Tips for the Best Engagement Photos

November 09, 2015  •  Leave a Comment

Congrats on being newly engaged! Now that she's said yes, you and your fiance probably have a million questions running through your heads. Where to get married? What flavor cake? Who is going to take the photos? When it comes to wedding planning, perhaps nothing is as important as finding the right photographer, and getting the very best photos. Your engagement photos are the precursor to the actual event. Engagement photography is what helps show your spark with each other, and creates widespread awareness of your upcoming wedding. At Arts Ink Photography it's our job to know how to deliver beautiful engagement photos for soon-to-wed couples. Here are some best practices and what to expect.

 

Pre-Shoot Meet and Greet

 

We find it essential to meet our couples. Whether it's over a cup of coffee, or just sharing a laugh in the local book store. Getting to know you as a couple is the utmost important part of designing your engagement shoot, and ultimately delivering unique wedding photos. We want to build a great relationship with you so you're more comfortable in front of the lens. Don't be afraid to share. If you have a unique quirk we want to know. What do you enjoy most about each other? What is your current career path? Are you involved in any organization or church? Favorite Colors? How did your love pop "the question?"

Pick Your Location and be on Time

 

When it comes to choosing the right location, find a place that's meaningful for you and your love. It could be the place you met or a place you like to go together. We can offer suggestions on great place to take photos, like the Green Animals Topiary Garden in Newport, RI, Purgatory Chasm in Sutton MA, the Monastery of Our Lady of the Valley in Cumberland, RI, The Nature Trails & Cranberry Bogs at Patriot Place or even our backyard pond.

 

We find that outdoor shoots are the best! What's great about where we are located is there are such diverse options to pick from. There is always a great nature trail to explore or an old monastery to enhance your images. Local farms near you with old barns and rolling fields are worth contacting to see if they'd allow you on premises to take photos. We're always happy to share images with local hot spots, so feel free to tell them we'd be willing to give copies if it helps push the envelope to a "Yes."

 

Also don't be afraid to use props! Many of our clients and friends bring props along with them, and we provide a few as well. Whether it's a banner with your wedding date on it or your motorcycle, incorporate the things that are meaningful to you. Depending on the look you are hoping to achieve the best time to take photos is in the early afternoon or early evening when the sun is setting or within an hour of sunrise. Time of year also affects the best times to take outdoor photos. You want to avoid taking photos mid summer high noon photos if you can to avoid excessive sweating in your photos and heat stroke.

 

Most importantly, leave early and show up on time. Pre-plan the night before so you have all the items you need such as props, clothes for changing, water to hydrate etc. Being prepared will eliminate your stress level the day of and help you relax while being photographed. It also optimizes the amount of time we spend taking photos of you and your love.

 

Choosing the Right Outfit

 

Outside of your wedding day, most people find that picking the right outfit for their engagement photos is the second hardest. Although black is slimming, dark colors tend to accentuate that stray piece of hair or lint, and can also make you blend into the background. Avoid matching. Choose complimentary colors and textures. Avoid logos, as they will take the concentration away from you and your love, and can be distracting.

 

When it comes to outfit changes, wear layers. It's always easier to have something to take off than trying to find somewhere to change. Avoid wearing things like shorts and flip flops if you can (beach photos are the exception). Dress for your personality. If you're a casual couple wear a nice pair of casual jeans and a comfortable top. If you're more formal, try a cocktail dress, pearls and button down shirts.

 

 

Remember PDA is Okay!

 

The theme for your engagement photos is love. Our job is to capture that. We will do whatever it takes to make you comfortable. Be aware though that we probably will ask you to kiss, hug, hold hands, be playful, be silly, and be touchy-feely mushy gushy! It makes your pictures more personable. Wearing matching superhero t-shirts is a plus.

 

 

 

Arts Ink Photography by Kristy-Lee Belcourt is located in the Blackstone Valley Area. She services customers from both the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Area, including Uxbridge, Worcester, Sutton, Upton, Blackstone and Northbridge MA. Rhode Island areas include Smithfield, North Smithfield, Cumberland, Woonsocket, Newport, and Jamestown RI. To learn more about Arts Ink click here. If you're interested in meeting the photographer to discuss your recent engagement or upcoming wedding contact us today.

 


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