How to Have Great Engagement Photos

While they weren’t always considered a necessity, getting engagement photos taken has become an increasingly popular milestone on the road to getting married. There are a variety of reasons a couple might choose to take part in an engagement session: the photos can be used for save the dates and the wedding website, it’s a chance to make sure the photographer is the right choice for your nuptials, and it gives you more time to get used to being in front of the camera. However, even if you’re considering it a bit of a trial run before the main event, you’ll still want the photos that come from your engagement session to look as good as possible. 

With that in mind, here are some tips for getting engagement photos taken.

Choosing Your Outfits
Your engagement shoot can be as formal or casual as you’d like. The important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident. You and your future spouse don’t have to match, but the colors and patterns should complement each other and you should be dressed up – or down – at the same level. 

Embrace Candid Moments
Unless you’re a professional model or actor, trying to force a lovey-dovey moment where you gaze into each other’s eyes is likely to come across stilted. Instead, relax and enjoy one another. Trust the instructions of the photographer, but also see if you can forget there is a camera in front of you and just be together. 

Know Your Angles 
Before you do start the session, look back at photos of you. Which poses do you feel you look the best in? Is there an angle that is particularly flattering for your face? Don’t just recreate these same poses for every shot, but keep that in mind and sprinkle them in. Chances are, those will be the best of the bunch, especially when it comes to the posed pictures.  

Discover what you don't want to see in your wedding photos and get expert advice from a professional photographer.