Three things to consider before your engagement photoshoot
Engagement pictures are not a new phenomenon, with betrothal paintings in fashion well before the invention of the camera. However, photography did make engagement shoots more accessible to those on lower incomes, as they were much cheaper than painted portraits, and didn’t require the subject to sit for as long. As a result, by the 1880s, engagement and wedding photos became much more common.
Following this, the rise of social media has meant that couples are sharing news of their engagement widely, and relatively quickly after the proposal. Some couples opt for a professional photographer to capture the proposal, as well as a full photoshoot afterwards. This can be a fun way of marking the occasion of your engagement, as well as having photos to share with friends and family, both now and in the future. Additionally, it can be a great way to see if you’re happy with the photographer’s work if you’re planning on booking them for your wedding.
We take a look at three things to consider to make sure you get photos you want to look at again and again.
Location
This is something that you can work on in partnership with your photographer, but make sure to do your research. If there’s a local place that is special to you, this could make a great spot for the photos, or if you’re an outdoorsy couple, then get out in the open air and take inspiration from nature. If you do want a specific location, make sure to mention this at the time of booking, so that the photographer can be honest with you about whether that will work for them.
You should be open to suggestions from your photographer too – they’ll know lots of places that will look great visually, and they’re also the experts in getting good photos. They’ll also know what style of photography plays to their strengths, ensuring that you’ll be happy with the end result.
https://unsplash.com/photos/lA7MqUn802U
Your engagement ring
As it’s an engagement photoshoot, you know that your engagement ring is going to feature heavily. From portrait shots to close-ups of your intertwined hands, that rock is going to be on show. Whilst your engagement ring will have been clean when it came out of the box, the moment you start wearing it, it’s subject to dirt. You’ll need to clean it more often than you think, with experts recommending cleaning an engagement ring every two weeks.
Whilst this might just sound like an unnecessary cost, you can easily clean your ring at home. Fill a bowl with warm water and soap, leave it for 15 minutes, rinse it in warm water, and then use a lint-free cloth to dry the water off. If there is any stubborn dirt, simply use a soft-bristled toothbrush, which can also be useful for engraved sections. Doing this will mean that your ring stands out for all the right reasons in your photos.
https://unsplash.com/photos/yj4kwA4h_Ms
Your outfits
The outfits that you and your partner choose will likely depend on the location – it’s not going to be a good idea to wear skyscraper heels if you’re walking along a beach, for example. It’s also important to consider the tone of the photoshoot, and consider how you want the finished product to look. Do you want casual, low-key photos? If so, maybe opt for a favourite outfit from your wardrobe. Do you want glamour? Engagement photos can be a great opportunity to dress up. Black tie outfits set against an everyday background can make the image pop, and make you the focus of the frame.
You can also opt for a themed photoshoot if you have a specific film or era that you love as a couple. Take a look on the internet or in magazines for theme inspiration.
https://unsplash.com/photos/ZsPlbTxFosA
To sum up
Your engagement photos are an opportunity to mark this important moment in your lives together, and you should be happy with the finished result. By putting in a little work before the day, you can ensure that you have photos that will make you smile for years to come.
