Ten Tips for Engagement Sessions
By Diane Parsons
8 Jan 2008
Many brides turn their noses up at engagement shoots -- most say, "why do I need that when I have the wedding pics?". I love engagement shoots because it's a great way to get to know the couple's personalities, "best side", insecurities, and I get to go to cool locations!
1. SETTINGS - Try to encourage the couple to chose a setting that's unique -- a place that has meaning for them, unique and historical, where they met, lots of people, no people. Sometimes the best shots are more scenery than just the couple (these photos shown were taken at the Capitol Building in Hartford, CT).
2. BRING MORE THAN ONE CAMERA -- couples feel more at ease when you're acting like a friend who just happens to be taking photos. The changing of the lenses brings an uneasy feeling and spoils the mood a bit
3. CREATE THE MOOD - Get the couple to start talking about how they met, how he proposed. You can get some great candid snuggly shots and intimate moments without posing
4. GET GOOFY - take some silly shots to loosen up the mood -- have the groom get on one knee to kiss his bride's hand, have the bride jump up on top of a monument, bring that random dog that's walking by in the shot. The silliness will bring out better smiles and increase the comfort level.
5. PROM POSE - always take the standard pose (I call it the "prom pose") where the bride and groom are standing next to each other, their arms are around each other or leaning on a railing. Their heads are gently tilted towards each other and they're smiling looking at the camera. These shots are the ones they'll buy for family.
6. BRING A TRIPOD - It's a pain to carry, but pays off! I love taking natural light photos so I usually take my tripod with me. Especially for engagement shots; it helps when you want the long exposures or a far off sillhouette.
7. MAKE A CHECKLIST - Have a standard checklist on your computer (e.g. full length, 3/4, heads, bride alone, groom alone, ring, kiss, arms around, etc) and that way you can alter it according to your site (e.g. adding a collum shot, or the Liberty Bell shown here, etc). Bring it with you and use it! It will keep you organized and increase the couple's confidence in you.
8. BRING PROPS - It never hurts to keep a blanket and picnic basket in the car! I usually bring a blanket, picnic basket, ring boxes, champagne, glasses, wax fruit, silk flowers to name a few to my shoots -- you never know where you will find a cool spot to stage a proposal picnic!
9. DON'T APOLOGIZE - Don't apologize for your actions. Photographers pose people as they know their camera sees it. As the subject, the couple may think you're a little odd by having the bride so scrunched up, but it will make for a great shot in the end. If you apologize for your actions, they'll lose confidence in you. Go ahead and pose them in wacky positions and tell them that the most painful (and silliest) are always the best shots!
10. HAVE FUN YOURSELF - I can't stress that enough...have a good time! Get caught up in the couple's emotions of the happiest time of their lives! I laugh along with my couples; it eases tensions and we get better, more relaxing shots! Enjoy it!
