how to take unique engagement photos
This article will help photographers (and couples) who want to create Authentic bad*ss couple photos.
Location, Location Location— This is what sets the scene, and overall mood for the shoot. I encourage the couple to choose meaningful locations, and be sentimental. Example: Their first date, where they first met, favorite bar or coffee shop. Do they have a hobby they enjoy together? Like hiking, painting, exploring the city or if they’re introverted maybe their home will be best. Make it a date and have fun!
Couple Comfortability— What does this mean? Co-creating a safe space for your clients to open up and be themselves during the session. Get to know your couple and what is important to them. (questionnaires and zoom meetings pre-shoot)
What to Wear— Literally anything that makes the couple feel their best. A lot of instagram photographers who just want “aesthetic content” will want to mold their couples to fit their feed; however, It’s important to remember the photos are not for you, they are for the couple you’re capturing. We have the honor of telling their story, and we should make it be as accurate as possible.
Get creative — Don’t be afraid to get weird and take some shots you normally wouldn’t - As a photographer your style is ever evolving. It’s a good goal to try at least 3-4 prompts/poses that you haven’t done before. Try thinking of these before the session so you have them in the back of your mind :-)
Some extra tips:
Download the unscripted posing app — clients wont care if you take a little time in-between shooting (they will actually appreciate it) to glimpse and get some ideas, use this time to ask some questions and get to know them better.
Don’t know if you’ll have service? Make a prompts list you like and set it as your lock screen
Play music or pre-session ask the couple to make a playlist of their favorite songs to use during the session
After getting your “go-to” shots -try different angles than you normally would (Example. Laying on the ground - shooting from a distance or anything not just straight on)Experiment with your settings (like shutter speed) to get some cool movement shots