5 Best Things To Do Before Your Engagement Photoshoot
My best and favorite sessions usually are when we are able to break down your walls together so you can be yourself in front of the camera. I say "we" because it takes some work on your part as well. I will guide you through the session, but only you can truly allow yourself to let go.
Some tips on how to prep yourself before your next photoshoot:
Plan Your Outfit(s)
I believe that the way you dress yourselves can take a photoshoot from good to great. That doesn't mean that you have to go buy a whole new outfit and only wear the most expensive things in your closet. It's all about being cohesive with your environment and its color palette. Think about what makes sense with where you will be (this is a big one when you're thinking about shoes), and what colors will complement the area.
For example, if you are having your session held near the water, the colors that will look most cohesive are blue, green, brown, and cream. If you are having your session held at a garden, the most cohesive colors are the ones that match whatever flowers are growing.
Pro tip: If you're struggling with what to wear. Cream and white looks bridal and will look great in any environment.
Visualize, Visualize, Visualize
The best way to mentally prepare yourself for posing in front of the camera is to visualize how you want your photos to turn out. If you are wanting and imagining carefree movement and intimate moments, then you have to let yourself be carefree and intimate in front of the camera. If you want photos of sweet, romantic looks between you and your partner, imagine the ways you can look at them in that way.
Although your love is as true and authentic as ever, an engagement session is in some way a performance. You wouldn't normally act that way in public, so posing in front of the camera will never feel natural.
There is a reason that visualizing is a common way of prepping before sports of theatre performances - it works!
Communicate
Communicate with your photographer. Our whole entire goal is to make sure that you receive the photos that you have been dreaming of. The engagement season is a special one and we only want to make you feel celebrated and excited for what's to come! If you have a specific vision, or have an insecurity that you would like us to avoid, the best thing to do is tell us! As much as we would like to be, we are not mind readers, so unless you tell us what you are wanting (or not wanting), we will never know.
Communicate with your partner. We love our boys, but they tend to be not the most excited about getting their photos taken. And as much as we wish them to be, they are also not mind readers, so if you share your expectations with them, they will always want to help make your dreams come true! Show them some example photos, explain the "vibe" you're going for, or even practice some poses with them.
Adjust Your Mindset
You have chosen your outfits, your perfect location, and now you're ready for the photoshoot to begin... but you start feeling nervous and begin to crawl into your shell.
The most important thing to remind yourself of is this: everyone is here for the same reason! To celebrate your engagement and take beautiful photos of your love together. Posing can feel odd and unnatural, but no matter how silly you may feel in the moment, your photographer knows what they are doing and wants you to embrace what they are telling you to do. The more you do so, the better the photos will turn out - I promise!
Keep Moving
You've done all the prep work, you've taken a deep breath, you're embracing all your photographer is telling you to do. The next step is to keep moving! Rigidity and stiffness do not photograph well. Whatever nerves you have, work on channeling that energy into physical touch with your partner. Think about all the different ways you can show your person love and affection in the given position the photographer has put you in. This will increase the amount of variety in your gallery and show your personality even more. Sometimes it is as simple as shifting your weight to a different leg, moving your hands from their arms to their face, or giving your partner a few kisses in different places. I guarantee you, your photographer will love it and feed off of your energy!
The most important thing to remember is just to get out of your head and to let yourself have fun!
