Engagement Photo Tips and Styling Advice
March 4, 2024
Tips for an Amazing Engagement Photo Session Plus Styling Inspiration
We highly suggest doing engagement photos. Not only are they a ton of fun for you to bond as a couple, but they are also a great way to get to know your photographer even better before the wedding day. Plus you get to use these photos for so many things throughout your engagement, at your wedding and beyond. As soon you hire your wedding photographer, the next step would typically be to start planning for your engagement photos! Here are some easy engagement photo tips and styling advice to get you started:
1. Location is key.
Time of day is next important (but your photographer can help with that). Your photographer may have some great location suggestions of places to do your engagement shoot, but if they don’t or maybe they aren’t familiar with the area, then try to think of what type of scenery you envision for these photos. If your wedding is on the beach, decide whether you want engagement photos also on the beach so all the photos match together or if you want an entirely different scenery for some photo variety. If you are more of a mountain type couple but your wedding is near the beach, then maybe you want to go to the trails or a park to take photos. Maybe you have a favorite city that you just love to go to for beer or wine tasting or maybe even your favorite ice cream shop. You could even plan a whole picnic with a blanket and champagne at the park or beach. Try and get creative but don’t go too crazy either because, it’s all about the two of you and going somewhere that feels comfortable to you both.
2. Make it personal.
If you have a favorite team as a couple, bring the hat of your favorite team to wear for a few photos, or a favorite song you love together, make sure to play it on your phone while taking photos. Find whatever is most comfortable and familiar to you both as a couple, and incorporate that into your photos. These are the pics that you’ll be the most relaxed in and you’ll love.
3. Bring a prop.
Did you raise a puppy together where they can be in a few shots (just make sure they aren’t a complete distraction)? Do you have a cute umbrella, hats or maybe even matching shoes? Or maybe you can make a cute sign like “I Said Yes!”
4. Make sure to rest
(and don’t stress about the process). Drink lots of water 3 days leading up to the shoot to relieve any puffiness.
5. Have fun and when in doubt, laugh and kiss!
Your photographer will be there to make sure you are posed well and that you look good. So just try to remember that this is supposed to be fun! Trust your photographer and enjoy yourselves! This is the most important photo tip we have, enjoying yourselves and being present in the moment is always going to shine through in the photos.
Styling as a couple:
Now onto our easy engagement photo session styling advice! These are the photos that will go on your website and maybe even your Save the Date card. You may even use these photos in your guest book or as a framed photo at your wedding. So yes, thinking about what you are both going to wear ahead of time is a great idea. Be prepared and make sure to check the weather so you can plan the right type of wardrobe. Also make sure you are both comfortable in your clothes. If your partner doesn’t feel right wear tight khaki pants, then don’t force it just for the photos. Remember, you want to feel comfortable, relaxed, and happy! Start with these engagement photo styling advice tips and then find what makes you most comfortable, that is most important!
1. If you are able to do a wardrobe change, then choose one casual outfit and one more formal. But, Make sure to choose clothes that match the location. For example, if you in a sunflower field, you might not want to wear pinstripes. If you are at the beach, you want to make sure you pick clothes that don’t blend in to the san and the water. Make sure to plan your location in conjunction with your wardrobe. If you are doing an outfit change, i would suggest going to two separate locations (hopefully ones nearby each other) Again, lean into your photographer’s suggestions for location inspiration if you are feeling stuck!
2. Don’t choose outfits that are too “matchy-matchy”, instead think about the overall color coordination. Pick colors that compliment each other. And try to stay away from patterns and stripes. If one of you must wear a pattern, make sure the other is in solid colors.
3. Keep it simple. Try not to go too trendy because you’ll want the photos to feel timeless.
4. Don’t feel like you have to buy something brand new for the shoot. Look through your closet and see if there is a cute dress that you love, and then coordinate his outfit to match. Or maybe he has a nice shirt and you can find a cute pair of jeans, hat, and a blouse to match.
5. It may be worthwhile to get your hair and make up done, especially if you don’t love doing your own. Sometimes brides will do their trial with their hair & makeup artist before the shoot so that could be an option to consider. But make sure to do hair that you feel comfortable in for these photos. If you are planning something more formal for your wedding day, then I would save the trial for another time (or you can do two trials).
6. Don’t forget to try on the outfits together BEFORE the photo day (yes, even the shoes)! And make sure they are ironed and free from wrinkles, tags, etc.
Finally, one of our favorite engagement photo tips, Let loose (maybe pop some bubbly), trust your photographer, and let them do what they do best! Remember you selected them to shoot your special day for a reason, so put your trust in them and have fun! Make it a date or go out for a nice dinner afterward to celebrate!
San Diego Location Ideas (make sure to Google these spots “engagement photos at…” to get an idea of pictures in each location):
- Sunset Cliffs
- Balboa Park (Alcazar Garden, Botanical Building, etc)
- Belmont Park
- Torrey Pines State Park + beach
- Coronado’s sand dunes
- Marion Bear Park
- Eucalyptus Grove near La Jolla
- Los Penasquitos Canyon
- Mission Gorge Trails
- Trail in Liberty Station next to the water
- Seagrove Park, trails along the cliffs and beach
- San Elijo Lagoon
- Little Italy
- La Jolla Cove
- Crystal Pier
- Seaport Village
Make sure to check with your photographer as they will likely have suggestions for you (and some extra tips).
Good luck! Implement these Engagement Photo tips and Styling Advice and we hope your experience is seamless! We can’t wait to see your photos!
