Maybe I’m biased, but I think every engaged couple should take engagement photos. They’re a great opportunity to get fresh new pics with your partner AND get chummy with your wedding photographer. Camera shy/not sure why you should take extra photos? Let’s go through a list of some engagement photos tips

When you choose your wedding photographer, you should pick a date for your photos. If you’re following a wedding planning timeline, this will be 8-12 months pre-wedding. The sooner you can get engagement photos taken, the better — you don’t want to be stressed out in full wedding planning mode during the shoot.

Get to know your wedding photographer

It is the usual protocol that your booked wedding photographer will also be the one taking your engagement photos. Scheduling an engagement photo session with your future wedding photographer will help you establish a great rapport with them. Not only will you get to know the way they work professionally, but also you’ll get to know them on a personal level. Your photographer will take note of how you and your partner interact, making all the photos taken on your wedding day even more *you*.

 

Become comfortable in front of the camera

If you’re anything like me and my partner, trying to take a photo we both look good in is like pulling teeth. This is where your photographer comes in to save the day. They will know all the tips and tricks to get your best angles and get you feeling your best in front of the camera.

Everyone is good at taking photos, but if I’m being 100% real, in my experience working engagement photo sessions, the awkwardness lasts about 10-20 minutes. It takes just a bit to warm up and figure out what “poses” feel most authentic to the couple, and from there it’s the easiest, breeziest hour.

 

Celebrate your engagement on camera

One of the more fun engagement photos tips is to turn the session into a party. Being engaged is a reason to celebrate/make memories all on its own. If you’re a little wary about the idea of having a full on formal photoshoot with your partner, consider these options:

1. Go on a date with your fiancé and have your photographer document it casually. Have dinner outside, go to the beach, have drinks on a rooftop bar, etc.
2. Have an engagement party with close friends and family and have your photographer there.
3. A surprise proposal photoshoot may also help ease any nerves you have taking photos; you won’t have time to be nervous.

You can use these photos *at* the wedding

They’re your photos, which means you are free to scatter them all throughout your wedding day. Print them out and have them in frames for guests to see. Maybe have your photographer design a booklet or album for you to display, all that good stuff. Guests *love* seeing little photographic previews of you, the couple, so why not go all out?

Get adventurous

Your engagement session doesn’t have to be about revisiting a place you and your partner frequent. You can use the session as an opportunity to make new memories in new places. Go on a hike you’ve always want to try but haven’t had the time. Or maybe to that new restaurant that feels too fancy for a regular weeknight dinner.

You get the gist.

Engagement photos can be incredibly sentimental and very personal to every couple, since everyone has different little traditions and favorite locations. Use these engagement photos tips as a jumping off point to plan your own session.

Brainstorm with your partner about where your *dream* engagement photo location is, and let your photographer do the rest. It should be a fun, effortless hour out of your day; you get to reconnect with your partner and get to know one of your wedding vendors. Truly a win-win situation.