Engagement Photography Tips

Hi there, I’m Curtis Moore from Moore Photography. Congratulations on your engagement, I am damn excited for you two!

How did you two meet? Was it love at first sight, or did it take you by surprise? When did you know? Seriously… out loud right now (unless you’re in public, lol) – What is ONE thing that your partner does, that silently says they love you? Are you giggling? Is your face all warm from smiling? Don’t waist this… go ahead and give your partner a kiss/snuggle right now, lol!

That feeling you have… that feeling you both have. I want to photograph that. Not just what you two look like… but all those feely things too;) Imagine being able to see that every day… hanging on your wall, inside an album. What would it mean to you if you had something in your life that instantly transports you back to the feeling you have right now?

Please, take some time for a professional photography experience before your big day. All of my wedding couples will have an engagement session with me. Here are some tips I would like to share to get you even more excited.

TIP 1 – Make a day out of it.

Can you picture your best day ever? Start your morning with your favourite breakfast together. Take the day off to relax and enjoy each other. Get some wedding planning done perhaps, LOL! Whatever you need to do to have a pretty darn good day… then do that. Oh but also, try not to get sick of each other before your session if that’s a thing too;) Then, get dressed up or gear up in your most fashionable hiking attire, and head out for a date night adventure with your photographer. Try not to think of the session as a “photo shoot”, but simply a time to enjoy each other and have some fun.

Veronique & Glen – Engagement Session in Red Rock, Nevada

TIP 2 – Wear something you’re comfortable in.

Choose outfits that make you feel confident, happy and comfortable. You be you… always. If you’re using this as an excuse to shop, take your new clothes for a test drive for a day before the session. Something that flows in the wind for the females can be a bonus… it’s not needed, but a bight colored flowy dress in the wind will look stunning from any distance in a photo.

Please don’t match each other, whatever you do, LOL! You don’t want cheesy photos straight out fo the 90’s right? In the end, make sure to be true to yourself.

TIP 3 – Consider professional hair and makeup for your shoot.

If you feel confident in your hair and makeup skills, you can skip this section! However, if you’ve never done makeup for photos or you aren’t really sure what to do with your hair, you may want to book an appointment with a professional who has experience in Wedding hair & make-up . If you haven’t done your hair and makeup consultation with your wedding day stylist yet, this can be the perfect time! Don’t know where to start?

Here in Winnipeg, I suggest Sarah from 2 Chicks & a Bag of Makeup. They do on-location makeup for weddings and have a tonne of experience!

TIP 4 – Set the scene.

What do you two love to do the most with each other? Hiking through nature with your dog? Fancy coffee in an urban setting with buildings downtown? Sifting through old book stores? Cliff diving in the nude? Think about what you really love as a couple and what places reflect that.

If you love making coffee together and snuggling on the couch with Netflix, maybe an at-home session is right for you. If you’re an adventurous couple who spends your free time hiking? Take your photos in the forest or the mountains, hiking gear in tow. Don’t be afraid to incorporate your favorite activities like biking, scrabble playing or taking out a canoe onto the lake.

TIP 5 – Schedule your session around the sun.

This rule isn’t set in stone… but photographing during the beautiful “golden hour” certainly will never hurt. Your photographer will usually try to schedule your session during this time. This will change throughout the year of course, but the two hours leading up to your area’s sunset time is perfect. As I mentioned, this rule isn’t set in stone. What if you would prefer an evening session with the downtown city nightlife? A good photographer will bring out the best in any lighting situation. Remember, you be you;)

Engagement photographed at Falcon Trails Resort

TIP 6 – Hire a professional photographer.

This should go without saying, but you are going to get the best photos by hiring a professional to take your engagement photos. Your engagement is such a short and special chapter in your life and your relationship, and you deserve to commemorate that time with beautiful photos together! If it’s possible, I highly recommend booking your engagement photos with your wedding photographer. This gives you the opportunity to get comfortable and connect with your photographer before to your wedding day.

Photographed at Birds Hill Park

TIP 7 – HAVE FUN!

Your engagement session should be fun! Remember, these are the photos that basically tell the world you’re getting married. Unlike the wedding, you’re not rushing, there’s no deadline, you’re not keeping track of so many different things that are happening.

So enjoy, have fun, and remember why the two of you are there.