Top Tips for Nailing Your Engagement Photos
So you’re planning your marriage proposal and you’re ready to pop that magical question, Congratulations! Engagement photos are incredibly special because either A) the proposal is going to be a surprise and you’re going to capture that once in a lifetime moment when your partner says yes to the rest of your life together! Or B) You’ve already asked the question and you want to document the beginning of the next steps in your relationship and have some fun before your wedding day. Either way, here are some top tips for picking the perfect engagement photographer and nailing your engagement photos!
What to wear?
It’s completely up to you and depends how you and your partner want to feel! I'd always suggest wearing something that you love and feel comfortable in as you want to enjoy the photoshoot as much as possible. But aside from that the options are endless! Clothes are a great way of expressing your personal style. Do you both like to get dressed to the nines? Do you want to colour co-ordinate your outfits for the shoot? Or are you both more focused on comfort and exploring the location, it’s completely up to you, but something worth planning.
Top Tip: Steam or iron your outfits ahead of time so they’re photo ready and looking their best. No one wants creased clothes in their engagement shoot!
Consider professional hair and makeup for your shoot
If you’re both in on the planning of the engagement shoot, it might be worth thinking about hiring a professional for hair and makeup. If you’re wanting something specific and don’t feel too confident in your own ability, or if you just want to be pampered and feel a million dollars! Photos tend to require slightly heavier makeup than your regular everyday look as well so having a professional on board will mean your look will be created with the camera and photos in mind. Many couples opt for trialing makeup make up artist, and hair accessories with their hair stylist on the engagement shoot day, to test out different looks and have a play around!
Top Tip: Don’t forget to have your nails done to your liking for the photos showing off your engagement ring. Partners! If the proposal is a surprise, maybe treat your partner to a lovely manicure beforehand so their nails look lovely and camera ready.
Pick your photographer
Your engagement photographer will most likely also be your wedding photographer so make sure it’s someone you trust and you know can encapsulate and capture the exact vision you have for your engagement and wedding photography. Spending time with them on the engagement shoot also allows you to connect and feel comfortable around your photographer which will make you feel more at ease at the wedding.
Before the shoot make sure you have a chat with your photographer, give them backstory and details of your relationship, how you met, what you like to do and maybe even think of showing a mood-board if there’s specific things you want as visual elements are always easier to interpret than words and will give the photographer an exact idea of what you want. The more the photographer learns about you the easier they’ll be able to prepare and they’ll most likely have some suggestions!
Pick the perfect location
Location plays a big role in the lighting, the backdrop and the atmosphere of any shoot so for your engagement shoot it’s important to pick somewhere amazing!
Perhaps you want a location that is meaningful and holds memories to you as a couple. Or perhaps you’re wanting to try somewhere new and exciting together like the wild moors or a beautiful beach. Wherever you pick, make sure it’s scenic, beautiful and that you both feel comfortable as location is such a defining factor.
Need some inspiration on locations? Here are 15 of the most unique and romantic spots to propose in Scotland…
Pencil in the date
Most couples usually have their engagement shoot a couple of months before the wedding, when all the excitement is starting to build. But depending on the type of photos you want, you might want to plan around a specific type of weather or time to catch a sunset or sunrise. If you’re planning for sunset or sunrise make sure you research the times and plan with your photographer to arrive at a good time to capture the perfect moment. If you are adventurous hikers who love to trek amongst the snowy hilltops, make sure you go at a time when there’s a good layer of snow and your shoot isn’t ruined by slush and mush. Consider these elements when you’re planning a proposal so that you can pick the perfect date.
But what do I do in front of the camera?
We’re not all born reality TV stars or born to be in front of the camera, so sometimes it can feel slightly nerve wracking before your engagement shoot. “What do I do with my arms? How do I stand?”... Try not to worry about it too much, your photographer will make you feel incredibly relaxed and help you get some amazing shots with lots of candid and editorials style moments in there.
Why not make a day out of it, go and get a nice brunch beforehand to relax and prepare and then plan some drinks for after, it’ll make it seem more like a fun day out and settle your nerves. Connection is key so be sure to hold hands, cuddle and if you’re really in doubt, kiss it out. Everyone loves a romantic kiss photo!
Also, if you have a furry friend, bring them! Pets are part of your family, so not only does it make the images sentimental and memorable but pets also bring out natural, loving and relaxed reactions!
Now it’s time to plan that dream wedding...