How to Make Your Engagement Photos Stand Out

By Jada Parrish

Posted: 11/26/13

Category: Engagement Tips

Right after you get engaged, one of the first things you should do is have engagement photos taken. Engagement photos are so fun to take because you are able to photograph two people who are really in love. There is a genuine happiness to these shoots with lots of laughter and playfulness mixed in. Engagement photos are perfect to give to family members who are excited about your upcomining wedding, and they can even serve as your save the dates. You will be able to fill your new home together with photos of the two of you. 

Everyone wants their engagement photos to stand out. They should reflect your personality as a couple and actually feel like the two of you. Every couple has a unique style and set of interests, and it's important to incorporate that into your shoot. Here are a few helpful tips to guide you through your engagement shoot and ensure you end up with photos that accurately reflect the two of you.

If you'd like to book an engagement shoot with us, please send an email to info@j-dphoto.com. 

1. Choose a location that suits you both

First decide what type of scenery you'd like to have in your engagement photos. Do you want water? mountains? a farm? open fields? a cozy at home shoot? You can have any type of photos you want, so make sure you take some time to think about it. Then start brainstorming some locations that have your desired scenery. Feel free to ask your photographer for suggestions...they do a lot of these shoots and probably know of some great locations that are off the beaten path. 

2. Style your outfits according to your location

Think about the look and feel you want your shoot to have and choose an outfit that suits your locaton. For example.. if you are having a photoshoot at the beach maybe consider wearing a long flowing dress that will look great blowing in the wind and frolicking in the water.

I also highly recommend coordinating your outfit with your fiance's. I'm not saying you should match, but choose outfits that go well together. So.. if you want to wear a brightly colored dress you might want to suggest that your fiance wear a neutral colored shirt so that the two of you don't clash.

I love how Caroline coordinated her dress to match the gorgeous pink flowers blossoming in the trees -- Notice Marshall wore a neutral shirt to help balance out the brightness of Caroline's dress.

3. Use props in your shoot

I highly recommend using props in your engagement shoot. This is what is really going to make your shoot stand out. You can start by choosing props that fit your location and the type of shoot you want OR props that are significant to the two of you as a couple. 

The pajamas and coffee mugs really make this photo -- such a cute, cozy at home photo shoot.

Marshall proposed to Caroline while playing the guitar, so it was the perfect prop to include in their engagement photos. 

Adding a simple umbrella, gave this shoot a totally unique look.

4. Ignore the camera

The best photos are the candid ones. We will guide you through your shoot by putting you in different poses and giving you direction, but the best thing you can do is pretend the camera isn't there. Laugh, smile, joke with each other...that is what makes the photos. Be playful and be yourselves, and your photos are guaranteed to turn out amazing.

5. Don't be afraid to let your passion show

The two of you obviously love and adore each other, so let that shine through. If you feel like giving your fiance a great big kiss, DO IT! Let your emotions guide your shoot, and you will be amazed at what we can capture.

Click to view more of our engagement photos.