Your engagement is a special time in your life, and it’s only natural to want to capture every moment of it. If you’re feeling nervous about getting engagement photos taken or worried about looking awkward, you’re not alone. It’s natural to want to look your best in these special photos, but it’s also important to remember that the best engagement photos capture the real love and connection between you and your partner. With these tips, you’ll be able to relax, be yourself, and capture candid and unique engagement photos with the magic of 35mm film.
1. Make it a memorable experience with your fiancé
Make a date out of it!
Take your photographer to your favourite date spot, whether that’s a coffee shop or a park. Make it a date and enjoy the moment together. When you’re in a place that’s familiar and comfortable to you both, your love and natural chemistry will shine through in the photos. If you hate the beach and prefer to go to cafes with your fiancé, you would definitely feel more comfortable holding a cup of coffee rather than playing around on the beach and running through the sand and water.
Bring props!
Now before you start thinking that’s cringe, I mean more like a nice picnic or a bottle of wine to share together. Think beyond the traditional props and bring something that truly represents you and your relationship. Maybe it’s a picnic basket filled with your favourite snacks or a bottle of wine you both love to share. Not only does this give you something to do during the session, but it also creates more opportunities for natural and candid moments. But of course, if its more your style, use this opportunity to get some couple photos that are completely different from your wedding photos. Go all out if you want!
2. Trust your photographer
Try not to over-think it
It’s important to trust your photographer during your engagement session. Pretend your photographer isn’t there and interact with your fiancé as you normally would. Try not to overthink it too much. The best photos are always when you forget your photographer is there. The more natural you are in your photos and the more you just interact how you normally would, the more you’ll love your photos.
A good photographer will come prepared with poses for you!
A good photographer will come prepared with poses for you and may even have tricks to make you laugh or feel more comfortable. We love to play posing games to break the ice and get everyone laughing and more comfortable. Some examples include twirling your fiancé, doing a big dip or walking together hand in hand.
Try to add motion in your photos
While most people feel the natural need to freeze while there are photos being taken of them, the best photos always come out when you add a little bit of movement. Some great ways to do this are twirling your fiancé, doing a big dip or walking together hand in hand. You’ll get a lot of beautiful, candid moments that way.
3. Dress comfortably
Choose outfits that you feel comfortable and confident in. If you’re not used to wearing formal clothing, you don’t have to wear a ballgown or a suit. You can wear a nice casual outfit that makes you feel like you. This will help you feel more like yourself and less like you’re putting on a show.
4. Get to know your photographer
Before the shoot, take some time to get to know your photographer. This can be in person, over the phone, or via email. The more you get to know each other, the more comfortable you’ll feel during the shoot.
5. Take breaks
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or nervous, take a break. Go for a walk or take a few deep breaths. Don’t feel like you have to rush through the session. Taking your time and allowing yourself to relax will result in better photos.
6. Embrace imperfection
Remember that no one is perfect, and that’s okay! Embrace imperfection and let go of the need to be perfect in every photo. The best photos are often the ones where you’re laughing or being silly, so don’t be afraid to let loose and have fun.
7. Have fun!
Most importantly, have fun! This is an exciting time in your life, and your engagement photos should reflect that. Don’t take things too seriously and allow yourself to enjoy the moment. The more fun you have, the more natural and comfortable you’ll feel, and the better your photos will turn out.
Remember, your engagement photos are a celebration of your love for each other. Don’t worry too much about looking perfect or posing perfectly. Instead, focus on enjoying your time together and making memories. With these tips, you’ll be able to feel comfortable and confident during your engagement session, and your photos will turn out beautifully.