Engagement photos are great for getting nice photos of you and your fiancé. They’re used for save-the-dates, announcements, and for your wedding website.
Why take engagement photos?
An engagement photo session involves a professional photographer capturing images of you and your fiancé in casual settings.
If you’re shooting the photos with your wedding photographer, it’s a great time to get comfortable with them. The opportunity to connect with your photographer is vital because it’ll lead to a better and more relaxed wedding experience.
You’ll have beautiful photos to look at for the rest of your lives.
The pictures can be used for your engagement announcement, save-the-dates, wedding website, displayed at your wedding reception, or to send as gifts to friends and family.
Although an engagement shoot isn’t mandatory, it’s a good way for couples to showcase their love and happiness. It’s also an exciting part of the engagement experience.
When to book the shoot
According to Brides, the average length of an engagement is 12 to 18 months. Therefore, taking your engagement photos within 1 to 3 months of getting engaged will give you time to focus on the rest of the wedding planning process.
Engagement shoots are typically done outdoors instead of in a studio. It’s best to take the photos during the week instead of a Saturday or Sunday because public places will be less crowded.
Booking your shoot early in your engagement and during the week are two essential things to consider. Planning a wedding will make you incredibly busy, so doing this early in the process will ensure that you don’t rush through the session.
What to wear
You don’t have to shop for new outfits that coordinate with each other. However, clashing patterns and bold colors may result in photos that could’ve been better.
Regardless of the formality, the key is to wear solid colors. Avoid prints and patterns because they’ll be a distraction. Neutral colors are failproof and will look great in any season.
If you’d like to wear accessories, keep it simple. The focus should be on your ring.
How much to pay
It’s common for wedding photographers to include the engagement session in your package. If it isn’t included, you can hire an à la carte photographer.
The price a photographer charges can vary depending on location, demand, and experience. Expect an engagement shoot to cost between $200 to $500 per hour.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an engagement shoot last?
Most engagement shoots last between 1 to 2 hours. This usually covers 2 different locations.
Can you take your own engagement photos?
Yes, all you need is a tripod. You can set a timer or use a remote to take the photos.
What are good places to take engagement photos?
The beach, a lake, top of a mountain, vineyard, sand dunes, or in the city.
What’s the best time of day to shoot?
Golden hour is the best time to shoot because you’ll get soft and warm sunlight.
Conclusion
Booking an engagement shoot is a great idea because you’ll have photos for the wedding and invitations. Make sure you get them done early on in your engagement and find a photographer that’ll capture the essence of your happiness.
The session is a good time to experiment with angles, poses, and lighting before the wedding day. Your wedding photography is an investment in a lifetime of memories.
Your photographer’s job is to ensure that you are comfortable in front of the camera and to help create astonishing photos that will help you relive these moments.
Moments that you will cherish for the rest of your lives.
Featured photo by David Em/David Em Photography.