Five Tips To Have the Best Engagement Photos

You want engagement photos. Here are Five tips so you can have the BEST engagement photos.

You have booked your photographer and now it’s time to plan your engagement session. The trouble is you have no idea what to expect. Well, today I am going to share my top five tips so you have the best engagement photos.

The Tips

Tip 1) Make it a date
Think about your favorite date activities and places you like to go together and use that as a starting point. If you are a coffee lover maybe consider using a coffee shop. Wine enthusiasts? Find your favorite winery and plan a session there. Or maybe your favorite date activity is staying home and cooking dinner together. Perfect then let’s stay in and plan a cozy home session. If there is a way to make it personal to you and your relationship you will enjoy your time more and love the final images because it is the best representation of you and your partner.

Tip 2) Scenery matters!
When you are suggesting locations that you are interested in keeping in mind how busy the area is. The last thing you want is to choose a location that has high traffic and people everywhere. It becomes overwhelming and annoying to try and dodge people. If the location you really love is a high traffic area then maybe the best time to shoot would be at sunrise before the crowds set in.

Tip 3) Consider lighting.
Lighting can be a make-or-break situation when it comes to photography. Let’s say you are interested in capturing your engagement session at the beach where there is no shade and bright reflective water. Well in this scenario your photographer will encourage you to shoot at sunrise or sunset when the lighting is best and will allow you to capture the beautiful scenery without the light being too bright and avoid squinting. Wherever your dream location is always opt for the time that offers the best lighting.

Tip 4) Look into fees.
Some parks and public spaces require permits. This is something both you and your photographer need to look into before committing to a location for your shoot. The last thing you want to do is to show up at the shoot location only to be turned away because you didn’t get the proper permits. Also, keep in mind there may be fees to receive the permit. If you are planning a session at a local landmark or park there may be an entry fee to the park as well. These are things you need to be ready for. One of my favorite locations to shoot in is Longwood Gardens. It provides the most beautiful backdrops and so many location options but the entry fee is $23 per person so being aware of fees is important if you are looking to not spend additional money.

Tip 5) Pet planning
If you are planning on bringing your pet along for the session make sure you do your research and pick a location that is pet-friendly. Most outdoor locations allow you to bring your furry friends along but there may be designated areas you have to stay in. Also, keep in mind that there can be a lot of distractions for your pet so choosing a location that isn’t as crowded eliminates more distractions which takes the stress out of the situation. Consider bringing a friend or someone that can help with your pet so you can capture images of just the two of you and also help get your pet’s attention while your photographer captures the moment.

Conclusion

Your engagement session is your first experience with your photographer and possibly the first time you have been in front of a professional camera. Using these tips will not only help take the stress out of planning but also will ensure that the session will run smoothly. If you are still unsure of where you would like to shoot always ask your photographer for recommendations! If you are newly engaged and looking for a wedding & engagement photographer. Hi I am Jenna providing Wedding Photography in Baltimore.