How to plan engagement photo session
Yay!!
You’re
Engaged!
Enjoy the process
You have a lot to plan, so let’s make it easy and as fun as possible, so that you can truly enjoy this time in your relationship and life!
I scroll too much, and thus I often see the same, tired engagement photos that all look the same, and we don’t want that for you. So that’s why I made this guide, so that we can work together to make your engagement photos scream YOU, and show your story with your partner, because you deserve photos that are unique.
Planning an engagement shoot can really be as simple as picking a location, an outfit, and just showing up with a smile. If that’s your speed, that’s totally cool, let’s go for it. A location or outfit and your own personality can in fact be all that you need. In the end it’s all about the vibe.
Or to take it a step further we can plan to bring some props of things you love, extra outfits, coordinate with multiple locations (maybe some special access?), or go on an adventure somewhere off the beaten path, or just do something crazy!
So are we there yet?
Step One: Ask some questions
Let’s figure this out together! If you want to go the extra mile and incorporate meaningful aspects to your session, here are some questions to ask your fiance.
What are some of our favorite memories or date nights?
What do we love doing together?
In 20 years, what would we want to remember/feature in our photos?
What activities, clothing, locations, or things define this stage of our lives?
What aesthetics or vibes are naturally drawn to?
When we go out, what do we do?
Then you communicate some of the answers to me.
This can look like you, saving some keywords, photos, locations and in a notes app or pinterest or whatever you can share with me.
Specifically, what we’re looking for here is a smattering of colors, textures, images, locations, items you like, (hobbies you share, board games you like, screenshots from movies you like– anything that you want to share that helps define your vision and your vibe. Yes, even if it my or other photographer’s work is fine! We won’t copy, we’ll make it yours!
Step Two: Lowkey the most important defining factor: Location
It is quite literally the atmosphere of your engagement photos.
Obviously, a park, downtown or even your home are great picks for location. There are plenty of more unique options within those categories. But let’s get specific as we possibly can. Maybe there’s a particular wall outside a local restaurant. Maybe there’s a spot on a trail at the lake. Maybe there’s a little bridge you like hidden away in a trail
Make it activity specific! What’s a favorite date you’ve been on, or an activity you like to do together – where do you go to do that? Do you like bowling? Pickleball? Favorite restaurant? Camping spot? Wine-tasting? The list goes on. The important thing is that it connects with you, and it’s a place we can/are allowed to take photos at.
Where is somewhere you love to go on a date? Where do you feel most comfortable and have the most fun together?
I have an entire list of some of my favorite quick-pick locations to get your ideas flowing or if you want to stay chill and just pick from it.
Here are some great location ideas for engagement photos in the Omaha Area:
Memorial Park
Elmwood Park
UNO campus
Film Streams Theatre
Joslyn Castle yard
Glacial Till Vineyard
Capital View Winery
Lauritzen Gardens
The Fat Putter
Most of these are great locations to at least start with, as there is plenty extra locations around them and hidden gems to really fill out your session with different looking locations and points of interest to make your images pop.
Step Three: Outfit
The best outfits for any photoshoot are layers, something you can move in, and something that intrinsically is you, and of course something just a little extra special.
Versatility: Something you can add a jacket sweater on top of to make a different look quickly and easily.
Movement: Because well, you’re going to be moving around a ton!
Personality: And of course, it has to be something you are comfortable wearing, that isn’t new for you just for the photo-shoot. Wear something you know you like and are confident in.
Step Four: The Activity
This is an optional step, but it really ramps up the vibes and gives more natural interaction and visual interest.
This doesn’t have to be fancy or anything wild! You can go out for ice cream, play put-put, or have a picnic! Do something that you would normally do on a date, even if its just walking the dogs. Maybe you always go to a cute little coffee shop on the weekends or bake cookies in your kitchen?! Whatever it is, let’s recreate the scene.
Remember the key is that we want your engagement photos to represent YOU and your relationship together.
Let’s recap:
Talk to each other about what your dream date looks like.
Share your answers to a few questions, even create a feelings board on Pinterest.
Find somewhere fun for a little date night (or day)!
Choose your outfits and remember the three words: Movement. Timeless. You.
Don’t forget to breathe. It’s going to fun, chill and you’re going to love the results!
Ready to start planning your own unique engagement photos?
Let’s do it! Reach out today and let’s plan the perfect session for you.