Planning Your Engagement Photography – Common Mistakes & How To Overcome Them

Today on Marry Me Ink, I had the chance to speak to Paula of Soft Elegance Photography and her tips and advice when planning your engagement or pre-wedding shoot.

16 common mistakes and tips to overcome those mistakes for your Engagement Photography

1. Location
Sometimes, a shy client may choose a location that is swarming with people, which only amplifies their shyness and tension during shoots. Be sure to research the best times to visit a location! But, let’s be honest, the more comfortable you feel, the more natural and honest your captured expressions will be.

2. Time of Day
Photo sessions which occur outdoors, in the middle of high noon, while the sun is at its brightest with no shade available is a disaster waiting to happen.

3. Select your wardrobe
Oh my gosh! How many morning have you stood in front of your abundantly full closet and said, “What am I going to wear!?” Here are some tips: – Select a color palette with one to two colors and add neutrals. In selecting your colors, feel free to pick different shades within that palette. This will allow a more balanced image.

4. Solid colors are preferred over patterns
Why? Because patterns take the attention away from the subject (that’s you) and draw the eye to the patterned clothing. Also, many patterns are extremely overwhelming. I’m not saying don’t do it, but be selective.

5. Do not wear the same outfits or colors
For example: you and your honey shouldn’t show up in blue jeans and a white shirt. Attempt to counterbalance each other.

6. Be COMFORTABLE!
If you aren’t, it’ll be clearly evident in your images. If you’re constantly tugging at your clothes or don’t feel confident in it, try something else

7. Dress appropriately for the weather
If it’s cold, wear layers! This will add variety and ensure you’re warm! Believe me, if you’re cold, you’ll be miserable, covered in goose bumps (which are visible), and tense… and the time just won’t pass quickly enough!

8. Nails
Make sure your nails are well manicured and a reasonable color… neon yellow or green don’t usually photograph well!

9. Waxing
If you’re going to wax ANYTHING make sure it is well in advance; waxing can leave redness and splotches.

10. Shoes
Bring easy, slip on shoes to walk around to avoid sinking heels in the outdoors.

11. Transporting Outfits
Bring a rolling carry on to transport your outfits and items for ease during an outdoor photo session. Carrying them everywhere will only be frustrating and you might lose something along the way!

12. Book a Certified Hair and Make Up Artist:
I can not stress enough the importance of their talents. It greatly increases the value of your experience because you’ll feel even MORE beautiful and the images will show as much! Make sure it is someone trained for peace of mind – sanitation is a big deal!

13. Arrive on time!
In arriving late, you’ve lost that time in front of the camera. Less time in front of the camera means less variety and less options. Be respectful and be on time. These tips will set you up for a successful shoot. I hope this helped you answer your question, “How do I prepare for a photo shoot?”

14. Scheduling
If this is a gift for someone, like your husband-to-be, be sure to schedule the shoot with enough time to allow the photographer to edit the images, have a reveal/order session, order the images, and deliver them. (Albums are GREAT!)

15. Skin
Moisturize! At least a week out begin developing a routin. Enough said on that. Also, try not to wear anything en route to the shoot that will leave marks due to tightness. For example, Ponytail holder’s on wrists – they are forgotten and photographed only to be realized AFTER the session is over.

16. Tanning
If you are not accustomed and have not developed a routine with spray tanning, this is not the time to try it out for the first time! Although they have developed leaps and bounds, you can still come out looking like an oompa loompa or a Dalmatian. If you’re going to tan, try to avoid tan lines.

Are you looking for a photographer for your Engagement Photos? I’m based in Boise, ID but love to travel so don’t hesitate to contact me by clicking here

What great advice! Thank you Soft Elegance Photography for sharing your top tips for planning your engagement photography! I cannot stress enough how important it is to be on time (or better – a little early!) for your shoot with your photographer. It’s also a great way to get you used to being in front of the camera, as a couple, before your wedding day.