You have an engagement shoot booked and you’re feeling ahead of the game, but what next? As Kevin and I were gleefully preparing for our engagement shoot we realized we started having more questions than answers. Where do we shoot? How many locations should we shoot at? Should we attempt an outfit change? Where will we change? OMG will people see us? The last two were most likely me- and if you’re a classic over-thinker like myself, you understand. Luckily, our wedding photographer, Jasmine Lee, (who is also shooting our wedding) is well versed in prepping couples and guided us through the entire process leading up to our shoot.
1. Decide on a Theme Together
This might seem like an easy task but with the amount of ideas floating around now online, choosing a theme or look can become overwhelming. Kevin and I opted to create a Pinterest board together and added engagement photos or locations that spoke to us. We soon realized that we both wanted to incorporate water, the outdoors and to shoot somewhere near the Golden Gate Bridge (we live and met in San Francisco so that was meaningful to us). We both also were drawn to photos of couples that were suited up and decked out as well as couples in a more laid back, natural look. Because of this we decided on two outfit changes (one dressy and one casual) with our photographer suggesting to make two our max to keep things simple.
2. Scout out Specific Locations Beforehand
Envisioning locations is one thing, but making sure those places are easily accessible to shoot is another. We drove to each location we had in mind before the shoot and realized that certain locations would be easier than others. If you’re shooting outdoors make sure you’ll be able to park fairly close to the location and it won’t be too long of a walk as you’ll be lugging equipment, props and yourselves in outfits you don’t want to sweat in. We also had to check if there were any restrictions to shoot since we were shooting at a national park. Our photographer also suggested that we choose a day to shoot mid-week that way we would have less people and background noise. If you can, try and scout the locations around the time you’re shoot is scheduled for to check out the lighting (your photographer will have some opinions about this and help guide you).
3. Engage in an Activity
Most people, myself included, aren’t professional models so looking natural might not always come easy. Being engaged in some kind of activity gives you and your partner something to focus on and can create a more natural feel versus just standing or sitting in one place. Whether it be walking around holding hands or fully embracing a prop, just choose something that feels natural to the both of you.
4. Embrace Your Surroundings
Sometimes “perfect” shots come from locations least expected. Check out what’s around you, sometimes beauty is in places you wouldn’t have thought to photograph. On our walk back to the car from one of our locations, our photographer asked us to turn around and take a few photos. We didn’t think much of it at the time but these turned out to be some of our favorites! Trust your surroundings and lean on your photographer. Bonus- if you are shooting with the same photographer you hired for your wedding, there’s no better way to get to know each other before your big day!
5. Go With the Flow
Last minute changes happen. The sooner you become more adaptable to these changes before your wedding the better (it’s hard I know, especially for you A types like myself). Sometimes if you let go, amazing things can happen at unexpected moments. Like when we were shooting by the Golden Gate Bridge and a man pulled up in a vintage Volkswagon bus and offered it up for our shoot. Just go with it and have fun, I promise you’ll get some amazing photos!
Location: Cavallo Point and Rodeo Beach
Photograpy + Editing: Jasmine Lee Photography
Hair + Makeup: Makeup by Quis
