Pro Tips for Great Engagement Photos
Engagement photos are a wonderful way share your news with friends and family, and have memories of those exciting days before the wedding. California offers so many great locations for wedding engagement photos, many that you can get to in a day — beach in the morning, mountains in the afternoon!
Photographer Laurie Bailey (these are her fantastic photos) offers three tips for all couples, and I chime in with mine for best results for luxury wedding photos.
From Laurie …
1. For wardrobe, wear something you feel comfortable in, that is the most important factor. You can be upscale dressy, but be sure you can move (and breathe!). And for putting your two outfits together, in terms of color think about it as if you were decorating a room. You want colors that all complement each other, but that are not the same so you don't look too matchy matchy - unless that's what you are going for, of course :)
2. Expect to feel like you have no idea what you are supposed to do in the beginning. That's what I'm here for...to help you relax and get comfortable in front of the camera. I have been doing this a very long time and have worked with people who SWORE they were difficult to photograph...all of whom had a great time afterwards and loved their photos. So put yourselves in the photographer's hands and don't worry about the rest.
3. If you DO feel tense/nervous/awkward during the session, acknowledge it! Look at each other, laugh, grab onto each other, or even yell "OMG WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING!" Those moments end up being the best photos because you two are just being yourselves in the moment. I promise, it breaks the tension and makes for a fabulous session!
From me …
1. Hire a professional photographer, preferably the same person who will shoot your wedding.
2. Don't overthink anything, and don't be self-conscious. You've got a professional behind the camera, so let them do their job.
3. Have fun. If it starts to rain, don't stop. Embrace the unexpected. Lose yourself in the eyes of your partner. Make it personal, whisper something sexy or funny in their ear.
4. If you can, schedule your shoot so that you can take advantage of the sunrise or sunset, wherever you are.
