10 Things You Need to Know Before Taking Engagement Photos

How to get the perfect shot.

By: Jen Glantz

Related To:

Shop This Look

Photo By: martin-dm

Photo By: Toru-Sanogawa

Photo By: NicoElNino

Photo By: Cavan Images

Photo By: MarioGuti

Photo By: Ezra Bailey

Photo By: milindri

Photo By: Shoko Shimabukuro

Photo By: JovanaT

Photo By: Mypurgatoryyears

Photo By: sarote pruksachat

Engagement Photo Tips from an Expert

Getting ready for your engagement photoshoot can bring both pure excitement and jittery nerves. It’s an opportunity to pose with your fiancé for photos that will be shared for many years to come. But, before you book a photographer and head to the location of your choice, be sure to think through a list of important decisions that may impact how and when you take your photos.

Know Your Color Scheme

Deciding on your wedding color scheme might be something you do months after getting engaged but knowing your options can help you incorporate those shades into your photoshoot–whether it’s in the background or your outfits. You can also share your colors with the photographer to see if they’d suggest a specific filter that can really help blend in with your overall wedding aesthetic.

Decide on Multiple Locations

Your engagement photoshoot might end up being longer than you expected, especially if you want to have a selection of photos to pick from. To help give you options, utilize different locations and backdrops. For example, you could pick a beach with a local park or funky colored wall nearby. That way, you can have a collection of photos that make it seem like you had multiple photoshoots for your engagement.

Bring At least Three Outfit Options

Can’t decide on what to wear? Bring a few different outfit options with you. This will ensure that you have a collection of different looks. Pick outfits that fit the overall vibe of what you’ll use the photos for.

Research Poses Ahead of Time

Come to the engagement shoot prepared. Browse Pinterest and Instagram for ideas of fun poses that you want to try. This will help your time with the photographer go smoothly and will make the whole thing feel less stressful.

It’s Best to Do a Practice Session

Since posing in front of a professional camera might not be something you do often, practice at home before the real deal. Though it may feel silly, practice your facial expressions and posing together. It will make the photoshoot feel more natural and a whole lot less awkward.

Understand Where You’ll Use These Photos

Have a strategy planned ahead of time for how you’ll use these photos. Do you plan to incorporate them as décor in your wedding? Do you want to use them for the save-the-date cards or thank you cards? Are you interested in using some for your website? Once you know all the uses, you can plan out your poses, locations and outfits more precisely.

Have a Backup Plan Ready

If you plan to do an outdoor shoot and the weather doesn’t hold up, have a backup location ready. This will also come in handy if you get to your dream location and realize it’s just not feeling or looking right. Even have a backup plan ready for windy or sunny days when your hair and makeup might get a little messy.

Pick What Props You Want

One way to make your photos stand out is with props. Consider bringing signs that say “we’re engaged” with you to add some extra pizazz to your photos. You might even want to bring other items that represent you and your fiancé, like sports team memorabilia, your dog or even flowers that you adore.

Find a Way to Curb the Stress

Plan how you’ll handle the day if it gets stressful. It can be tiring to pose for photos and move around to multiple locations. Add in breaks throughout the day and remember to pack water and snacks.

Agree on All Terms with Your Photographer Beforehand

Chat with your photographer beforehand to make sure everything is set and ready to go. Have a firm understanding of the contract and how you’ll receive the photos afterward. Do you get access to them all, even the unedited ones? Are you allowed to use the photos for any purpose? Ask any questions that pop up so when your engagement shot is happening, you can truly focus on just that.

10 Things You Need to Know Before Taking Engagement Photos

Related To:

Shop This Look

Engagement Photo Tips from an Expert

Know Your Color Scheme

Decide on Multiple Locations

Bring At least Three Outfit Options

Research Poses Ahead of Time

It’s Best to Do a Practice Session

Understand Where You’ll Use These Photos

Have a Backup Plan Ready

Pick What Props You Want

Find a Way to Curb the Stress

Agree on All Terms with Your Photographer Beforehand

Next Up

How to Get the Best Fall Wedding Photos 11 Photos

10 Fun and Inexpensive Wedding After-Party Ideas 11 Photos

15 Wedding Registry Ideas That Aren't "Things" But Experiences Instead 16 Photos

10 Wedding Venues that Embrace the Hues of Fall 11 Photos

7 Creative Ways to Share the News of Your Engagement 8 Photos

How to Make Your Mother and Future Mother-in-Law Feel Included in Your Wedding Planning 8 Photos

A Love Worth Fighting For: Inside 15 Pride Weddings 17 Photos

50 States of Gorgeous Wedding Venues 53 Photos

5 Bridesmaid Dress Trends We’re Happy to See Retire 6 Photos

25 Great Off-Registry Wedding Gifts 26 Photos

We Recommend

Darcey and Georgi's Engagement Photos 17 Photos

What You Need to Know Before Buying a Wedding Ring Online 8 Photos

Sister Wives' Daughter Mykelti Engagement Photos 16 Photos

Sister Wives' Daughter Aspyn Brown's Engagement Photos 10 Photos

What You Need to Know About Princess Eugenie

8 Things Your Wedding Makeup Artist Wants You to Know 9 Photos