Your engagement photos will be one of the most important mementos you have from your wedding day. They will capture the joy and happiness of that day, and you will be able to look back on them for years to come. That’s why it’s important to choose the right time for your photo shoot. In this article, we will discuss the best times to take engagement photos, as well as some tips on how to get the most out of your photo shoot!
The Significance of Engagement Photos
Although the engagement ring is the most important thing to many brides, the photos taken during the engagement are also a very significant part of the process. After all, these are the pictures that will be looked at for years to come as a reminder of this happy time in your life. But when is the best time to take these photos? [1], [2]
When to Take Engagement Photos
There is no set time frame for when you should take your engagement photos. However, there are a few potential timeframes that might work best. Let’s take a look at them!
During the first few days of engagement
If you want to capture the very moment of your engagement, then taking photos on the day of your engagement or a few days after is the way to go. First few days are a great time to take some “just engaged” photos. You can use these photos for your save the dates, or just to have some fun pictures together. Just make sure you don’t wait too long, as you’ll want to be able to capture that excitement and joy!
Within the first two months of engagement
The next best time to take your engagement photos is within the first two months of getting engaged. This time frame allows you to capture all of the excitement and joy of being newly engaged, without the hecticness of actually planning the wedding. It’s also a great time to take advantage of any seasonal decorations, like Christmas lights or spring flowers.
If you’re set on taking engagement photos during this time frame, we recommend scheduling your session for a weekday rather than a weekend. That way, you’ll avoid any crowds that might be out and about on the weekends.
A few months before the wedding day
In some cases, it might make more sense to wait a few months before taking your engagement photos. This allows you to use your engagement photos for your save the dates, as well as get a jump start on any wedding day prep that might need to be done. Plus, it’ll be a great way to relieve any wedding day nerves!
Or maybe you just want to revive the special moments and take some more photos together. If that’s the case, any time is a great time for an impromptu engagement photo session! Just because you didn’t take them right away doesn’t mean you can’t still get some great shots.
Waiting a few months to take your engagement photos can also be a good idea if you’re hoping to do a seasonal shoot. For example, if you’re getting married in the winter, you might want to wait until December or January to take your photos so that you can capture some snowy scenery.
When you get the wedding date set
If you want to wait until you have your wedding date set to take your engagement photos, that’s totally fine! In fact, this can be a great way to save money on your photo shoot. Many photographers offer discounts if you book your engagement and wedding photos together.
Taking your engagement photos when you have your wedding date set also allows you to get a jump start on any wedding-related photo shoots. For example, if you’re planning on doing a first look on your wedding day, you can do a similar photo shoot during your engagement session. This will help you get comfortable with the idea of seeing each other before the ceremony, and it will give you some great practice shots for the big day! [1], [2], [3]
How to Ensure the Best Photoshoot
Practice your poses
This may sound silly, but it’s important! The more comfortable you are in front of the camera, the better your photos will be. Take some time to practice with your fiance before the big day. Try out different poses and see what makes you feel most natural.
There are a few different ways you can practice your poses. One way is to look at engagement photos online, and try to recreate some of the poses you see. Another way is to take some practice shots with a friend or family member acting as your photographer. And finally, if you’re really serious about getting great engagement photos, you can hire a professional photographer to do a mini-shoot with you before your actual engagement session.
The key to great engagement photos is feeling comfortable and confident in front of the camera. Practice makes perfect! So take some time to snap some test shots with your fiance before the big day. Trying out different poses will help you find what feels most natural for you two as a couple.
Choose a location that is special to you
Your engagement photos should be a reflection of you as a couple. So when choosing a location for your shoot, think about places that are special to you. Maybe it’s the place you had your first date, or where he proposed. Maybe it’s somewhere you love to go on walks together, or a spot with a great view of the city.
Choosing a location that has meaning to you will help make your photos even more personal and unique. It will also help you feel more excited during the shoot, because you’ll be in a place that holds happy memories for you both.
Plan in advance
Planning is essential for a successful engagement photo shoot. You’ll need to decide on a location, figure out what time of day will work best, and make sure you have all the necessary permits.
If you’re planning on taking photos in a public place, it’s always a good idea to check with the local authorities beforehand. Some places require permits for photography, and you don’t want to get caught without one!
Take into account any major life events that might be happening around the time of your proposed photo shoot. If you or your fiancé is finishing up school, starting a new job, or dealing with any major life changes, it might not be the best time to try and fit in a photo shoot.
And most importantly, book in advance! Last-minute engagement photo shoots are often rushed and can be stressful. By booking ahead of time, you can relax and enjoy the experience. The sooner you book your engagement photo shoot, the more likely you are to get the date and time that works best for you.
Choose a professional photographer
This is probably the most important tip on this list! A professional photographer will know how to capture the best moments and make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. They will also be able to edit your photos to perfection.
When choosing a photographer, it’s important to look at their portfolio and make sure that their style aligns with what you’re looking for. You should also read reviews from past clients, and meet with them in person before booking anything.
Don’t skimp on your engagement photos! These are memories that you’ll cherish forever, so it’s worth it to invest in a professional photographer who can capture your love story perfectly.
Consider the season
Of course, you want your photos to look amazing, and of course season matters too. If you prefer the winter aesthetics, take your engagement photos in the winter! The same goes for summer, spring, and fall. Embrace the season in which you’ll be tying the knot and use it to add some variety to your photos.
Another thing to consider is how the season will affect your wardrobe choices. You’ll want to make sure that you and your fiance are comfortable, and that your clothing compliments the season. For example, if you’re taking winter engagement photos, you might want to avoid short sleeves and skirts.
Don’t forget about the potential harsher weather when choosing your engagement photo shoot location, too. If you’re planning on taking photos outdoors, make sure there’s a backup plan in case of rain or snow.
Another thing to consider is the seasonality of your wedding. Many couples choose to get married during peak wedding seasons like spring or summer. If this is the case, you might want to schedule your engagement photos for a time outside of wedding season so that you can avoid the crowds. Photographers will also have a heavier workload during these times, so it’s best to book in advance. [1], [2], [3], [4]
FAQ
How should you pose for engagement?
There are a few things to keep in mind when posing for your engagement photos. First, you want to be sure that you and your partner are facing each other and not the camera. This will help create a more intimate feeling in the photo. Second, try to relax and be natural. It can be helpful to think of the photo shoot as simply a conversation between you and your partner while the photographer captures it. Lastly, don’t forget to have fun! The best photos will be those where you both look like you’re enjoying yourselves.
How long after engagement do you take pictures?
The answer to this question largely depends on your wedding date. If you’re getting married soon after becoming engaged, it may not make sense to schedule an engagement photo session too close to the wedding date. On the other hand, if you have a long engagement, it won’t hurt to get the photos out of the way early.
What month is best for engagement photos?
There’s no definitive answer to this question since every couple is different. However, many couples choose to take their engagement photos in the fall or spring. The weather is usually more mild during these seasons, making it ideal for outdoor shoots. If you’re set on taking your photos during the summer months, just be sure to plan ahead and schedule your shoot early in the morning or evening to avoid the heat of the day.
Are engagement photos important?
Engagement photos are important because they capture a moment in time that you will never be able to get back. It is also a great way to show off your personality as a couple and get some creative ideas for your wedding day.
Useful Video: Lens Flare!! Beginner Engagement Shoot Tips (how to take engagement photos 101)
Conclusion
Engagement photos are a great way to capture the relationship and love between you and your partner. When it comes down to it, there is no wrong time to take engagement photos. Planning ahead is key for nailing down a great location, getting the right permits if needed, and making sure the lighting will be flattering. And don’t forget to schedule your session well in advance to get the date and time that works best for you. Whether you want to capture the relationship at its earliest stage or wait until you’re closer to the wedding day, the choice is entirely up to both of your partners. One thing you want to make sure is plan ahead so you can get the most out of your photo shoot! Thanks for reading and we hope this article was helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us. We’d be happy to chat!
References:
- https://pinelakeranch.com/when-should-you-take-engagement-photos-and-send-out-save-the-dates/
- https://www.eivans.com/blog/when-do-you-take-engagement-photos/
- https://www.brides.com/engagement-photos-guide-4802626
- https://fotomakiphotography.com/engagement-sessions-details-timeline/