. And keep moving at all times. I want you two to be fully present with one another and to be able to enjoy the time you have set aside to celebrate your love! I’ll let you know when it’s thr best moment to look into the camera, I promise. Remember that there is no one “correct” way to do anything! Just do things as you would normally do, if you like to snuggle or kiss, feel free to do it as you would naturally do it without me present. 

Even though you might sometimes feel uncomfortable in front of the camera, I have many tips and ideas up my sleeve. That feeling will vanish more quickly than you can say “cheese.” (However, I would never really urge you to say “cheese”). In order to capture moments that you’ll love forever, I want you to feel as natural and at ease as you can when you’re in front of the camera. You’ll be having so much fun that you will likely forget you’re having your picture taken while we dance, talk, walk, and laugh together.

Knowing that this is what I do all the time, you can relax, I promise, I got ya!  You just need to show up and experience the magic take place; I’ll take care of the rest.