All images from our engagement session with Susan Sancomb, Susan Sancomb Photography.
10 tips every bride should know before her engagement session.
By Grace O’Neil
Once upon a time, engagement photographs were a simple head and shoulders shot taken in a studio. Now, a full session of an hour or more is common, with countless options for locations, styles and poses. Here are a few things I learned that may help you brides-to-be planning a professional engagement session.
1. Do your research.
While it might be tempting to schedule an engagement session right away, take the time to find and speak to a photographer that you plan to book for your wedding day. Oftentimes, an engagement session may be included in a wedding package or available at a discounted rate. Iron out all of the details beforehand, like when you can expect to receive your images, what rights you have to the pictures and the cost to order prints.
2. Pinterest is your friend.
If you’re nervous or uncertain about what types of engagement photographs you and your fiance will like, Pinterest is your best bet. From props to poses, you can find countless images for ideas and inspiration.
3. Book your hair and makeup trial.
As someone who typically doesn’t wear a lot of makeup, I’m so glad I made the decision to schedule my hair and makeup trial before our session. After looking closely at our pictures, I noticed details I wouldn’t have anticipated, like learning the loose curled hair style I had in mind won’t hold (especially on a windy beach) and that the fake eyelashes I originally thought looked over the top made my eyes pop in photos.
4. Stick with solids.
Neutral and non-busy patterned clothing photograph well. To avoid color blocking, try mixing textures and different shades of the same color. Think about outfit styles that are comfortable and look timeless instead of trendy. If you can’t decide on just one outfit, ask your photographer if it’s okay to bring a change of clothes.
5. Schedule your session during the “golden hour.”
The natural light you’ll get outside the hour or so before sunset gives photographs a magical and romantic glow. I suggest scheduling your session around this time to avoid harsh face shadows or pictures that look overexposed.
6. Enjoy a cocktail.
To calm you and your fiance’s nerves before your pictures, cheers to a glass of wine or champagne. Posing for a professional photographer for the first time can be a little nerve-wracking, and feeling relaxed will help the two of you look more natural on camera.
7. Be yourself.
Ultimately, every couple just wants photographs that capture their relationship and how happy they are to be engaged. Take a deep breath and do your best to pretend the photographer isn’t there. Smile, kiss, be goofy, look at one another and hold hands like you would if it were just the two of you.
8. Get to know your photographer.
Consider your engagement session a dry run. Having pictures taken before the wedding gives you the opportunity to get to know your photographer better and feel more comfortable in front of his or her camera. Weddings can be chaotic, and knowing what your photos will look like will make you much more at ease on your big day.
9. Learn about your photography style.
Do you love classic black and white shots or vibrant colors? Do you prefer images that look posed or candid? Review your engagement session gallery and assess how you’d like your wedding day captured. Communicate these thoughts to your photographer to help him or her understand your vision.
10. More than a keepsake.
Engagement photographs can be so much more than prints tucked away in an album. Use one of your favorite shots to create save-the-dates, design a wedding website with your new images, send a photo to Rhode Island Monthly’s Engaged website and your local paper as an engagement announcement, or think about making holiday greeting cards. You can even use your photographs for a wedding guest book or for decorations at your bridal shower.
No matter what details you choose, my advice is that engagement photographs are well worth the time and investment. I know Paul and I will enjoy the pictures, and our memory of taking them, for many years to come.