A Wedding Photographer's Guide:
What to Avoid in Engagement Photos
Engagement photos are a cherished tradition for couples, marking the exciting journey towards marriage. As destination engagement photographers, we've had the privilege of capturing countless love stories through our lens. However, over the years, we have noticed some common pitfalls that couples often fall into during their engagement photoshoots.
Since engagement photoshoots help you get to know your wedding photographers, get comfortable in front of the camera, and learn what you like best in time for your wedding photos, we wanted to write this article to help our clients, and other engaged couples, get the most out of their engagement photoshoot experience.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore what couples should avoid in their engagement photoshoot to ensure their engagement photos are a true reflection of their love story.
What to avoid in engagement photos:
1.Overly Posing and Stiffness:
One of the most common mistakes couples make is over-posing during their engagement photoshoot. While it's natural to want to look your best, an excessive focus on posing can lead to stiffness and unnatural-looking photos. Instead, opt for candid moments that capture the genuine connection between you and your partner. A skilled photographer can guide you through natural engagement photoshoot poses that highlight your personalities.
2. Neglecting Your Engagement Photoshoot Location:
Choosing the right engagement photoshoot location is crucial for creating memorable engagement photos. Some couples make the mistake of selecting locations solely based on aesthetics without considering the significance of the place. Erin and Jake Wedding Photography advises couples to pick locations that hold personal meaning or sentimental value, adding a layer of authenticity to their photos.
3. Ignoring the Importance of Lighting:
Lighting is a fundamental element in photography, and its impact on engagement photos cannot be overstated. Couples often schedule their photoshoots during harsh midday sunlight, resulting in unflattering shadows and squinting eyes. Opt for the golden hours—early morning or late afternoon—when the lighting is soft, warm, and perfect for creating a romantic ambiance.
4. Clashing Outfits and Color Choices:
Coordinating outfits is essential for a cohesive and visually appealing engagement photoshoot. However, some couples make the mistake of wearing outfits that clash or choosing colors that don't complement each other. We recommend selecting a color palette that harmonizes with the chosen location and showcases your personalities without distracting from the main focus—you and your partner.
(Here is a direct link to a helpful article on: What To Wear To Your Engagement Photoshoot)
5. Overlooking Personalization:
Engagement photos should reflect the unique bond between a couple. Some couples fall into the trap of replicating poses or concepts seen on social media without adding their personal touch. To avoid this, work with your engagement photographer to incorporate elements that represent your relationship, such as shared hobbies, inside jokes, sentimental items, or special locations.
6. Getting Lost in Trends:
While staying updated with engagement photography trends can be exciting, it's crucial not to prioritize them over timeless authenticity. Some couples focus too much on replicating current trends, resulting in photos that may feel outdated in the years to come. Aim for a balance between incorporating contemporary elements and maintaining a classic, timeless quality in your engagement photos.
(Here is a direct link to an article about the current 2024 trends to be familiar with:
7. Neglecting Communication with Your Photographer:
Clear communication with your engagement photographer is key to a successful engagement photoshoot. Some couples hesitate to voice their preferences or concerns, assuming their engagement photographer knows best. However, your photographer is there to bring your vision to life.. while they may not know you the best. Help them get to know the authentic you. Discuss your ideas, expectations, and any specific shots you have in mind to ensure the final results align with your vision.
Engagement photos are a beautiful way to capture the essence of a couple's love story. By avoiding common pitfalls such as over-posing, neglecting location significance, ignoring lighting considerations, clashing outfits, overlooking personalization, getting lost in trends, and neglecting communication, couples can ensure a memorable and authentic representation of their relationship. Remember, the key is to let your love shine through the lens, creating timeless moments that you'll cherish for a lifetime.
