The big day is finally here! Nope … not that big day. Engagement photo day! Which is thrilling and wonderful in its own special way. Typically, the engagement photoshoot is your first chance to really work with your wedding photographers and get a feel for what the wedding day will be like. Here are some of our tried-and-true tips to make your engagement photos as engaging (lame joke, sorry!) and *magical* as possible.
Walking Shoes Make the Journey to your Engagement Photoshoot Easy-Peasy
Outdoor engagement photoshoots are becoming more and more popular these days— and we totally get why! They’re ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS. Buuuuuut … getting to your ideal photoshoot destination may take some trekking. And trust us when we say you don’t want to make the journey in your best shoes. No matter the terrain, we suggest you bring some comfortable walking shoes. Also, check the weather beforehand. If it’s going to be super hot, you might want to bring an extra set of “walking clothes” to make sure your photo attire doesn’t get sweaty before your photographer gets the chance to start clickin’. Talk with your Jacksonville wedding photographers beforehand to get a general idea of how long and involved the journey is to your perfecto photoshoot location.
Come Prepared for a Photo-Sesh Refresh
Some couples choose to have their hair and makeup professionally done ahead of the engagement photoshoot. Whether you do this or not, you’re going to want to make sure you’re looking your very best throughout the session. Our advice? Bring along a touch-up kit! Include all the grooming essentials you and the future spouse might end up needing: Lip balm, deodorant, hairbrush, floss, tweezers, etc. But don’t stop there, make sure you have all your makeup needs covered, too. Your lip color of choice (if you have one) and concealer are must-haves. Your engagement photoshoot can get pretty physical, what with all the walking and lovey-dovey handholding. Possibly even dancing and definitely kissing (oh my!). At some point, you’ll likely want a refresh and touch-up. Don’t forget to pack a mirror so that you can see what you’re doing.
Show Off Your Sense of Style with an Engagement Photoshoot Quick Change
If you’re down for it, bring more than one outfit selection for a greater variety of engagement photo options. Our advice? Make sure your selections aren’t too similar. For example, if you’re bringing uber fancy dress clothes, maybe choose something a bit more casual for your second set. This gives you lots of options, and we love to see it. Make sure you pack your change of clothes in a way that ensures they won’t get dirty or wrinkly before you get the chance to show them off for the camera.
Don’t be Afraid to Go a Little Extra … And Bring a Little Extra … for your Engagement Photoshoot
If you have a specific theme in mind for your engagement photos, props might help bring your vison to life. For example, if you’re dreaming of a picnic photoshoot, you’ll need to pack up some gear to really sell the scene. Don’t be afraid to bring the necessities to turn your engagement photoshoot location into the destination of your dreams! Bring that checkered picnic blanket, that adorable antique wicker picnic basket, the bottle of champagne … the list could go on and on. If you’re planning a holiday engagement photoshoot, go wild. There are no limits, here. Bring sparklers and smoke bombs for Fourth of July, wrap yourself in twinkling lights for Christmas or even dawn pumpkin heads for Halloween. What we’re saying is: Go all out. These are your engagement photos. Pack them with personality and have some fun with it!
Make your Engagement Photoshoot All-Around Enjoyable by Packing the Essentials
Your Jacksonville wedding photographer is going to make sure your engagement photoshoot experience is an enjoyable one, no matter what. Still, there are some things you can do to make it even more so. In addition to makeup and shoes, you might want to pack a few comfort items to get you through your session and keep you at the top of your photo-posing game.
We recommend bringing essentials like bug spray, especially if your dream photoshoot location is outside. Your favorite meadow, river or forest might make for a stunning backdrop, but shooting there will be less enjoyable if you’re being eaten alive by mosquitos. Bring sunscreen if you need it, as well as plenty of water. Band-Aids are always a good idea too, just in case you forget your walking shoes (nice full circle moment, huh?) and need to treat a blister. There’s nothing worse than being a dehydrated, sunburned mess covered in bug bites—except when you’re a dehydrated, sunburned mess in your engagement photos. These things last forever, you know.
You Got This!
Regardless of whether you remember everything on this list, your Jacksonville wedding photographers will make sure your engagement photoshoot goes off without a hitch. But these tips will make your session fun and flawless, just like you!
Book Your Wedding With NS Photobook
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and you deserve photography and videography that reflect its magic. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate ceremony, NS Photobook is here to turn your memories into stunning works of art.
🔗 Ready to book your wedding photography experience? Visit NS Photobook to explore our portfolio and connect with us today. Let’s make magic together!
