How to prepare for your engagement photos

Step 1. Picking Your Photographer 

If you haven’t already picked out your photographer, this is a key step to ensuring that you will love the photos you receive. When searching, look for someone that has the editing style that you want, the photos on their feed and website are ones that you would be happy with if you received them… heck you would even print and hang them up on your wall! Check out their reviews on Facebook + Google to see what past clients say about their client experience!

Step 2. Picking the Date

Once you have your photographer locked down – figure out what time of year you want to take your photos (fall, summer, winter, spring). Hopefully you have booked your photographer well enough in advance where you have options! But consider if you want colorful browns and oranges in the background of your photos while swearing sweaters and jeans, if you want super sunny summer photos, or a white snowy backdrop. Know that you and your photography can’t control the weather. 

Step 3. Picking Location(s) + Props

Your photographer likely knows a few recommendations if you can’t think of anything and want some ideas. I always recommend finding ways to showcase your relationship in the photos: do you go grab a slice of pizza every Tuesday night together for date night? Grab a few photos there! 

Did your partner propose at that special bridge you always walk and talk on? Take photos there because it has a special meaning to your relationship! 

Do you want a park and greenery background? Mountains? City skyline? Downtown? Brainstorm ideas with your partner and check with your photographer! 

Also feel free to bring along any types of props that have a special meaning to your relationship! Have a shared hobby like skateboarding or playing music? Bring your skateboards or guitars! Bring your favorite food (pizza, ice cream, s’mores….anything!) and drink! Find more ideas here: Engagement Photo Prop Idea List

Step 4: Picking Outfits 

I always recommend bringing 2 outfits for engagement photos: one more dressy (dresses, skirts, button ups, etc.) and one more casual! OR 2 of whatever you want! What’s most important is that you feel COMFORTABLE and CONFIDENT in your clothes! Try to avoid a lot of patterns, distractions, and bright colors. Consider your scenery – if you’re doing photos on the white sandy beach you will want tan and white, or all black. If you’re surrounded by nothing but greenery – try not to blend in by wearing green and green. 

Try on the outfits TOGETHER to see if you like how you look standing next to each other. Always feel free to text me your outfits if you want help! 

(p.s. I have a Pinterest board with outfit inspiration if needed! Or scroll through Instagram!)

Step 5: Take a deep breath, spend the day together 

If you can, take the day off together. Go to your favorite coffee shop, relax, spend time together. You don’t want to be rushing last minute and not in your best element when you arrive for our time together. And remember: your photographer should know how to guide you throughout the entire shoot and let them take the wheel! 

I hope this was helpful! What questions do you have about engagement photos!?