Recently Engaged? 10 Tips To Prepare For Your Engagement Photos
Engagement Photo Tips for Couples
Whoo-hoo! Congratulations on getting engaged! You’re probably too excited to sit still or focus on anything other than the ring on your finger (or your partner’s) ...and I don’t blame you.
I’m just as excited as you are!
But if you already had some time to relax from the celebratory ‘oohs and ahhs’, then you are likely on the road to planning your wedding day. If that’s the case, don’t forget to book an engagement session!
Why Are Engagement Photos Important?
Whether you’re planning to have a traditional wedding or choosing to elope, having your engagement photos taken is significant not only for the opportunity to capture the pre-marriage excitement but also to get you comfortable in front of the camera before the big day.
Booking a wedding or elopement photographer is one of the most important steps to take when planning your special day so if you book the same one for your engagement photoshoot, you’ll be a step closer to being done!
The cool thing is that most elopement photographers offer a complimentary engagement session with their packages and they do it with the intention to connect with you.
When to Get Engagement Photos Done?
If you’re looking to use your engagement photos for your ‘Save The Date’ cards or your wedding invitations, it’s advised that you have them taken at least 8-12 months before your wedding day.
But if you’re just keeping these photos as memories to create an album or a signing book for your guests, you can have them done (at minimum) 2 months before the big day so you’ll receive them back from the photographer just in time to order physical prints!
Another thing to keep in mind is the weather.
The months with the best weather to have your engagement photoshoot are during Spring and Fall. These are perfect for mild weather and colorful landscapes. If you choose to have it during Winter or Summer, it’s best to prepare by choosing the right outfits and picking locations that are accessible.
Always ask your photographer for their input. They will have the best tips for helping you choose when to book your engagement session.
10 Useful Reminders For Your Engagement Photos
If you’re ready to begin the engagement photographer search, let’s talk about 10 things you’ll need to do to prepare for your engagement photos:
1) THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU’LL USE YOUR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS FOR
In the age of digital albums, it’s easy to forget what to do with your engagement photos. So before you book your session, think about it, what would you like to do with them?
Whatever your plan is, share it with your photographer. This will help them understand what you’re expecting in terms of print quality and they can further assist you to get the best physical products.
A few ideas on what you could use your engagement photos for are:
Save The Dates or Engagement announcements
Posters for your wedding day reception
Guest books for signing
Personal album for your coffee table
Parents’ albums as gifts
Gallery wall art in frames or canvas
2) TREAT YOUR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOSHOOT LIKE A FUN DATE
You’re recently engaged so what better way to kick-off the celebrations than with an engagement photoshoot as a date?!
To have a great experience, both you and your partner need to be 100% involved. This means that you both need to show up excited about taking photos together—I know it’s easier said than done but an engagement session is not something you can easily re-do (unless you don’t mind spending more money on it)!
So if you’re feeling apprehensive about getting through this session, treat it like a date and make a plan. Find something you’ve done on previous dates that you both enjoyed together and schedule to do it before or after you get the engagement photos taken.
The goal is to get you both in a great mood so that your photographer can capture your love story at its most natural state.
3) BOOK MAKEUP, HAIR, OR NAIL APPOINTMENTS IN ADVANCE
Many clients skip the beauty appointments because they feel that engagement photos are not like wedding photos— it’s not all high stakes where everything needs to be ‘all out’. Plus, you might think Photoshop will do the trick but this isn’t the case at all.
Keep in mind that the focus will be on your hands and your face! So, I’m here to remind you that your engagement celebration is a one-time deal and if you can go all out, you should! This is a very special date so why not pamper yourself?
Book your hair and nail appointments (for both of you) and even a make-up appointment if either of you wants it done professionally.
If you prefer to skip the professional work altogether, then give yourself time to practice at home several times before your session.
Pro Tip: Do you like to tan? If so, always book your appointment at a professional salon at least 2 weeks before your engagement photoshoot. I highly suggest you get it done by a reputable salon but if you are set on doing it yourself, start practicing today!
4) CHOOSE THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOU
If you’re starting the search for a photographer for your intimate wedding or elopement day, there are certain things you should look for to make sure they’re the right fit for you. But additionally, you should look for one that offers an engagement session included in their packages.
It’s possible that your favorite elopement photographer may offer it as an add-on instead, which means you’ll have to pay more for it. But keep in mind that using the same photographer for your engagement photos and your wedding day takes away the stress from having to do the search process twice!
Choosing the right photographer for your engagement session includes finding one that is close to you or local to the area you want the photos at. This will make it easier to set a date and location that works for all of you.
As a photographer myself, I highly advise you don’t skip getting your engagement photos taken because this is an experience for you to be in front of the lens, but also to see how well your chosen photographer works with your vision.
So pay close attention to your wants and needs. Do you prefer a photographer that gives you detailed direction on how to pose? Or, perhaps just “follow” you around taking candids? How about personality? Do you want an outgoing or calm presence? These are some things to think about when choosing the right photographer for you.
ENGAGEMENT PHOTO INSPIRATION: Where to Take Your Engagement Photos in California | Yosemite Lake Engagement Session | Saratoga Springs Engagement Photos
5) ASK TO MEET FACE-TO-FACE WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
Once you’ve contacted your favorite photographers, get on a video call with them!
Doing this (what they call a ‘consultation’) will help with the deciding factors of who you’ll hire to capture your engagement photos. You’ll not only be able to ask and answer any detailed questions you have but also get to see how the photographers interact with you!
One thing to note is that not every photographer is for you, and vice-versa, you are not for every photographer.
Let me explain.
Communicating via email or text is very different from doing so through video or in-person. While written messages can convey friendliness and openness, it’s body language and visual interaction that solidifies a good match.
In the end, you truly need to work with someone that you’re excited about and, just as well, that they are excited to work with YOU!
6) PICK YOUR FAVORITE LOCATION(S) FOR YOUR SESSION
To commemorate this moment, you will want to choose your favorite locations for your engagement photos. Think about places that have meaning to you both like the place where you went for your first date or where the engagement happened!
If you have too many places in mind, write up a list. Then with your partner you can pick your top 2-3 favorites.
If those locations happen to be close by, it’s possible your photographer will be open to meeting you at those locations but be aware that some of them charge an extra fee for each added location.
Pro Tip: Have no location in mind? Ask your photographer! They most likely have a bucketlist of locations where they’d love to photograph you so you don’t have to struggle to pick one all on your own.
7) SHARE YOUR IDEAS WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
Getting engaged is a dream—I'm sure you’re seeing all kinds of videos and photos that motivate you to document this sweet milestone too. Save a few of those and share them with your photographer!
To keep it all organized, you can create a Pinterest board and send them an invite to join. By using a board, you can let them know what kind of poses you’d like to use as inspiration. This is such a great way to get your vision across!
If you don’t really want to go through this step, you could also work with your photographer so they can do this for you. Again, they may have the best tips for your engagement photos so it really pays to follow their advice.
8) BE AN OPEN BOOK THROUGH THE PROCESS
This is one of the reasons you need to take the time to choose the right photographer. You need to feel comfortable enough to be open and communicative with them.
During your consultations or follow-ups, let them guide you through the process of the photoshoot since they should be able to help you feel safe and welcome. But don't forget to also let them know your concerns and ask them questions!
If you’re worried about the weather, ask if they can find a backup location or an alternate date; If you’re concerned about being in front of the camera, let them know why. This will allow your photographer to prepare a plan that will reassure you things will work out. You’ll seriously feel more comfortable this way.
Lastly, be understanding of your photographer’s input. They want to do whatever it takes to make your vision come true but don’t forget they do this for a living. If they provide feedback or suggestions that is not what you envisioned, seriously consider them because they might know what will work and won’t work for your engagement session.
9) COORDINATE YOUR OUTFITS
Take the time to coordinate your outfits in advance so you’re not stressing to put things together at the last minute.
Rushing on these decisions may leave you unsatisfied with your images – which can’t easily be redone!
So come up with 2 outfits for you and 2 outfits for your partner. If you feel up to it, splurge on this and make it a date night. After you’re back home, sip on some wine or tea while you try them on and put on a show for each other!
Take a picture wearing the outfits and if you’re comfortable with the idea, share those with your photographer so they can give you pointers too. They’ll know how to work with your color palette and let you know if your outfits will work well with the chosen location.
10) PRIORITIZE SOME SELF-CARE THE NIGHT BEFORE
To help you feel your best on the day of your engagement photos, take the night before off from commitments so you can practice self-care to relax.
Seriously, take the night off to simply do nothing other than pampering yourself!
Some things you can try? Your usual relaxing bath or a homemade facial you’ve done before. Be careful not to try new or harsh lotions on your skin as you want to avoid rashes. Also, don’t forget to drink water as well to help the skin stay hydrated.
If you want to go even further, treat your partner to a massage and sip on some tea before you prepare to sleep for the night!
Did you find this post helpful? Share it with all your recently-engaged friends!
Hello, I’m Sara!
I hope this post gives you clarity, fresh ideas, or at least one solid next step as you plan your day.
If you’re newly engaged or already knee-deep in decisions, I’m genuinely so excited for you! This season goes by quickly, and it deserves to feel thoughtful instead of overwhelming 🤍
I’m here to help with that.
I’m always happy to chat through ideas, look at beautiful places, shape a plan that feels grounded and realistic, and make sure the timeline flows easily.
And when your special day arrives, I’ll guide you when you need it, step back when you don’t, and photograph whatever unfolds naturally.
Just know that you don’t have to figure it all out on your own!
