The engagement session is a pleasant and laid-back photo session that acts as a wedding-day dry run. During this session, you can practice and perfect flattering poses while capturing content for your save-the-date cards. Engagement photos present an incredible opportunity for couples to commemorate their love and preserve the excitement of this memorable phase in their journey together.
As a photographer specializing in capturing beautiful moments, Kailee Marie takes immense pleasure in assisting couples in creating remarkable and stylish engagement photos that genuinely showcase their individuality and love story. In this guide, Kailee Marie shares invaluable tips and insights to help couples attain the most breathtaking and unforgettable engagement photos.
MEET THE EXPERT
Kailee Marie is a renowned wedding photographer with an extensive portfolio of capturing love stories across the globe. With a passion for travel, Kailee has documented weddings in diverse destinations, including the U.S., Hawaiian Islands, Mexico, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. She knows it is okay to feel a bit nervous, and she can make you feel comfortable. Her sessions are laid-back and super easy. Her photos aim to get you and your partner to connect, capture real, honest moments, and bring your authentic selves.
“Every wedding is so unique because every couple loves so different. I document the love that is unique to them. My goal is to help couples explore and celebrate their love story and connection by capturing authentic feelings and unscripted moments. I believe their photographs should remind them of how they felt at that very moment. I will highlight all the little things about them as they can look back at all the ways they love.”
Choose the Right Location
When planning your engagement photo shoot, choosing a location that perfectly complements your style and interests is essential. Think about places that hold special meaning to both of you or reflect your shared hobbies and passions. It could be the spot where you first met, a beloved park where you love to spend time together, or even the bustling city streets that ignite your sense of adventure. Opt for backdrops that align with your desired ambiance and create a personalized touch in your photographs. Selecting a location that resonates with your story will enhance your engagement photos’ overall significance and uniqueness.
Dress to Impress
Choosing the right outfits is essential for creating stylish engagement photos. Therefore, we will provide an extensive and detailed guide in this section.
Choose outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable. If authenticity is what you are after, you must show up as yourself. And if you want to capture this time of your life in all its glory, it is about feeling in your own skin.
Bring 2 or 3 outfits that reflect your personality and can be mixed and matched for variety.
Specific colors, textures, and styles will translate better on camera:
Primary colors like red, yellow, and blue can be striking, but they might distract from the main subject (which is you). Consider opting for softer shades like sky blue instead of electric blue or ochre or apricot instead of bright orange. Muted colors like earth tones, blacks, whites, and pastels are also excellent choices.
Pick fabrics that flow and move gracefully with you. Dresses, flowy shawls, and skirts can add drama to your photos and create beautiful moments.
Choose appropriate footwear based on the location and what you would typically wear if a photographer wasn’t following you around with a camera.
Opt for fabrics that add a cozy texture, flow gracefully in the wind, and beautifully catch the late afternoon sun or morning light. Natural fibers like linen, cotton, or wool work wonders for achieving this effect. Avoid stiff garments with collars, as they can appear too formal and may end up in odd positions, requiring constant adjustments.
Strike a balance between casual and formal attire. Adding a leather jacket to a t-shirt or wearing nice shoes with fitted pants can elevate your look.
Avoid intense patterns, large prints, and logos that might distract from your face. Subtle patterns or light floral prints can be great choices.
Feel free to incorporate accessories such as hats, scarves, or statement jewelry to add an extra touch of style and personality.
Coordinate your colors and choose complementary outfits that showcase a variety of colors, textures, accessories, patterns, and tones to create a cohesive look. This way, you will avoid looking overly matchy-matchy and ensure the viewer can distinguish each individual within the photos.
Additionally, consider the weather conditions at the location when selecting your outfits. Ensure you are dressed appropriately to be comfortable and harmonize with the surroundings. Combining layers and textures adds visual interest to the photographs and prepares you for various weather conditions. Consider bringing jackets, cardigans, hats, and scarves to prepare for any situation.
Hair and Makeup
Kailee Marie suggests going for a natural, effortless makeup look that enhances your true beauty. If you need help figuring out where to start, stick to everyday essentials and add your personal touch to make it uniquely you.
For your hair, opt for hairstyles that withstand different poses and weather conditions while still looking effortlessly stylish. Wearing your hair down adds movement and interest to the photos, creating a perfect blend of imperfection in the best possible way. And don’t forget to treat yourself to a subtle manicure or ensure your nails are neat before the shoot.
Enjoy the Process
Above all, be yourselves and enjoy the process. Genuine emotions and natural interactions create the most captivating and stylish engagement photos. The genuine love and joy between you will shine through in the photographs, creating lovely and heartfelt images.
Trust Your Photographer
On the day of your shoot, relaxing and trusting your photographer’s expertise is crucial. Remember, these photos capture the genuine connection and authentic emotions between you and your partner. Allow yourselves to be vulnerable, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company. By embracing the moment and trusting your photographer’s guidance, you’ll create beautifully stylish images that reflect the essence of your relationship. Let go of any worries and let the magic unfold.
In conclusion, stylish engagement photos are a beautiful way to express your unique style and celebrate your love. By following these tips and ideas by the talented photographer Kailee Marie, you can create stunning images that will serve as a timeless reminder of this special chapter in your lives. Trust in your photographer’s expertise and enjoy the process of capturing these cherished moments.
