8 Tips on How To Make Your Engagement Session Standout
One of the biggest mood killers when it comes to planning out an engagement session with a photographer is coming up with an actual game plan for your session. You could spend hours online looking for the perfect outfit, the prettiest locations, and finding the best detail to make this session all about the love you and your partner share. In reality though your perfect outfit could already be in your closet just waiting to shine, your location could be the spot of your first date, and you could even just have a simple piece of jewelry that was a first gift. This should be a moment in time that you enjoy while you’re there, not scramble around till the last minute looking for any bit of inspiration.
With all that in mind, here’s 8 tips to help you destress about your session.
confidence is key
Your outfit should speak true to you and should make you feel amazing. Wearing something that doesn’t feel like a piece you’d ever wear any other time, may not be the best option. Instead, go for something that is going to make you feel confident throughout your entire session. And if you can’t find anything in store or online that feels like you, look to your closet. Your favorite piece is most likely located there and will look amazing.
Want to see more of Wells & Ashley’s gallery? View it here!
tis’ the season
When picking your outfit, consider the season and weather you are going to be shooting in. A sweater in 90 degree weather probably isn’t going to be your best idea. That being said though, layering and using color toning that matches the season is going to be a huge eye catcher! Consider exploring the upcoming season after you're engaged. You don’t necessarily have to wait until the spring or summer to get your photos done.
Want to see more of Josh & Jenna’s gallery? View it here!
dress up or dress down
For most engagement sessions, it is a good idea to have two outfits planned out. One casual and one more dressy. Your casual outfit could be one that resonates to you and your partner, meaning that the style or outfit itself has some significance to your relationship. But when in doubt, there’s nothing wrong with dressing up. You can never go wrong with a flowy dress and a nice suit. Remember though, your engagement session does NOT need to be super formal.
Want to see more of Nick & Sydney’s gallery? View it here!
coordinate with your partner
I think we know that matchy matchy is out. That’s why I highly suggest you coordinate but not match perfectly. What this means is wearing colors that compliment each other like blues with cream or blush with navy. Another thing to consider is keeping patterns and prints limited and subtle. Doing this will make your photos more appealing to the eye and focus the attention on your smiles rather than the flashy sweater you may be wearing. If you need an example of this or want to gather an idea of what I mean, check out my "Engagement Photo Vibes" Pinterest Board.
Want to see more of Charly & Brad’s gallery? View it here!
embrace the moment
Throughout this next chapter of your life, you and your partner are going to be making a lot of changes. And those are things you can show in your engagement session! Moving into house, starting your family, adopting a new pet, and so much! All of those things and more make your engagement session more personal to you all as a couple.
Want to see more of Chase & Maddison’s gallery? View it here!
Location, location, location
Having your outfit match your location is so crucial. Colors, patterns, style, and how much you choose to dress up/down all play a key factor. If you are taking photos on a hiking trail, doing your formal look here is probably not the best option. You want these photos to be meaningful to you and not just taking them because the location is pretty and you want to risk breaking your ankle. Choose locations that are meaningful to you and your partner, such as the spot where you had your first date. Doing this will make you so much happier in the end.
Want to see more of BJ & Hillary’s gallery? View it here!
a couple’s best friend
Bringing your pup with you to your engagement session is such a sweet way of showing something that means a lot to you and your partner. If your furry friend has been there since the beginning, include this in this exciting new chapter of your lives. This adds so much energy and cute candids moments. And hey, even if your pups don’t cooperate with posing, at least you and your partner will look cute!
Want to see more of Sidney & Steven’s gallery? View it here!
be yourselves
And finally, the most important thing to consider when planning your engagement session is being yourselves. Don’t force yourselves to appear as the couple that you aren’t or wear clothes that you wouldn’t normally wear. Your pictures don’t have to be the fanciest ever, they just need to be an accurate reflection of who you and your partner are and a celebration of your love for each other.
Want to see more of Savannah & David’s gallery? View it here!