For most couples, planning engagement photos feels like an overwhelming task. I mean, there are so many unique and beautiful options! That’s why I want to share a few questions I ask each couple to help them decide on locations and result in images they love!
Before we begin, it’s important to remember that photos are not just for your engagement and wedding day. While this is an important milestone, it’s just the beginning of your forever story together. I believe every love story deserves to be fully documented.
That being said, selecting 1-2 locations or styles for your engagement session isn’t eliminating all the other options you love. It’s saving them for another time – such as anniversary photos! Which leads me into the first question:
WHY do you want to take engagement photos?
– Do you want to showcase your love story?
– Do you want images that blend into the overall theme and style of your wedding day?
– Or maybe you want images that can be displayed as artwork in your home?
You may have all these reasons and more, but which is the most important to you?
Knowing the heart behind our photos can help guide us in the right direction for the type of photos you want.
What type of photos are you drawn to?
It helps you and your photographer if you can put words to what you are drawn to. Instead of looking up “Houston Engagement Session” use the keywords below to look at photoshoot examples and take note of what speaks to you.
EDITING STYLE | Understanding the editing style you like will also be a big help in finding a photographer if you have not already!
light and airy
colorful
bright
moody
dark
grainy
sharp
black and white
true to color
blurry
Search Example:
“Light and Airy Engagement Photos”
POSING | This isn’t about creating a shot list for your photographer – they shouldn’t need that. It’s about making sure you can articulate what you love to them so they can guide you through poses that reflect that. I often have couples create an inspirational Pinterest board to help me visualize the overall types of poses they love but, come day of the shoot, they 100% trust me to guide them through poses.
traditional
candid
documentary
conceptual
minimalistic
dynamic
close up
confident
wide angles
lifts
dips
running
Search Example:
“Documentary Engagement Photos”
“Traditional Engagement Photo Poses”
AESTHETIC | How do you want your photos to feel? I love helping my couples articulate the overall feeling they want for their images.
romantic
playful
intimate
calm
minimalistic
formal
cinematic
evocative
storytelling
abstract
dramatic
bold
artistic
elegant
peaceful
adventurous
Search Example:
“Romantic Engagement Photos”
“Adventurous Engagement Photos”
LOCATION | I find that once couples can articulate the overall style and feel of their session, picking a location is easier. If you can articulate locations you like, your photographer should be able to provide you with specific options in your area! Keep in mind, some locations will require permits or parking fees so be sure to ask about those details!
Garden
Field/Meadow
Forest
Lake
Beach / Ocean
Library / Bookstore
Coffee Shop
Bar / Hotel
Parking Garage Rooftop
Ice Cream Shop
In Studio
Home / Lifestyle Studio
Vineyard
Castle
Venue
Search Examples:
“Engagement Photos in Library”
“Engagement Photos at the Beach”
Congratulations on your engagement! I hope this helped you get started in the process of planning your photoshoot! If you’re seeking a photographer in the Houston or Galveston Texas area, I would LOVE to chat with you!
Rivers Light Photography proudly serves couples in Galveston, Houston, and beyond, creating photographs that celebrate your legacy of love.
Learn More about Engagements
Learn More about Weddings
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