The Do’s and Don’ts of an Engagement Photoshoot
I’m thrilled you are considering me to capture your love story! My clients feel like family, so welcome to the crew! Each relationship is unique, and together, we’ll create an engagement photoshoot that truly reflects you. Feeling nervous in front of the camera is normal, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with tips for your engagement photoshoot!
What to Expect from This Engagement Photoshoot Guide
This guide is filled with engagement photoshoot tips and info to help you plan your session and feel your best. I’m always here for you, so if you have questions or just want to chat, feel free to reach out!
These Photos Are for You
These photos are for you—not just for Instagram or save-the-dates (though you’ll get gorgeous options!). They’re about capturing your connection during this season of life.
Be Present and Enjoy
Let go of expectations, be present, and enjoy the moment. This is a safe space—just be yourselves, and your connection will shine through naturally. I’m here to capture those authentic moments.
Relax and Set the Tone
To make the most of your engagement photoshoot, unwind beforehand. Do something fun together to feel relaxed and excited when we meet.
Plan a Fun Date
Consider planning a date around the session—try a new restaurant or cozy up for a movie night. Your mood going into the shoot shapes how you feel about the photos later, so let’s keep the good vibes flowing!
Engagement Photo Tips for Couples
How to Take Engagement Photos that You Will LOVE
Location is Everything for Your Engagement Photos!
Choosing a meaningful location is key to capturing authentic engagement photos. Think about places that hold special significance for your relationship—maybe a favorite neighborhood or a spot where you’ve had memorable dates. Picking a place that reflects your regular life will make your engagement photos feel more genuine.
If you love discovering new spots, we can explore somewhere new together! Let’s find the perfect backdrop that speaks to your connection. Here are a few ideas to get ya started!
How to Not Look Awkward in Your Engagement Photos
Feeling nervous about your engagement photoshoot? It’s totally normal! Most couples feel awkward in front of the camera, but that’s where I come in. I’ll guide you through poses and ideas for your engagement photoshoot, creating natural, candid moments filled with movement, laughter, and a little PDA. Just show up, relax, and trust me. By the end, it’ll feel like a fun date night!
How to Get Good Engagement Photos
Why Styling Plays a Huge Role in a Successful Engagement Session
Styling can make or break your engagement photos! It’s not just about matching outfits but about how the colors you wear interact with your surroundings. Choosing tones that blend with your location elevates your photos and makes them stand out. For example, earthy tones in the desert will keep the focus on your connection rather than distracting patterns.
How to Select the Best Engagement Outfit Colors for Your Session
For beautiful engagement photos, I recommend neutrals—think earthy tones. Neutrals don’t just mean black, white, and gray; consider rust instead of bright red or forest green over neon. These shades keep the focus on your connection. Take a peek below to see earthy tones in action!
If you love a bright color and want to make a statement, go for it! Above all, I want you to feel like yourselves in your photos. Simple, minimal outfits often work best, so bring multiple options, and I’ll help you decide!
Be Practical with Your Outfit Choices
When planning outfits for your engagement photoshoot, ask yourself, “Would I wear this in real life?” Avoid impractical items—stick to something comfortable that reflects who you are.
Think about our shooting conditions; if we’re hiking, wear non-slip shoes for comfort. In the sand or by a lake, going barefoot often works best. If it’s cold, layer up; if it’s hot, choose breathable fabrics. Comfort is key!
Avoid bold patterns; simple prints or solid colors photograph best. If one of you wears a pattern, the other should go for a solid to keep the focus on your connection. Textures like chunky knits or vintage tees add depth without overwhelming your engagement photos.
Ditch the Cheesy Props, Keep It Personal
Props can enhance your session without being cheesy! Think of props as accessories that reflect your favorite activities. Love picnic dates? Bring a blanket and wine. Enjoy bike rides? Let’s capture that! Props like blankets, trucks, or even your pets can add a personal touch.
Accessories like hats or jewelry can also enhance your engagement photos. Bring a variety, and we’ll mix them into your session!
FAQs for Your Engagement Session: Everything You Need to Know
Planning your engagement session should be exciting and stress-free! To help, I’ve compiled some frequently asked questions to address your concerns and ensure you’re fully prepared for the big day.
What If It Rains or There’s Bad Weather?
No worries! We can reschedule if the weather turns bad, but some of my favorite engagement photos have happened in the rain! Embracing the elements can create unique images.
Do You Give Out Raw or Unedited Images?
No, editing is essential to my photography. I won’t release unedited images because I want every shot to reflect my artistic vision.
Can You Photoshop Us to Appear Thinner or Clear Up Our Skin?
I focus on capturing your true beauty. While I won’t alter your appearance, I can clear distractions in your photos.
Can We Bring Our Pet?
Absolutely, 110% YES! I love including pets in sessions. They add a personal touch and help create genuine moments. Plus, it’s always helpful to have a “helper” to manage your fur baby when you want some photos without them.
When Can We Expect Our Gallery to Be Done?
You can expect your finished gallery within 4-6 weeks after the session. I’ll work diligently to ensure you get your photos in a timely manner while maintaining quality.
Helpful Reminders for Your Engagement Photoshoot:
A few favorite locations of mine are Watson Lake and Secret Slick Rock Trail!
- If we’re hiking, wear non-slip hiking shoes for comfort and safety. Check out this blog for 4 tips to hiking near the Superstition Mountains
- Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- A backpack for extra outfits is a great idea!
- Consider a bottle of champagne to pop for celebratory photos!
- If a little drink helps you relax, feel free to bring a few of your favorite beverages.
- Don’t forget cash or a card for entrance fees if needed.
- A blanket or towel is handy for changing outfits discreetly during an adventure session.
Check out these engagement photos at Watson Lake, here!
Sneak Peeks and Final Gallery
After your session, I’ll rush home to back up and cull through your images. Expect to see some sneak peeks (5-10 images) within 72 hours! Your complete gallery will follow in 4-6 weeks. Once it’s ready, I’ll send you a link to view your gallery. From there, you can choose your favorites and order prints or save the dates directly through the gallery. If you prefer to order prints elsewhere, I recommend Mpix for high-quality prints and Minted for save-the-dates—just remember to turn off color correcting!
See more of my Arizona engagement photos on Pinterest, here!
Arizona Wedding Photographer | Kali M Photos + Film
Whether you’re seeking to infuse a non-traditional vibe into a conventionally classic wedding or crafting an entirely unprecedented way to say “I do,” you deserve more than just an ordinary photography experience. So, you deserve a destination wedding photography and videography experience as distinctive as you are, and my friend, you’ve just discovered it. Secure your date here!