Engagement Photography has been all the rage over the past few years as couples absolutely love to share their big moment across social media. If you are the couples wedding photographer, this is also a great setting in which you can get to know your clients better. This is a more relaxed setting before the big day rolls around. However, it is still important to go into the session prepared. Here are some of our top tips to help you make the session fun and keep the couple happy and excited!
A Quick Overview of our Engagement Photography Guide
- ✔️Talk to your clients before the shoot
- ✔️Ask them for Reference Pics
- ✔️Pack a Bag!
- Prepare Your Gear!
- Find their fit
- Acknowledge those nerves
- Kids and Pets are adorable “props”!
Top tip: Engagement photos are also great to use as Save the dates!
Talk to your clients before the shoot
Not all couples are the same and a “one-size-fits-all” approach will not fit every client. Speak to each couple beforehand and get to know their unique story. Find out how they met, how the marriage proposal happened and how long they have been engaged. This will give you some needed insight on your clients and what kind of photos they might like. Some couples might like “lovey-dovey” concepts, whereas other may prefer playful or even serious. But how would you know if you don’t ask? One of the biggest factors in being prepared is to go into the day with all the information you can gather about your clientele. This is important in any shoot, be it portfolio or family! Ask your clients if there is a special location that is near and dear to them before making your own choice, this can change the whole mood and atmosphere. We recommend that you meet up with the couple before the shoot, as it will remove any nervous energy. We all know how awkward it can be to meet new people, and photoshoots are no different.
Ask them for Reference Pics
This easiest way to make sure you absolutely understand the concept the couple has in mind is to ask them for reference photos. Ask your clients to screenshot some of the favourite ideas on the internet and send them to you. No photographer who are worth their lenses will copy an idea down to the tee, but having an idea to build on is always a great idea.
Pack a Bag!
Engagement shoots may become rather boring, rather quick and a good way to avoid this – Outfits! Ask your clients to pack at least three different outfits for their shoot. This can include Formal wear or their everyday comfy clothing, as long as they are confident! This will offer different looks for the session and on location, they can choose what will work best.
Top tip: Encourage your clients to wear what they are comfortable in. It will translate to their pictures if they feel uncomfortable and unhappy with their outfit choice.
Prepare Your Gear!
This is essential! Preparing your gear in advance will help you to avoid any “face palm” moments during the photo session. This is where location choice pops back in as the lighting conditions will determine what gear you need. Go to the location before the shoot and do some test shots. This will keep you from wasting the couples time by trying out settings while they wait around.
Find their fit
Keep in mind, most couples will not be use to the whole photoshoot process. It is your job as their photographer to lead your clients through the portrait experience. This includes showing them how to pose. Not all couples will be comfortable with kissing in front of your lens so you need to determine their type of chemistry. Once that is done, you can set up poses to highlight them best. The key is: Keep it natural! Similar to uncomfortable outfits, uncomfortable poses will translate into their pictures.
Acknowledge those nerves
Let your clients know that it is absolutely okay to be nervous! Let them know that they are under no pressure and that you will work through the shoot as a team. Bring up the topics you covered with them in your before shoot meet up. Getting them talking will always help them to relax. Don’t rush the shoot and let them enjoy every moment. If a pose doesn’t work, drop it and move on!
Top Tip: Keep it moving! It curbs boredom and keeps the ideas flowing!
Kids and Pets are adorable “props”!
As a photographer, you will encounter a large selection of couples. Not all couples will be youngsters and may have children or pets they would like to include in their special moments. If this is the case, split up your shoot. Take pictures of the couple on their own and of them with their family.
Top Tip: If kids or pets are involved, ask the couple to bring a “sitter” along to keep an eye on them. This will make the couple photos much easier to accomplish.
In Conclusion
Engagement photography sessions can be challenging no matter how seasoned you are as a photographer. Do your due diligence before the session in order to be fully prepared on the day. Following the tips set out above will help you prepare and deliver a great experience to your clients.
