How To Take Engagement Photos: A Photographer’s Guide

How To Take Engagement Photos

Author: ShootDotEdit

/ Categories: How to Become a Photographer

Engagements are a very special time for couples. It is a new beginning for them, and they are about to embark on a new journey together. And engagement photos are a way for them to always remember this happy time. Plus, engagement photo sessions are a great way for you to get to know your couple better, and in case you are not already photographing their wedding, perhaps it could also be the perfect way to add another wedding to your calendar! So, to help you put your best foot forward, in this post, we’ll give you some tips and ideas on how to take engagement photos!

Top Tips On How To Take Engagement Photos As A Photographer

a aerial shot of a couple lying down in a boat — Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @looyengaphoto

1. Prepare For Engagement Photo Shoots

infographic blog banner plan ahead & make an engagement photo shoot checklist for a smooth session

Engagement sessions are a special moment for couples who are about to tie the knot. And as an engagement photographer, it’s important to plan ahead so that you can offer your clients beautiful photos and an exceptional experience that they will cherish forever. Listed below are a few engagement photography tips to consider when planning an engagement session.

Location: It is common for most couples to ask your help with suggesting places for their photo session. And since you are likely to have seen more places and have a better idea about which ones are right for a photo shoot, choose a location that aligns with your couple’s personality and preferences.
Timing – If you are taking engagement photos outside, you could also consider taking some beach engagement photos. If your couple wants those dreamy, golden hour shots, then find out the best places to take engagement photos, as well as what’s the best time of day for those pictures, and try your best to stay on schedule, so you don’t miss out on the golden hour glow.

Suggested Read: Planning An Engagement Session

2. Location Scouting

a perspective shot of a couple embracing each other — Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @loversoflove

When it comes to engagement photo sessions, location plays a significant role. It is important to scout locations as it can help you to set the tone for the session and create a unique atmosphere that will be reflected in your photos. However, there are many factors to consider when choosing a location for your engagement photo session. We’d recommend that you consider the theme as well as what time of year it is and determine which locations will be best suited based on accessibility and seasonality.

Our tip: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. The best engagement photos are often taken in unexpected places that offer a unique backdrop for the session. With a little planning and creativity, you can find the perfect location for your engagement photo session.

3. Posing Cues

a couple running holding hands beside a beautiful building — Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @jperrymanphotography

Some couples may feel uncomfortable and awkward in front of the camera and will look to you for guidance and expect you to come up with some great engagement poses. For example, one classic engagement pose is to have the couple stand facing each other, holding hands, and looking into each other’s eyes. If your couple is looking for more natural and candid engagement photos, there are a few things you can do to help them relax and feel comfortable in front of the camera.

Instead of forcing them into stiff poses, we’d recommend that you focus on capturing moments as they happen by giving them some posing cues that involve actions. For example, if you are in a field, you could simply ask them to run towards you, or if you are in a park, you could ask them to do a little dance or just walk towards you. Either way, they’ll have an action to focus on, and you’ll get some candid moments to capture.

Related Read: Engagement Session Posing

4. Lighting Techniques

a couple posing holding each other at the end of a reflective corridor — Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @robbmccormickphotography

One of the best ways how to take great engagement photos is by using lighting techniques to create beautiful photos. The right lighting can help to create the perfect mood and atmosphere, while the wrong lighting can ruin an otherwise perfect moment. You can use reflectors to bounce light back onto the subject, creating a softer effect.

On-camera flash photography can help to fill in shadows and add brightness to the photos. Off-camera flash photography can create more dramatic effects, such as highlighted eyes or intense shadows. If your couple has planned for night-themed engagement photos, and you’re wondering how to take engagement photos at night – backlighting is the solution! You can create stunning silhouettes to enhance their engagement album. By understanding how to use lighting, you can significantly improve the experience you offer your clients.

5. Editing And Post-Production

an image of the reflection of a couple kissing sitting on a pavement — Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @brandiallysephoto

Post-production photo editing is a critical part of delivering stunning photos to clients. There are a few key tools that you could use in Photoshop and Lightroom to optimize your workflow and ensure that every client receives consistent, high-quality results.

Take advantage of various preset workspaces: These allow you to quickly adjust settings for exposure, white balance, and other factors that can help you create a unique engagement photos.
Exporting: Export the photos in the highest possible quality. This ensures that they will look great on any device or print medium.
Sharing: Deliver photos to your couple via an online gallery or Dropbox link. This allows them to easily download and share pictures with their loved ones.

How To Take Engagement Photos: Inspiration From ShootDotEdit Customers

1. Infinite Loop Photography

a couple sitting on a bench looking at the sea with their pet dog — Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @infiniteloopphoto

2. Diane Nicole Photography

a couple kissing below a tree — Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @dianenicolephoto

3. Stephanie Heymann Photography

an engaged couple where the groom picked up the bride — Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @stephanie.heymann.photography

4. Jorge Santiago Photography

a couple kissing while walking by the side of a bridge — Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @jorgesantiagophoto

5. Olson Design Photography

an engaged couple kissing while the groom picked up the bride — Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @olsondesignphotography

Further Read: Engagement Photo Ideas For A Memorable Session

By using your skills to take high-quality images that tell a beautiful visual story, you can help create memories for your clients that will last a lifetime. The theme, outfits, date and time, locations, lighting, posing – there’s a lot that goes into organizing an engagement session, so planning is crucial to avoid any last-minute hiccups, especially if you are shooting in a public place that might require any permits. If you haven’t ever photographed in the finalized location before, definitely make time for location scouting to get an idea of what kind of lighting and backdrops you’ll be working with. Lastly, don’t get too obsessed with getting everything right in camera. Use your photo editing skills to offer clients consistently high-quality photos that you know they will love. Instead, focus on delivering an unforgettable experience!

At ShootDotEdit, we are passionate about helping you grow your wedding photography business. A part of how we do that is by lessening your post-production workload with our professional photo editing services. To learn more about how we can help your wedding photography business, check out our pricing plans.

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