4 Tips to Get Killer Engagement Photos
Tip#1: Pick an Epic Location
It sounds like simple advice. Pick a beautiful location, something that has meaning to you and maybe some familiarity. But more times than not, the planning for the location stops there. Couples should have an in depth conversation with their photographer and plan for the optimal time, the exact spot(s) at each location that would be best for a session. Consider what type of location you are looking for, such as city, water, mountain side, wooded or urban. Include your photographer, ask his/her advice and make the session the best it can be.
Tip#2: It’s All About the Light
Often overlooked and incredibly underestimated. Light.. The single most important thing for any wedding or engagement photo. You could have the most amazing wedding venue, the most scenic and epic Mountain View. With bad light, that can become average at best. Having a session at an epic location in terrible mid-day light may defeat the purpose of the session. Two hours prior to sunset or two hours following sunrise are best. Be thoughtful about what you want your backdrop to be.
Tip#3: Dress to Impress
If there is a time to look the part, it is definitely during your engagement session. Treat yourself to a hair and makeup session and persuade your partner to buy or rent an outfit. That’s right, I said rent. I always suggest that couples have one formal and one casual outfit for their engagement session. Some couples go so far as to rent formal attire and the more effort you put into the session, the better the result. If dressing up is not your thing, that is fine as well. The important thing to do is coordinate your outfits as best as you can and make sure you are comfortable. Your comfort level in whatever you choose to wear, plays a big part in how comfortable you are in front of the camera.
Tip#4: Don’t Overthink Things
I understand and completely understand how uncomfortable and stressful it can be for most couples to be in front of a camera. The thought of having to pose and being put in awkward positions puts a lot of people off. I always tell my couples that sessions are nothing close to the preverbal, Rocket Science that people think they are. Or at least they do not need to be. A skilled and experienced photographer should be able to set their couples at ease, allowing for the best photos possible.
The best “poses” are the ones where the couple interacts with one another in an unscripted fashion. It’s about connection; physically, emotionally and spiritually. Without that connection or the ability to convey that in an image could result in undesirable photos. So have fun, dance, tell a joke, whisper in your partner’s ear, go for a walk and embrace each other. Couples sessions are about relaxing, living and enjoying one another and being present with each other. That is the spice of life and the secret to killer images.
Derek Halkett Photography | Knoxville Wedding Photographer
I have had the honor of photographing over 300 weddings throughout the Knoxville, New England and the southeast areas. My work has brought me to destination locations, to include Italy and Mexico. I value each and every couple that I work with and want their experience to be nothing short of amazing. If you are interested in a chat about my engagement or wedding services, please contact me at any time. I would love to hear from you and have the opportunity to work with you on your special day.