Now that you've read You're Engaged! Now What?, it's time to expand on engagement photos. These photos are important for two major reasons. One, they provide you with great pictures of you and your fiance other than the ones you've taken yourselves with your smart phones. Two, these pictures will be great for save the dates, invitations, your wedding website and many other things. Here are some tips to get incredible photos:
1. Decide on the Style
Do you want a vintage feel? Classic and romantic? Fun and quirky? Pick what best fits you and your fiance. If the two of you adore carnivals and want that as a theme, by all means do it! Don't do a formal shoot if you don't feel comfortable with it. These photos are something that you will keep forever, so make sure it's something that you'll love! Having trouble? Check out these unique themed engagement photos and be inspired!
2. Create a Shot List
Now that you've decided on the style, it's time to do some research. Look at themes similar to yours and get ideas. Save them to your Pinterest board or to a folder on your computer (like I did). When it comes time, show these ideas to your photographer so they know exactly what you want. Trust me, you'll be glad you did. Otherwise you'll be staring awkwardly at your photographer while you try to figure out what to do. That's wasted time you'll be paying for!
3. Find a Photographer
Here's the tough part. If you're tight on money, ask a friend who has an interest in photography to do them. Chances are they'll do them for free or for a price far better than what a professional would offer. My friend Haylei just asked for gas money (we gave her more because she's awesome). For those of you here in South Carolina, check out her Facebook page for August Frames Photography! She took unlimited photos and let me browse through them to decide which ones I liked best. I also got a copy of every photo that she took, even though she won't be editing all of them.
Consider this too. Many photographers have an hourly rate, not including the cost of editing the photos. You don't even get to keep them all! When doing my research, I found that many in my area charge close to $200 for 10 edited shots. That's expensive for a college girl making minimum wage! Save the cash for the big day.
Now I'm not saying that choosing a professional photographer is bad. If you are willing to spend the money, it's worth it. Professionals do this for a living. They are used to making sure you are comfortable and will provide you with ideas that you might not have thought of. They might even include props in the price. Do your research and explore all options.
Consider this too. Many photographers have an hourly rate, not including the cost of editing the photos. You don't even get to keep them all! When doing my research, I found that many in my area charge close to $200 for 10 edited shots. That's expensive for a college girl making minimum wage! Save the cash for the big day.
Now I'm not saying that choosing a professional photographer is bad. If you are willing to spend the money, it's worth it. Professionals do this for a living. They are used to making sure you are comfortable and will provide you with ideas that you might not have thought of. They might even include props in the price. Do your research and explore all options.
4. Grab Some Props
- Go to your local craft store.
- Grab some things from around home.
- Get creative! Trey and I purchased this ampersand (who knew it was called that?) as well as a chalkboard and some chalk, all for less than $15! Make sure that you have a way to tell people when you're wedding date is. You can write it on a suitcase, make numbers and hang them on string, write them on balloons... It's completely up to you. Check out the images below for some ideas, or take a look at my engagement photos.
5. Decide on What to Wear
- Wear something that will work with the style you're going for. If you're going for the vintage feel, don't wear casual clothing. Go all out with your hair and makeup for the pin up look. It's common sense.
- Have two outfits. That's right, two. One can be a more casual look while the other is a bit fancier. Again, it's up to you.
- Make sure that you and your fiance coordinate. If you're wearing brown, make sure he isn't wearing black. That would look terrible. If you're having trouble, here's an article to help you decide. Don't hesitate to ask your photographer for their opinion either!
6. Have Fun
This one's easy. If you're stressed and frustrated, it will show in your pictures. Try to laugh and have a good time with it. You're getting married! These photos will help you tell the world, or at least the people you plan to invite to your wedding.
Have some more tips or think your theme was a winner? Share them with me!
-Adina
Have some more tips or think your theme was a winner? Share them with me!
-Adina