How To Achieve The Perfect Engagement Photos
We just got discussing what to do now that you’re engaged, so hopefully we are at the point where you are brainstorming your ideas for your engagement photos! (If you haven’t, check my last blog post to see what I’m talking about!!).
When you say, “I want someone to document those authentic and natural poses!” What I’m hearing is, you’re searching for a photographer who has the confidence and ability to capture movement! Hiring a photographer who can make you feel comfortable in front of the camera and instill your confidence behind it, is just an additional kind-service to provide you.
It helps you feel more at ease, you trust this person more because of it, and they are able to bring out the best in you and your partner! When you are able to be comfortable with your photographer, it makes it that much easier to create movement in your photos, handle your nerves, and document your love story!
Of course, your photographer will still guide you and help you into getting those photos you desire! Don’t fret! Here are some tips from me to you to achieve the perfect engagement photos!
Pretend like you and your partner are in a movie! And guess what… you’re the main characters! This helps you think “Okay, maybe I can pretend to be cinematic when it comes to my movement and embrace this!” Trust me, you’ve got this!!
Get to know your photographer beforehand! When they send you a questionnaire trying to get to know you - you should be doing your research on getting to know them too! You can more than likely find stuff like this on their socials or even their website!!
I know you have inspiration, send it to me sista! I think inspiration can help you get into the mood for your photos, but please don’t think we are here to recreate the ones you see on Pinterest. Your Pinterest board is to help us get the vibes flowing, ideas spinning, and creativity flowing! Your love story is meant to be unique and let it unfold as it is meant to be!
MY BIGGEST TIP TO YOU: When your photographer gives you a prompt for your next pose - do not stop once you feel like you’ve finished! For example, you and your partner are walking away from the photographer and are meant to “just embrace each other!” That can mean, hug, kiss, spin, arm around shoulders, or all the above! Continue to do the movement until you are told to stop!
Pretend like you’re dancing! This kind of goes with what I said in #4 - be constantly moving. Unless your photographer tells you to stop and change positions - continue through the movement and do what feels right. I know, I know, you NORMALLY don’t “kiss with your teeth,” but maybe you could squeeze a little kiss in there! Or you are to be “leading your partner,” maybe you could look back at them and smile, they could pull you in for a hug from behind or even - you could take off running and drag them along!
Your photographer will be your biggest hype woman and is meant to leave you feeling encouraged and excited for your final gallery to show in your inbox.
Before your engagement photos, be sure to check these off your list!
Outfits
Pick out your outfits!! I use Pinterest and have a Pinterest board ready for you to access for any inspiration for your photos. Check it out HERE!
Try on, steam, or prep your outfits at least 5 days before your photos! In case something doesn’t “fit right,” there’s a barbecue stain on your top, or it just doesn’t match like you thought it would. Now you have time to start over!
Have your outfits set aside before the night of your photos!
Hair and Makeup
Schedule a root touch up, trim or wax 1-2 weeks prior to your engagement photos!
DO NOT, AND I REPEAT, DO NOT TRY ANYTHING NEW FOR THIS APPOINTMENT(S)! Don’t chop your hair off, don’t bleach your hair from being a dark-brunette to blonde. You can experiment later, but let’s not go too crazy for these just yet! I don’t want you to try something new, to just end up regretting it later on.
If you are hiring someone to do your hair and makeup for your photos, set up a trial run!!! This could even be the same person you are hiring for your wedding day! (P.S. that also gives you an advantage to truly trust and love who you are working with!).
Ring/Jewelry Cleaning
Make sure your ring fits and is cleaned!!
Self Care
HYDRATE! This helps your skin, mood, and overall your health! Prioritize it this season, let it set you up for the ultimate success in your health journey!
HYGIENE! It is second nature to us, yet sometimes when we get stressed, everything can go array. Pimple patches work wonders leading up to an event, a face mask can help you relax after a long day, and a mimosa-a-day keeps the doctor away! LOL!
I hope this helps, enjoy!
If you have any questions or additional topics, you can email me at madiegphotography@gmail.com with the subject titled “Anonymous Question/Topic” and I will help you out as best as I can!
