Tips on Tuesday - Jersey Shore Engagement Photography

I have decided to add a new feature called Tips on Tuesday. Each week I will offer some kind of useful photography related tips. This may be about helpful ways to use your camera, what to wear, make up tips for photos (let’s be honest, most of you reading this are girls!), you tube videos, how-to-tutorials, or anything I feel that moves me that week!

Since today is Valentines Day, why not start off with something love related?

Engagement photos.

This is one of my FAVORITE things to shoot. (Side note: wait till you see the awesome-ness I have coming up this Spring! To-Die-For!) These photos should speak to who you are as a couple. They should be unique to you, personalized, and have a little bit of style and flair. I am really starting to love styled sessions. I have been a DIY Diva creating all kind of props and converting unique vintage and thrift stores finds into usable items for photos. I like to think I am the crafty, Martha Stewart type. Introducing pinterest into my life has taken that to a whole new level!

When planning engagement photos, there are many things to consider.

Step One: Decide what kind of feel you want. Do you want romantic? Vintage? Fun? Classic? Decide what you want, what describes you best, and run with it!

Step Two: Pick a perfect location. Drive around, google, ask friends, come up with a location that will compliment your overall feel. Look for spots with some sun and some shade, interesting textures, more than one background option, and something that speaks to you. Maybe it is where you got engaged, had your first date, or somewhere that is meaningful in terms of where you grew up.

Step Three: Plan ahead! Ask your photographer what time of day is best. Try to plan your shoot when there won’t be a million people around. Not being the center of attention will help you relax. A relaxed you means better photos - every time. Plan the logistics of how you will get props and what not there.

Step Four: Plan your clothes! Bring one or two changes. Make sure your clothes are YOU, just kicked up a notch. An outfit may look great, but if it’s out of your comfort zone or ill fitting you will not feel your best. Anything you have to tug and pull at it a no. Sometimes you should take fashion risks in photos, I do not feel engagement photos are that time. If you have never worn a pattern or heels in your life - showing up in a leopard dress and 5 inch heels isn’t a great idea. However, buying that dress that you adore and normally wouldn’t treat your self to, a few funky accessories, and stepping it up on your hair and makeup is a GREAT idea! You don’t have to match, but I would suggest you coordinate. Red and green in the spring may not work, but you don’t have to both be in black and jean either. I am soooo digging on gray and yellow lately. Maybe ask him to dress in brown and jeans and you in white and jeans with a pop of a turquoise scarf and matching accessories, maybe even a touch of coral? Supplement turquoise with your wedding color. You get the idea.

Step Five: Stylize. Those fancy little shoots don’t just dream up themselves. Talk to your photographer about your ideas. A good one will help you with suggestions and offer advice on where to get props and how to use them. Think of things that are important to you. Are there books you love? Hobbies? Pets? A quirky way he proposed? Whatever it is, find a way to pull all that together. You can do a few simple props: chalk board, candy, vintage bike, banners ect. Or you can go all out, a full styled session. Think of a beautiful, vintage vanity under a willow tree, with mason jars and tons of wild flowers, some candles, a picnic blanket and champagne to toast with. The choice is yours! If you choose a full styled session, thrift stores, spray paint and pinterest will become your full time hobby, promise!

So now you have done all the hard work, and it’s the day of your big shoot! Relax. Enjoy. Have fun! It’s always a little awkward in the beginning to have your photos done. Your photographers job is to do the best they can to help you relax, and feature you as a couple, the location, and all your hard work in the best way they can.

One of my biggest tips for engagement photography is to get a little closer. Interact just a little closer than you normally would. To me, that closeness creates a level of intimacy in the photo. Two people sitting together smiling is not the same as two people sitting together, their hands intertwined, her head on his shoulder, interacting and smiling out of love rather then necessity for the camera. It will make a world of a difference.