Getting engaged is a pivotal moment in any couple’s journey together. It’s an expression of lifetime commitment that is often regarded as the ultimate romantic gesture; a time of joy and love as you declare your feelings to your partner in a more formal way.
As such, it’s natural that you’ll want some photos of this momentous period of your life. Whether they’re for yourselves or to share your happy news with others, most modern couples will have some kind of engagement photos, either taken themselves or by a professional photographer. In the US in particular, it’s increasingly common to have a proper photoshoot to capture this key milestone. In fact, wedding industry research suggests that 25% of couples have an engagement photoshoot with their wedding photographer.
But how can you ensure you come away with photos that truly capture your happiness? In this guide, we share our top tips.
The first decision you need to make is whether you want to have a photographer capture the moment you propose, or whether you’d prefer to have a photoshoot afterwards. Some couples really want to document their proposal – the look of surprise, the excitement, the going down on one knee moment – while others prefer privacy. The choice is wholly yours, but it’s important to consider your partner’s preferences too. You don’t want to cause them any stress or make them feel self-conscious.
If you decide to have your photos done afterwards, again you need to decide if you’d want to go and do that right away, or if you’ll wait. There’s no time pressure – they’re still engagement photos, no matter when they’re captured. It’s all about choosing timings that work for you, rather than overloading you with another decision.
If you do decide to have photos taken as you pop the question, make sure you get in contact with your photographer early, so you can make all the arrangements and keep it a surprise.
Choosing the right location is essential to achieve good photos. It goes without saying that you’ll want to choose somewhere beautiful, but you can also pick somewhere that’s meaningful to you. If you’re having the photos done post-proposal, this could be the place you popped the question, or otherwise the spot where you had your first date, or a memorable time as a couple.
If none of those are quite right, how about somewhere fun that you’ve always wanted to visit? Make it a date day, combined with getting your photos. If you’re not sure where to go, you can always ask your photographer for suggestions, as they’ll know all the pretty spots in the local area.
If the weather is playing ball, taking your photos outside is nearly always a good idea. The natural light will help you look your best, and a slight breeze adds some movement to the photos that stop them feeling too staged. Being outdoors also gives you a variety of landscapes in your final photo portfolio, rather than having a lot of similar shots.
When it comes to choosing your engagement photo outfits, a bit of planning pays dividends. Primarily, you’ll need something you feel comfortable in, so your photos look natural, but it’s worth choosing something that’s a little bit special to make these images stand out as more than just regular couples’ shots. This doesn’t mean you need to arrive in full black tie (unless you want to) but an elegant, fresh outfit will help make these photos feel even more special. Plus, you might want to use the images on your save-the-dates – so you’ll want to dress accordingly.
You should also think about what your future spouse is going to be wearing. There’s no need to exactly match, but choosing complementary colours and going for the same level of formality will help your photographs gel and look cohesive. You should also think about the setting; if you’re going to be strolling through a leafy forest, green might blend in a bit too much, whereas something like a burgundy will really pop and stand out.
If you’re not used to having your photo taken, standing and posing can feel a bit awkward. While a good photographer will know how to put you at ease, getting moving, walking around and talking to your partner can help you both relax, which will produce more natural-looking photos. Then, when you’re feeling more comfortable, you can try some more static poses.
Just bear in mind that if you want to run through any fields or woods, you’re going to need the right footwear. You can always wear sturdier shoes for this part, and ask your photographer to carefully capture you without getting your feet in shot.
You might have thought about how you want to stand, but have you considered where to put your hands? It’s a small thing, but awkward hand placement can ruin otherwise beautiful photos. Practice natural hand positions – touching your partner’s face, holding hands loosely, or placing hands on hips or in pockets. Avoid clenched fists or hands hanging limply at your sides.
When touching your partner, use gentle, natural movements. Heavy or tense hands create uncomfortable-looking poses that detract from the romantic mood.
Genuine smiles and laughter can’t be faked successfully. Instead of forcing expressions, focus on being present with your partner. Real emotions create the most powerful and memorable photographs, whether it’s a sweet look between the two of you or one person making the other laugh.
If you’re feeling nervous and unsure of how to act, communicate with your photographer. They can help you relax through conversation or gentle direction, allowing your natural personalities to emerge.
It can feel strange to have someone taking your photo, especially when it’s a very personal event. However, try to let that fade away and focus on your future husband or wife. Treat it as a chance to spend time together, in a lovely setting, and let the photographer do their work in the background. You’re not meant to be looking directly into the camera all the time – an engagement shoot should be romantic, with the focus on expressing your love over anything else.
The right photographer makes all the difference when it comes to your engagement photos and your wedding photos. However, communication is also key.
Before the day, make sure to share inspiration images (bonus points if they’re from the photographer’s portfolio), discuss your preferences, and be honest about any concerns or insecurities. A good photographer will listen to your input while offering professional guidance.
You can also discuss the mood and feeling you want your photos to convey, if you don’t have a specific style in mind. Whether you prefer romantic and dreamy or fun and energetic, clear communication helps your photographer deliver the right results.
With that being said, don’t forget: while your input is valuable, trust your photographer’s professional judgment about technical aspects like lighting, timing, and composition. It’s their job to create images that you’re happy with, and to capture you in your best light.