Congratulations on your engagement! Now that you’ve said “yes,” it’s time to capture the joy and excitement of this special moment in your life. An engagement photoshoot is a perfect way to celebrate your love, and it also provides beautiful images for save-the-date cards, wedding invitations, or simply as keepsakes. But what exactly should you do for an engagement photo shoot? This blog post will guide you through some unique engagement photo ideas that will make your photoshoot memorable.
The first step in planning your engagement photo shoot is deciding on a theme or style that reflects both of you as a couple. Are you both nature lovers? Then perhaps a forest, park, or beach setting would be ideal. If you’re city dwellers who love the urban vibe, then why not have a downtown backdrop with city lights and skyscrapers? One of my personal favorite “themes” lately is: food.
Having your engagement photos taken at home while you’re home cooking or at your favorite restaurant or bar is always a great idea. You can even do a little “our favorite restaurants/date spots” tour. Some restaurants and bars require prior notice or even a fee if you plan on taking photos, so be sure to plan around that accordingly or alert your photographer. Below is a list of spots that do NOT require any payment or fees, but a “heads up” call is appreciated:
1. Bar Valerie
5. L&B Spumoni Gardens (86th st)
Another important aspect to consider is the time of day for your photoshoot. Golden hour—just after sunrise or before sunset—often provides the most flattering light and can add a magical touch to your photos.
Lastly, think about what you’ll wear. Your outfits should complement each other without being too matchy-matchy. Also, consider wearing colors that contrast with your chosen location to stand out in the photos. This blog post covers everything you’ll need to know about engagement photo outfits.
One of the most unique engagement photo ideas is incorporating personal elements into your shoot. This could be anything from including pets or props that symbolize something significant in your relationship, like books if you both love reading or bicycles if cycling is something you enjoy doing together.
You could also choose a location that holds special meaning for both of you—perhaps where you had your first date or where the proposal happened. These personal touches not only add depth to your photos but also tell a story about who you are as a couple.
While traditional poses have their place, don’t be afraid to experiment with different poses and perspectives. Try candid shots of you both laughing, walking hand in hand, or sharing a romantic moment. These spontaneous shots often capture the genuine affection and happiness between couples.
Playing with perspectives can also add a unique twist to your photos. For instance, overhead shots, wide-angle shots, or close-ups can create interesting visual effects.
An engagement photoshoot is more than just a session of taking pictures—it’s about celebrating your love story in a way that’s uniquely yours. By planning carefully, incorporating personal elements, experimenting with poses and perspectives, and hiring a professional photographer, you can ensure that your engagement photos will be as special as your love for each other.
Remember that these are just ideas; there’s no right or wrong way to do an engagement photoshoot. The most important thing is that you both feel comfortable and enjoy the process because this will shine through in the photos. So relax, have fun, and let your love for each other take center stage!
We're Sava, a small studio of photographers who bonded over our similar educational background, love of art, & general affinity for timeless wedding photos. Based in NYC, will travel, will pick up your coffee order on the way.