How To Get The Perfect Engagement Photos

With the world having opened up again, it's a great time to get married. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why the United States is seeing a wedding boom, with an estimated 2.6 million weddings taking place this year. That's more weddings in the country than in any other year since 1984!

Getting your engagement photos right is essential if you're one of the many fortunate couples about to celebrate their special day soon. Planning the perfect shoot can preserve a special phase in your relationship full of possibility and hope. Wondering how to get the perfect engagement photos? Read on.

Hire a professional photographer

Hiring a professional photographer is the first and most crucial step to getting your photos right. Photographers have tons of experience, so they know how to bring your vision to life. They are experienced with scouting locations, editing your photos to getting the colors right, and positioning you in front of the camera so that it looks just right. They also know which lenses are most appropriate to use.

Plan for the right vibe

Make sure that the vibe of your photos represents you and your partner at your best. Plan your shoot by asking your photographer for suggestions or scouting locations that you love and fit your aesthetic. If you’re really adventurous, you can even plan activities that represent your relationship. For instance, you could plan a sunrise hot air balloon ride or hike some sand dunes. Choose clothes that are right for you, as well. Our article 'What to Wear for your Engagement Session' suggests going for a timeless look that won't go out of style and coordinating your outfits to compliment your and your partner's individual qualities. Most importantly, ensure they feel like you so you can pose deliberately and candidly. You should also consider getting your hair and makeup done professionally so you and your partner feel more confident in front of the camera.

Pick the best time of day for the session to fit your location

I often encourage couples to aim their session to take place around sunrise or sunset as it can result in a flattering, warm, and dramatic look. If you want to do an at-home session or inside of a building, scheduling the session for midday is often best, to get  more light through windows to make the images bright is recommended. If you’re wanting to do something bold and unique you could book a night engagement session. A night session could be be challenging, however, since the photographer has little light to work with, but as long as your photographer has some experience shooting in that type of scenario and has quality equipment you can get some beautiful results.

Get your poses right

The last thing you want is for your engagement photos to feel stiff and unnatural. This great article exhibits how taking great photos of couples depends on having great poses. Working with a professional photographer should help you with micro-adjustments, like avoiding awkward angles you may not notice in front of the camera. You and your partner can pose more naturally by engaging in the type of intimacy you're used to. Hold hands, kiss, cuddle, and crack jokes the way you naturally would without a camera around.

Engagement photos are treasures you'll keep for the rest of your life. Preparing for them well ensures you'll look back at them fondly throughout your marriage.