As a Georgia Wedding Photographer, I’ve had the experience and opportunity of photographing countless couples. Every one of them is excited to take their next step towards marriage, starting to hire their wedding vendors, and most importantly… search for the perfect wedding photographer. Once you’ve discovered that wedding photographer who can give you the results you’re looking for on your special day, you begin planning your engagement session. Yes, when you and your lover can share these photos throughout social media, with friends and family, and even change the wallpaper on your phones. However, much with anything else, there comes some prep work that you’ll need to handle first off before receiving those gorgeous engagement photos of yours. Below I’m giving you the in-depth guide on how to get the most out of your engagement session. This will give you all the help you need to not only get a beautiful end result but also get the most bang for your buck!

Prep Beforehand

First and foremost, one of the most important things that you can do in preparation for your engagement photos is prep. Say it with me: PREP, PREP, PREP. Preparation for anything is always a good thing, however, especially for such an important occasion such as your engagement photos you want to be in tip-top shape. Now, prep can look like a lot of different things. In this case, prepping for your engagement photos can look like:

• Establishing a date, time, and location that works for you and your photographer

• Pick your outfits well in advance (I always suggest bringing at least two outfit options; one more formal and one more casual to get the best of both worlds!)

• Pre-scheduling hair & makeup appointments

• Tip: Use your bridal hair & makeup trials as the perfect way to kill two birds with one stone and get your engagement photos done the same day!

• Book those nail appointments in advance!

• Make sure to clean your ring, we will be taking up-close shots!

• Depending on where you go, packing an emergency kit will be incredibly helpful!

• Some items to include in your emergency kit can be extra/comfortable shoes, makeup for touch-ups, water, coat/cover-up (in case it’s cold), hairspray, tissues, etc.

• Never underestimate the power of beauty sleep

• Practice posing in the mirror (especially if you’re a stranger to being in front of the camera)

Your engagement photos are a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and should be treated as such! Make sure that you are doing everything that you can possible to prep beforehand. The days leading up to your engagement session should be exciting, not stressful!

Gather Engagement Photo Inspo

Another great way to get the most out of your engagement session is by gathering inspo beforehand. As a Georgia Wedding Photographer, I appreciate it so much when my couples take the time to gather inspo. It not only can help you in gathering your thoughts and creating a cohesive theme, but it also helps me in capturing the type of images that you enjoy as well. If you’re looking for some inspo for your upcoming engagement session, you can check out my Pinterest here!

Step Outside Of Your Comfort Zone

One place that most people like to live is within their comfort zone. I mean, after all, that’s why we all have one. It’s comfortable and safe and sometimes just how we like it! When it comes to your engagement session though, stepping outside of your comfort zone can be the biggest blessing. It gives you the opportunity to try something new and maybe even discover something about yourself that you never even knew existed. This can be with different kinds of posing, location ideas, or maybe what you choose to wear. The greatest thing about all of it is that you have the power and control to do whatever you want to do!

Choose Multiple Locations For Your Engagement Photos

A great way to add some dimension, and diversity and be a little bit more creative for your engagement session is to try different engagement photo locations. Having a beautiful backdrop makes all the difference when it comes to getting your engagement photos done. That being said, a perfect way to add a little bit more oomph to your backdrop is by choosing multiple different locations. Do these have to be the most extravagant, out-of-the-box engagement photo locations you’ve ever seen? Absolutely not! When it comes to choosing your engagement photo locations, the choice is up to you. However, if you’re struggling to find the perfect backdrop for your engagement photos, here are a few tips you can follow!

• Choose a backdrop that won’t clash with your outfits. The last thing you want is for you to completely blend in with the background of your photos. You are the center of all of your images, so be aware of that when choosing the perfect engagement photo location!

• Pick a location that is meaningful to you and your story. This could be a first date spot, where you got engaged, a frequently visited place, etc. Choosing a location that has a bit of meaning to you and your partner’s story just makes it that much more special when looking back at this time in your lives.

• Keep in mind the weather! Weather can play an influential role during your engagement session and choosing an engagement photo location. 

• Choose the right season! Finding the right season/time of year for your engagement photos is also going to be super important when establishing the right kind of vibe and atmosphere.

Repurpose Your Images

Last but certainly not least, a great way to make the most of your engagement session is by repurposing your engagement photos! Getting your engagement photos taken can be one of the most important moments in your entire life. Are you just going to let them sit in your inbox or just have a few photos shared on the feed and then you’re done with it? Absolutely not! That’s why I always encourage and recommend my couples to repurpose their engagement photos as much as possible. There are many ways that you can repurpose your images and make the most of your engagement session. Some ways you can do this are:

• Use your engagement photos for save-the-dates or RSVP’s

• Repurpose your engagement photos on your wedding website

• Print them in an album or hang them up on your wall

• Use them as decor on your wedding day (wall art, centerpieces, etc.)

• Add your engagement photos to your wedding guestbook

• Thank you cards

Your engagement photos deserve to have their moment and repurposing is the best way to make the most out of your beautiful images!

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Engagement Session

Your engagement session is a time in your life that deserves to be cherished. Your love is something that is being celebrated and part of the joys of this time in your life is humbly bragging about it to all of your friends and family. It’s okay, I give you permission! Hopefully, a few of these tips on how to get the most out of your engagement session will have you feeling more confident and ready to take on your engagement session with ease!