Thanks to facebook we can all stay connected with the world and whats going on it. My friends "Modern Photographers" are kind enough to post inspiring and very insightfull articles once in awhile. I know a lot of people who know exactly what they want for photos, and others who, well, frankly, don't have a clue! The tips below are very spot on. Just remember to be yourself the day of pictures and pick a location that speaks YOU!
Engagement Portraits have been around for a while, but their popularity has soared in the last couple of years. Couples love them because they get a chance to flaunt in front of the camera. Photographers love them because they provide a chance to get to know the couple before the wedding, which can help make the wedding day run much smoother. A well planned engagement session can create some amazing images to compliment the wedding album, but how should you go about planning for the session to make sure you get the most of it?
Here are some things to consider:
1. Purpose
What will you do with the images? Engagement Portraits should serve to help you announce to the world that you are getting married! Use them to show off your love for each other. Here are some ways to get the most out of your images:
- Use them for save the date cards
- Create a guest sign in book with them
- Use them as table toppers at your reception
- Post them on Facebook for everyone to see
- Create a wedding website using the images
- Put together a slideshow to display before or during your ceremony
- Order custom prints for your loved ones
- Make an announcement in the local newspaper using your favorite image
- display them at your bridal shower
2. Location
Once you have an idea of how you want to use your images, then you can plan on the type of look that you want for them. Think about your personalities, and what type of setting would best portray you in the images. Some locations to consider might be;
- Urban. Think brick buildings, graffiti, sidewalks, and overgrown abandoned buildings. The contrast of a beautiful couple in a rugged environment can really create dramatic portraits.
- Industrial. Metal doors, tin walls, chrome, and steel can add bold contrast to a playful engagement session.
- Natural. Frolic through the forest and cuddle by the water for a romantic setting.
- Home. One overlooked setting is your home! Show off your real personalities by creating images in your natural setting. Play Scrabble at the kitchen table. Bar-B-Q in the backyard. Drink Latte’s on the porch. Be yourself!
- The place where he proposed. Assuming he didn’t jet you off to Paris to ask for your hand in marriage, try visiting the location where he proposed to add some significance to the portraits (but please don’t feel the need to reenact the proposal)
3. What to where
Once you’ve figured out what you want to do with the images, you’ll have an easier time figuring out what to where. Most photographers don’t mind a change of clothes, so be sure to ask if a change will be possible. Do you want traditional looking images that are common among your friends and family (you know- the blue jean and white shirt look), or do you want to stand apart from the crowd? Generally, you want your engagement images to show off your personality, so wear something that you can flaunt in! It’s a good idea to stay away from busy patterns because they take the viewer’s eye away from your pretty face. You want everyone to see you, not just your clothes!
4. Concept
Having a concept for your session will really help things come together. Do you want fun images? Romantic images? Passionate images? Sexy images? What do you want people to think when they see your pictures? Do you want them to laugh? Do you want them to see how much in love you are with your fiance? Do you want them to see two people smiling at the camera? What emotions do you want to convey through the images? Are you daring enough to come up with a concept that would truly set your engagement images apart from those of your friends? What movies or music videos could you build a theme around? What books do you like? Pitch the ideas to your photographer, most photographers love the chance to create something out of the ordinary.
5. Choosing a photographer
If you haven’t chosen your photographer yet, consider the type of engagement portraits that you would like- then browse the engagement portfolio of all photographers on your list. Look for images that speak to you. Look for images that show off the personality of the couples in the portfolio, rather than images that just show couples smiling at the camera. Find out the reputation of any photographer you consider by a simple google search. Modern PhotographersWedding Wire and Project Wedding are also great resources to read reviews on photographers as well as other vendors. is a great place to find reputable photographers that shoot with a contemporary style. (Members of Modern Photographers must be voted in by their peers based on reputation, skill, and creativity). Wedding sites like
These five suggestions will help you create engagement images that are truly engaging! You’re in love- flaunt it!
