| If you are planning an engagement photo session, | | | | Many wedding photographers include an engagement |
| this article will hopefully provide some tips and | | | | session in their wedding photography packages. It is |
| pointers to consider as you plan. | | | | a wonderful way for you to "test out" a |
| What style photos do you want? | | | | photographer and see how well you interact with |
| Studio or outdoor? Formal or casual? Posed or | | | | them, and how well they are able to put you at ease |
| photojournalistic? Try to think of your personalities | | | | during a photo session. If you are having engagement |
| and how you would like to share your news with | | | | photos taken in the same area where the wedding |
| your family and friends (and perhaps a photo that | | | | will be, and you are hiring a professional photographer |
| can be included with your wedding invitations) - and | | | | for your wedding, I strongly recommend you |
| think of what style of photography would best | | | | consider using the same photographer for your |
| match that. Discuss your thoughts with your | | | | engagement photo session. |
| fiancé/fiancée. | | | | Don't be Nervous! |
| Types of photos | | | | The key to a successful engagement photo session, |
| Search the web for engagement photos and perhaps | | | | and what many professionals are skilled at, is helping |
| print out a few to take with you to your | | | | you relax in front of the camera. Don't get bogged |
| engagement session. There are thousands of sample | | | | down with the details of the photo session and how |
| photos online; having four or five that you like will | | | | you are appearing (it's hard not to be vain during |
| give the photographer some extra ideas to try out. | | | | such an important session - I know!). Instead, focus |
| You should also talk to your married friends and see | | | | on your fiancé/fiancée and your love |
| what they did for their engagement photos. | | | | for them. Relax and enjoy being with them. If the |
| Professional or amateur? | | | | photographer has posing tips, have fun while trying |
| You are likely to get better results if you hire a | | | | them out. |
| professional. They know what they are doing and | | | | If a friend is taking your photos I believe you have a |
| can work with you to get great photos. | | | | better chance of success by going out and having a |
| However, if budget is a concern, instead of having no | | | | fun, relaxed, photo session than going for a serious, |
| photos taken, try to find a friend that will take your | | | | posed session. Even IF you had to go back out for |
| photos. Especially a friend that has some | | | | another photo session because the first batch didn't |
| photography skill. If you are using a friend for the | | | | turn out well - oh, well. Consider it another special |
| pictures, do not do an indoor photo session! Try to | | | | outing with the one you love. |
| have an outdoor photo session in the evening as the | | | | What to Wear |
| sun is setting - but without any direct sun shining on | | | | The wedding vows have not been exchanged yet, |
| you. Go to a park or other beautiful location. And | | | | but you have, in essence, already pledged your life |
| then have fun! If you need to, go out and take | | | | and love to your fiancé/fiancée. I |
| some test photos to see what the location and | | | | would strongly recommend that you coordinate your |
| lighting looks like and then go back the next day for | | | | clothing. Whether it is tan and whites, or perhaps |
| the actual photo session. | | | | denim - whatever the colors, work at coordinating. |
| Wedding Photographer? | | | | Casual or formal? Again, make sure you coordinate. |