Engagement photos are becoming an increasingly popular part of the engagement and wedding experience in the United States, but you might find yourself feeling a little awkward or unsure about what to do! Most people don’t frequently hire photographers to do a personal photoshoot. Your experience getting pictures taken might be limited to school picture days and the occasional selfie when you happen to be having a great hair day! But engagement photos often are used on Save The Dates, as a part of the wedding album, and become a keepsake that your parents will probably frame and display in their home.
If you’re not used to having your photo taken, you might be apprehensive about the whole experience. You also might be worried about your engagement photos not feeling like you. It’s easy for engagement photos to feel posed and weirdly impersonal for photos taken to celebrate a marriage! Here are a few fun ideas that can help make your engagement photos feel like you- which can also help you relax and enjoy the day so the whole process feels more natural!
Be Extra Nerdy!
Are you a self-professed nerd who loves things like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and all things superheroes? Talk to your photographer about doing an engagement shoot inspired by your nerdy interests! This can go many different ways and can be as “out there” as you like. It might be a mock wizard battle or a Superman inspired shoot around a prop phone booth! These shoots can be a lot of fun and the slightly silly nature of it can also be great for getting the jitters out! If you don’t want to be too out there, these shoots can be more subtle as well. What about a few pictures of picnic where you and your sweetheart are reading your favorite book together?
Do Something You Love
How did you and your significant other meet. What do you like to do together? If you’re into hanging out in the great outdoors, this can give you some great inspiration for your engagement photos. You could relax together at your favorite beach or hang out in your favorite park. Not only will this bring a sense of fun to the photoshoot, but it can help calm your nerves.
You can also do cute sporty pictures if the two of you are athletes or just big sports fans! You could head out to your local baseball diamond in a couple of custom jerseys and take some fun campy photos along with a few sweet ones snuggling in the stands! If you love all things vintage, maybe you can do a cute shoot with a vintage car and you both all dressed up to match!
Bring In Your Pets!
About 68% of Americans have a pet! If you and your partner have a furry friend, getting them involved in your engagement photos can result in a fun day and great pictures. Your dog would look adorable holding a sign that displays your wedding date! This sort of family togetherness can up the “awww” factor and can help you incorporate your pets into your wedding day, even if they can’t actually be present when you tie the knot. Maybe this could even lead to a cute 101 Dalmatians inspired photoshoot with you and your honey trying to untangle your pets’ leashes!
Communication Is Key
Keep in mind that you’ll want to discuss your plans and ideas with your photographer ahead of the day of your shoot — especially if you’re planning to bring your children or pets. They will likely have ideas that can help you and make your vision a reality, or they’ll be able to suggest something else if your idea won’t work. Overall, if you relax and focus on having a fun time, the happiness will show in the photos and you’re guaranteed to get great pictures!