Engagement Photography Tips – Make the Most out of Your Engagement Session!

I’ve had a few requests for “what to wear” tips and tricks recently and I usually email these out, so I thought I would make it easy for everyone and write a post with ALL of our engagement photography tips!

You want your engagement photos to be a representation of you two, as a couple. You want them to showcase your individual personalities while also showing how well you fit together. To help achieve this for your engagement photos,  I have compiled some engagement photography tips to help you get the absolute MOST out of your engagement session with Matt and Jentry: Photographers.

1) Think of a location or two that means something to both of you.

Picking a personal location will help give you the natural look of love and happiness in your photos, since you will have memories or feelings of fondness associated with that place. If you can’t think of a personal location, that’s totally fine – I have a long list of beautiful locations and can help you choose the best one that fits your personalities.

2) What to wear? Wear something that comfortably expresses your personality.

You’ll be photographed head to toe, so don’t forget about your shoes, hair and accessories. If you wanted an excuse to go buy a new outfit – go for it! Jewel tones (like purple, blue, red, pink, emerald etc) and vibrant colors photograph great, but you don’t have to wear those if they don’t match your personality. I love a pastel palette, myself! Some things that generally don’t photograph well are small patterns (especially checkerboard and houndstooth), strappy little numbers (on dresses or shoes), large graphics (think Affliction t-shirts), matching colors and lots and lots of black. Definitely try not to wear matching colors, as it’s better to have contrasting/complimentary colors so you don’t blend together. Mostly neutral colors (like brown, tan, gray, white etc) work great with pops of colors brought in through accessories or on certain items of clothing (jeans, a gray cardigan and a bright yellow shirt, for example). Bring multiple outfits, too! Want to wear dresses and suits for one location and then t-shirts and jeans for another? Totally cool with us. We’ll find a place for you to change your outfits while we’re out and about. Bringing lots of different accessories is fun, too.

I’ve also started a Pinterest board with inspiration for portrait photography session outfits: http://pinterest.com/jentrydryden/portrait-session-clothing-inspiration/

3) Bring props!

Props bring your personality to to forefront of your photos. Some examples are balloons, hats, umbrellas, a picnic setting or some giant lollipops. Pick something that really expresses your relationship and what you love as a couple. Do you bicycle together? Totally bring those bikes!! Do your dogs play an important role in your lives? Then please bring those pups along!

4) Ladies – get yo hair did.

I have seen so many times first-hand how pro hair and makeup make such an incredible difference in a female’s confidence. I felt this myself for my own engagement session with Matt, and I want every female I photograph to feel that way. Whether you like a natural look or want to get super glammed up, who doesn’t want to feel the most beautiful they’ve ever been? We have a great list of hair stylists and makeup artists who we know and trust…just ask me for my list and I will provide it to you well before your session so you have time to book the incredible artists we recommend.

5) Loosen up – literally.

A glass of wine before your shoot can really make a difference, especially if you are camera shy. If alcohol isn’t your thing – jog a mile to get pumped up for the shoot, or relax with a cup of coffee or whatever suits you beforehand. If you both want to meet for a drink before the shoot, just let us know! We love the chance to chat and get to know you better, and it does not cut into your session time.

Comment time! Tell us what props you would bring to your engagement session!

Considering booking your wedding with us? Take the leap, we promise to do everything we can in every way for you to get THE MOST out of your engagement session, and your beautiful wedding. Email jentry@mattandjentry.com and get started today :)