How to Prepare for Engagement Photos
Nick and I decided to take our engagement photos up in Lake Placid, NY as this location holds a lot of memories for us. We spent our first vacation up in Lake Placid and this is where Nick asked me to be his girlfriend (officially LOL).
First things first…location! Try to think of the style your wedding is and reflect that in your engagement photos. Our wedding is going to have a rustic/outdoorsy vibe so we wanted to ensure our engagement photo shoot was done outdoors. If you are getting married in a city perhaps choose a landmark of that city to take your pictures at. For example, I know a lot of couples getting married in Philadelphia that choose to take engagement pictures at The Museum of Art or in front of City Hall. One idea for engagement shoots I absolutely adore is an in-home shoot. This has become increasingly popular over the past few years. An extra bonus is it will force you to deep clean your home if you needed some encouragement.
When it comes to coordinating outfits do your best to plan ahead. I changed into two main outfits for our pictures. One of my outfits coordinated very well with Nick’s; we both did denim with a cream or white sweater. This is very mainstream and basic, but photographs beautifully. For my next outfit I wanted something a little different. I decided to wear a long red dress with a small floral pattern. Nick of course, as most guys, stayed in the same outfit. I really loved the different shots we were able to get in both outfits as well as the aesthetic that the red dress provided.
I enjoy taking pictures whether it be with family/friends, for my instagram, or for the blog. I cannot really say the same about Nick; he is not necessarily camera shy but he definitely does not jump up and down for pictures. I looked up a few different engagement shoots from photographers I had been researching for the wedding to get a general idea of what would look nice. When trying to plan how to pose recognize which angles you do or do not like the way you look. For example, I typically do not love how I look when my head is facing straight on and down, weird and detailed but hey what can I say. Your photographer should be able to help with poses as well the day of your shoot!
Most importantly, keep it fun! Sure “posing” for photos when you are not used to it can seem like a rigid process. Even bring some drinks if it will loosen you up! These photos are about celebrating what is to come and the love you have for one another.
photography by: Aidan Kelly