You’re engaged! Congratulations! Are you considering celebrating with an engagement photo shoot but don’t know where to start? Here’s a quick guide to help you get Instagram-perfect pictures. Explore some ideas for unique content you can post on your feed just before you say, “I do!”
Do you really need an engagement photo shoot?
Some think the idea of an engagement photo shoot is over-the-top. Others consider it cheesy and cliché. But having one will allow you to showcase this new chapter and immortalise your story through beautiful portraits. For some couples, it might be the only opportunity to take “decent” photos.
Not used to being in front of the camera? Remember, on your wedding day, all eyes will be on you. So, there’s no better time to break free from your shell and get used to the attention. Also, take this chance to form the team who will make you look your best on D-Day. This photo shoot can be your rehearsal. Try a hairstyle you spotted online and learn poses that won’t make you feel awkward.
Engagement photo shoot ideas
When brainstorming for your shoot, stick to concepts that best define your relationship as a couple. Explore various style guides and discuss them with your partner so you don’t lose yourself in the latest prenup shoot trends. Create a concept that looks and feels right so you end up with images that speak volumes about your love story.
Choose a meaningful city backdrop.
A city skyline makes a terrific backdrop for any photo. But for a special touch, choose the city where you first met. Make a quick trip downtown to your favourite urban destination and snap stylish shots. Go and strut down a crosswalk from your daily commute dressed up for a modern glamour look!
Simulate slow mornings.
What better way to capture your love story than in the comfort of your home? Simulate slow Sunday mornings using an unmade bed and a breakfast tray as props. Or settle into your sofa with blankets and your socks on. A familiar setting will put you and your fiancée at ease. Laid-back photos at home also paint an authentic picture of your story and the excitement ahead that awaits.
Keep it playful.
Don’t be afraid to be playful! Is there a sport or hobby you enjoy doing as a couple? Or maybe you feel like having fun in the playground or amusement park. Take your engagement shoot in full swing by doing something you and your partner love. Strike a pose and let the good times roll!
Consider black and white for a dramatic effect.
Tap into the glamour of old Hollywood and choose a style that’s both timeless and striking. Grace your followers’ feeds with a symphony of black-and-white Instagram posts. Monochrome never goes out of style!
Recreate saying “yes” against a stunning view.
For a theme that will make jaws drop, ask Mother Nature for some help. Lock hands by a seaside cliff. Create your real-life Arabian Nights romance and go horseback under the desert moon. Locations studded with green hues provide a gorgeous backdrop for your stunning nature shot.
Embrace your adventurous side in an exotic destination.
Planning a trip anytime soon? Read: go off on an engagement-moon in a destination that can double as your photo session location. Find a good photographer around the area who can capture you and your partner in an otherworldly destination and show off your flair for adventure.
Tips for a successful perfect engagement photo shoot
You’re only ever going to have one engagement photo session, so make it count. Here are some ways you can stay stress-free behind the scenes so you can flash your best smile on-cam.
Schedule your shoot during golden hour.
When it comes to taking terrific shots, timing is everything. Schedule your photo shoot at sunrise or sunset to guarantee good lighting. The soft hues make portraits look like they came straight from a Nicholas Sparks novel.
Prefer photos of you and your significant other kissing under the moonlight? Tell your photographer beforehand so they can prepare the equipment needed to give you content that will (cue Jim Morrison) light your fire!
Wear complementary clothing.
Choosing an outfit for your engagement shoot can leave you in knots. While you don’t have to go on a head-to-toe twinning spree with your partner, pick ensembles that complement each other. When you and your partner are in sync, your photos will get a cleaner and more seamless look.
Also, avoid complicated clothing pieces that restrict your movement. It’ll be hard to pose for the camera when your outfit suffocates you. Choose neutral colour palettes and make sure nothing you have on is wrinkled, faded, or torn. Your engagement is a milestone to remember, so it’s wise to dress the part.
Pamper yourself beforehand.
What’s a photo shoot without a glow-up? For the bride-to-be, have a glam team in tow so you can retouch your makeup after every set. Consider getting your nails done as well. After all, the ring on your finger will be the star of the show. For the groom-to-be have your outfit ironed and ready to go, organise your fresh haircut in advance and decide whether you’re going for the clean-shaven look or stubble in advance.
And don’t forget to perfect your smile, too. A few days before your shoot, schedule a dentist appointment for a thorough cleaning. While you’re at it, why not plan for a smile upgrade for the big day? Ask your dentist about ClearCorrect. These dental aligners give misaligned teeth effective treatment but they’re removable, so you can take them out for photos. ClearCorrect’s triple-layer ClearQuartz material is stain-resistant and tear-resistant, giving you the confidence to flash those pearly whites.
Find out if you’re a ClearCorrect candidate with this easy smile assessment.
Make it a date!
Take your engagement shoot as an opportunity to get some quality time in. Recreating that moment you said “yes” should be just as exhilarating. Bring a picnic basket and pop open a bottle of wine to get you in the mood for (capturing) love.
Share your (engagement) story.
Once the photos are in, share your faves with the people closest to you. Your engagement photo shoot is a cherished moment in your journey towards marriage. It’s a time when you and your partner capture the love, excitement, and joy that comes with the decision to spend your lives together. Sharing these precious moments with loved ones is a great way to get them in on the fun.
Timing is everything. So, when should you release your engagement content? Choose a photo that best suits your wedding’s theme and use it as a save-the-date announcement. Consider several factors, such as where the wedding will take place (destination wedding, anyone?) or the number of guests before making it Insta-official. A safe range would be anywhere from six to eight months before the big day.
As you enter this new era of your life, you’ll want to look back on all the moments that led to the day you said “yes.” Let your engagement photo shoot tell your story through images that express what makes your relationship one of a kind. Be yourself and don’t be afraid of a few bad shots. But most of all, don’t forget to have fun!
