Whether you’re recently engaged or you suspect the famous question may be asked soon, it’s never too early to start thinking about your engagement photos. Here are seven helpful tips for having a successful engagement photo shoot. 

1. Hire a Skilled Photographer

You deserve lovely engagement photos taken by a professional photographer with talent and experience. After all, your engagement is a brief, yet extraordinary part of your relationship and life that must be documented. We suggest scheduling your engagement photos with your wedding photographer. By doing so, you’ll have the chance to connect and get comfortable with your photographer before your wedding day.

2. Schedule Around the Sun

There are certain times of day that are better for photos than others. Why? Because of lighting. For quality photos, plan your engagement shoot around the sun. The golden hour, or magic hour as we like to call it, is best described as the first and last hour of sunlight when a distinct quality of light produces lovely, swoon-worthy pictures. Avoid scheduling photos for early afternoon because the sun’s direct, overhead position produces harsher lighting. 

3. Consider Professional Hair and Makeup

Like your wedding day, you want to look your best for your engagement photos. If you’re confident in your beauty skills, omit this tip and move on to the next. However, if you’re not confident in your hair styling or makeup applying abilities, consider hiring salon professionals to meet all your beauty needs. Though you don’t want to look washed out, you also don’t want to look unnatural. P.S. This is an ideal—and pretty clever—way to incorporate a pre-wedding hair and makeup consultation before your big day.

4. Choose Comfort

One of the most important parts of your engagement photos is your comfort level, especially when it comes to fashion. Choose to wear clothing that makes you feel like the beautiful bride-to-be that you are. Whether you pick something from your closet or purchase new, try on your options beforehand. Also, while deciding on what to wear, consider the season, weather and shooting location.

5. Get Creative

What makes engagement photos so special is their creativity and connection with the couple photographed. Before settling on a nearby park for a shooting locale, brainstorm what you and your partner love and enjoy and what locations imitate that. Are you and your partner a playful couple, who enjoys channeling childhood? Pick an entertainment spot with games like Ponce City Market’s Skyline Park. Do you both like art and self-expression? Choose local murals for photo backdrops. Don’t be scared to include your favorite sites and/or activities too.

6. Don’t Rush

One of the best pieces of advice we could give is to allow your engagement shoot to be a part of an all day date. Not only does this provide you with ample time for photos without being rushed, but also, beginning your day with this particular mentality allows you to relax, connect and be romantic as you start your photo shoot. Kick the day off with coffee at your favorite shop, and invite your photographer to join to snap a few test shots before switching locations.

7. Expect the Unexpected and Embrace It

Sometimes, things happen that are out of our control. While planning ahead is important when it comes to engagement photos, expect the unexpected, particularly with the weather forecast. The meteorologist may call for a slight chance of precipitation, but bring a raincoat or umbrella just in case and use the protective rain gear in your shots. You never know when a pop-up thundershower might rear its ugly little head, but at least you’ll be prepared and with cute photo props too.