Everything About Booking an Engagement Photographer
Hiring an engagement photographer is more than just checking an item off your wedding planning list.
Which we’re sure you’re aware of.
It’s more an opportunity to capture the joy and excitement of your engagement in a beautiful and memorable way.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about booking an engagement photographer, so let’s get into it.
Why Book an Engagement Photographer?
Hiring a professional engagement photographer is seriously beneficial when it comes to snapping a few shots.
Here’s a few reasons why it’s worth it:
High Quality Photos
A professional photographer has the skills and equipment t capture stunning, high-resolution images and truly show you and your partners love.
Creative Direction
If you’re feeling unsure about how to pose or where to go for your photos, a professional can guide you.
They’ll provide creative engagement photo shoot ideas to help you feel relaxed and natural in front of the camera.
Consistency and Reliability
A professional engagement photographer will capture every detail and moment - making sure your photos reflect the beauty of your relationship consistently.
Editing Expertise
Beyond taking pictures, professionals tend to edit photos to increase their quality which creates an album you’ll be proud to share with friends and family.
How to Choose the Right Engagement Photographer
Choosing the right photographer is, obviously, an important decision.
We recently wrote a blog on how to choose a wedding photographer, and even though this isn’t 100% relevant to choosing an engagement photographer, if you apply the principles of what is mentioned in that blog to choosing an engagement photographer, you’ll end up with a professional that matches what you’re looking for.
What to Expect During Your Engagement Session
Knowing what to expect can make your engagement photo session even more enjoyable.
And so, here’s what a typical session with Steve Regan Photography looks like:
Location Selection
Whether you’re looking for a beach or a beautiful forest, we’ll work with you to choose a location that resonates with your love story.
We have plenty of scenic spots here in Dorset and the surrounding areas.
Getting Comfortable
We understand that not everyone feels at ease in front of a camera.
That’s why we take our time to make you feel comfortable and relaxed, helping you look natural and authentic in your photos.
A Mix of Poses and Candid Shots
If it aligns with what you’re looking for, we tend to blend a mix of posed engagement photos with candid shots to capture both beautiful poses of you and your partner and those spontaneous moment that happen in between.
And if you’re after one and not the other, no problem at all!
Outfit Changes and Props
If you have more than one outfit or want to bring along props that are meaningful to you, let us know.
We’re more than happy to accommodate.
Preview and Delivery of Your Photos
After your session, we’ll carefully edit and retouch your photos.
You’ll receive a gallery of beautiful, high-quality images that you can download, share, and print.
What to Wear for Engagement Photos
One of the most common questions is what to wear for engagement photos.
To start, it’s ideal to choose outfits that reflect your personal style and look good together, and think about coordinating colours rather than matching exactly - it gives a better look to the photos.
Avoid any crazy patterns or big logos that might distract from your faces also.
Comfort is key, so pick clothes that make you feel relaxed and confident.
For personality, add some accessories to your outfit and bring a second outfit to give you some variety in your photos.
When to Schedule Your Engagement Photos
Wedding Date and Timeline
It’s obviously very important to think about your wedding date when planning your engagement session.
Scheduling the shoot at least six to eight months before the wedding allows enough time to receive the images, make any necessary edits, and have them ready for use.
Additionally, consider both the season of your engagement photos and your wedding season.
For example, if you’re planning a winter wedding, having snowy engagement photos can creative and consistent, seasonal theme across all your images.
Alternatively, you might want to shoot in completely different seasons to add variety to your wedding album.
Time of Day
The time of day can dramatically impact the quality of light and the overall feel of your engagement photos.
We recommend scheduling outdoor sessions during golden hour, as this time makes the most beautiful photos.
And while golden hour often gives the best results, midday sessions are also great.
Midday light tends to be more direct and bright, but shade can help soften it.
Alternatively, a night session might appeal to you if you’re interested in a unique atmosphere using particular lighting.
Preparing for the Engagement Photo Shoot
Many people like to bring props to their engagement photo shoot.
Items like flowers, champagne, or even a cozy blanket can add a personal touch and give you something to interact with during the shoot.
And with regards to looks, consider having a trial session with your hair and makeup artist on the day of the shoot.
This gives you an idea of how you’ll look on your wedding day.
The best photos undoubtedly come from authentic moments, so try to relax, have fun, and enjoy the process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The following explains common mistakes that people make during engagement photo shoots and what you can do to avoid them.
1️⃣ Not Communicating With Your Photographer
It’s ideal to share your ideas, concerns, and preferences with your photographer.
Otherwise, your photographer may be confused about what direction to take with your photography, and so will you.
Clear communication goes a long way and helps your photographer understand your vision so they can bring it to life.
2️⃣ Overlooking the Wedding Forecast
Check the forecast in advance, especially if you’re shooting outdoors.
Your photographer can help suggest alternative dates or indoor options if the weather is unpredictable, however the last thing you want on your photo shoot is for the weather to be terrible.
3️⃣ Rushing the Session
Take your time during the shoot.
Relax, laugh, and enjoy yourselves.
The best photos often come from candid, unhurried, and natural moments.
Using Your Engagement Photos at Your Wedding
Your engagement photos don’t jut have to live on your phone or in an album.
Here are some creative ways to include them in your wedding day:
Display Them at the Venue
Use framed photos for table centrepieces, or create a photo wall where guests can enjoy the images.
This is a lovely way to share your love story with your friends and family.
Use Them for Guest Books
Create a photo guest book where guests can leave notes alongside your engagement photos.
This is an uncommon idea, but one definitely worth trying out.
Include Them in a Slideshow
Compile your engagement photos into a slideshow to play during the reception.
This is a great way to relive those happy moments and share them with everyone on your big day.
Conclusion
Planning an engagement photo shoot is an exciting way to celebrate your love and prepare for your wedding.
By planning and choosing the right photographer, you’ll end up with beautiful, meaningful photos that will last a lifetime.
At Steve Regan Photography, we’re committed to making your engagement shoot as special and unique as your love story.
Ready to start planning?
Contact us to book your session today.
