Helpful Engagement Session Tips: The Perfect Way to Prepare for Your Big Day

As your wedding day approaches, a fun and enlightening way to prepare is by having a pre-wedding or Engagement Photo Shoot. These are perfect to help "break the ice" between you and your wedding photographer. You get to know them, and they you, on a more personal level, as you get used to being in front of the camera, a new experience for many that can be slightly intimidating.

With an Engagement Shoot you'll also learn what poses you like, and pick up some valuable photography lingo. In short, you'll get a lot of useful info and advice ahead of time, info and advice that will help your photographer take stunning, gorgeous, once-in-a-lifetime photos on the big day! Plus, as a bonus, you'll get some great shots during this 'practice shoot' that you'll cherish for years. Yay!

If an engagement shoot is in your future, check out our list below of 6 crucial things you need to know to make it a big, fun, memorable success. And hey, congrats on your wedding!

1 Choose a Great Location

The best way to make sure your Engagement Shoot is a success is to choose a great location. Many photographers recommend a location that has a personal meaning for both of you, and suits your sense of style well. The park where you first met while walking your dogs is a great suggestion. Did you meet at the beach? Did she propose while you were on a rafting adventure? These places hold a special place in your collective hearts and would work well as a location also, to bring out your emotions and, at the same time, help work out any communication kinks you and your photographer have.

Another factor to consider is that several 'backdrops' are available for the shoot. Large rock outcroppings, a jetty on the lake, or the rusting shell of an antique car will give you more photographic options to choose from and practice with. You could also shoot at 2 locations that really contrast each other, like a farmers field and tractor and a modern sculpture in the center of your nearest big city.

Of course, if the venue you've chosen to host your wedding party is in some way exclusive, photogenic, or just plain beautiful, staging your Engagement Shoot there might be just the thing. Depending on the size of the venue, knowledge of where everything is and how long it takes to walk from point to point could help tremendously on your wedding day, and help inspire some ideas too!

2 What Time of Year and Time of Day is Best For Photos

As a rule of thumb, having your Engagement Shoot 2 to 3 months before your wedding day works best. This would still be far enough in the future that your stress levels will still be low (ish), but it's not so far off that you'll forget all the valuable information it gives you and be able to use that info when the time comes.

That being said, you can certainly schedule your Engagement Shoot at any time of year and as far ahead or close to the wedding as you choose. Getting married in Spring but love the thought of taking pictures in winter? Autumn leaves can also make a fun, colorful backdrop too, as does the beach and ocean on a summer day if that's what truly floats your boat.

As for the time of day, it's recommended to take pictures on a sunny day, later in the afternoon when the setting sun can add a splash of sexy, sensual color. In fact, sunset is one of the most popular times of day for an Engagement Shoot, and something any seasoned photographer can use to your advantage to get wonderful photos!

3 What Style to Wear and in Which Colors Look Best In Photos

Here's the thing; picking an outfit for your Engagement Shoot isn't as easy as it sounds. Experts agree that the best choice is something that makes you feel comfortable, suits your particular style and speaks to the kind of person you are or see yourself to be. An outfit that gives you confidence or joy also works well and, on shooting day, can help make everything that much more fun and memorable.

As for what colors to wear, that depends on you, your style and, in some cases, the weather (if you're shooting outdoors). Complementary, non-clashy colors are best, so that you and your betrothed look coordinated and blissful. Note that neutral colors and pastels always work. At the end of the day however, the ultimate choice of what style and colors you wear is up to you.

4 Rent Some Props and Plan some Activities for your Photo Shoot

For pictures that are more fun, interesting and exciting, props and activities are a great choice. The right props can bring out the best in both of you, and a fun activity can do more of the same. Even better, props and activities make your photos unique, something only the 2 of you share. Surfboards at the beach is a fantastic example, or renting a rowboat on the lake. Do you both love your pets? Take them with you to the shoot and make them part of the fun! A blanket, picnic basket and pillows can turn a pasture into a paradise, at least for a little while, and you could even rent entire costumes and pretend you're a couple from the Roaring 20's! The sky is literally the limit if you rent a hot air balloon, so make sure you think about what props and activities you like best and plan accordinly!

5 Relax, Forget About The Camera (or the Photographer)

This might sound slightly crazy but, for the best, most natural and memorable photos, try to forget the camera and photographer are even there. Don't pose for them, don't look at them for signals and definitely don't look directly at the camera. You want your photographer to capture the real, authentic you. Your love for each other, the deep romance you're sharing and all the silly and shy things that make you the couple you are!

Move around, nibble on his ear, have an intimate chat, giggle like a teenager. Just be yourselves and let the you shine through, and the results will be better than you can imagine. Of course, your photographer might occasionally ask you to stand still, or look at the camera, but unless they do feel free to be your true selves.

Now, truth be told, more than a few people simply hate to have their photo taken. If that's you or your soon-to-be, relax. That's why you scheduled this Engagement Shoot in the first place and, frankly, any photographer worth their weight in wedding cake will be able to put your mind at ease and make you feel comfortable, with no preconceived expectations to worry about.

6 Have Yourselves A Blast!

Hey, you've scheduled an Engagement Photo Shoot! Congratulations! You'll now be able to 'work out the bugs' with your photographer, lower your stress levels and make sure that, on your big day, your wedding photos are the last thing you need to worry about. So have a great time, get loose and enjoy yourselves, and let your photographer take care of the rest!