I know how nerve-racking getting photos taken can be. You are worried about ALL the things. Your hair, your makeup, your outfits, looking natural and, you know….looking like you are madly in love and effortless all at the same time. It’s a lot. And while I will always support my brides in sending over engagement photo prep ideas like a “What To Wear Guide” and vendors that I love for hair and makeup. 

There are four key tips you can do beforehand to really help you both relax and have fun. Let’s dive in!

1. Make Engagement Photos A Date Night: It is SO easy to make engagement photos a stressful event. But when you are headed to take photos that reflect your relationship and all up close and personal with each other for two hours, you don’t want to be in a tiff. Start the afternoon with an early dinner or drinks, focus on each other. Make it a night for you two to connect, talk about you, and why you are so excited to marry one another.
2. Arrive Early: Build in time to arrive early to the location you are shooting in. You want time to breathe, relax for a moment, and not stress out about being late. Starting out a session with your boo while just being frustrated with them driving slow in traffic is not romantic or fun! Arrive early.
3. Don’t Talk About the Wedding the Day Of The Session: Let’s be real. When you are planning the biggest day of your life, it can be REALLY easy to talk about it often. Updates on vendors, payments due, bachelorette weekend, you get it. Here’s what you are thinking, “Morgan, engagement photos relate to the wedding and getting married.” Yes BUT you will have plenty of days to talk about the wedding. Aim to focus on each other, I promise it makes a difference in your mood and photos when you aren’t stressing.
4. Communicate Your Fears: If you have an insecurity or fear about your body, tell your photographer! If I know a bride doesn’t want to accentuate her arms, I will give her tips and tricks throughout the shoot to help combat odd or funny angles. Help me to help you feel confident and beautiful! It helps to have more confidence in your session when you know your photog is looking out for you.

 

More than anything, remember to HAVE FUN! Laugh, be fully you, and let go of the pressure to take “perfect” photos. Esme and George had the most wind that I have experienced during a session and it was SO cold. But you would never know from these photos. They let me take the lead and we had the best time together. Interested in booking an engagement session? Reach out on my Contact page!