How to Improve an Engagement Shoot
Whether you include an engagement shoot in your wedding packages as a wedding photographer or specialize in couples as a family photographer, this setting can be great fun if you approach it with the right attitude and preparation.
One of the best things about the engagement shoot is that not only is the photographer relaxed, but usually the couple is happy and ready to work together for some fun and romantic shots. If they’ve already selected you as their wedding photographer, they are likely pretty far along in their wedding planning and have put a lot of the stress behind them so they can focus on the real reasons they’re getting married: each other. The engagement shoot can bring out all the unique and fun aspects of a couple in love.
If you plan to also be the couple’s wedding photographer, the engagement shoot is a great opportunity for you all to get to know each other and for the couple to get comfortable with you before the big day, resulting in more natural looking wedding photographs.
Couples who are comfortable with the person behind the camera always appear more natural, relaxed, and happy in their photographs than people who are unsure or nervous with their photographer.
When you talk with your couple about the engagement shoot, be sure to address location, offering your suggestions for locations you’ve shot before. Bring sample images from these locations to really bring them to life and create excitement in the couple about a new location they might not have thought of before.
Ask them about their overall style. Are they urban and chic? Down-to-earth and casual? Natural and carefree? These descriptive words will help you suggest appropriate locations as well as identify potential shots.
Be assertive about wardrobe, makeup and accessories. Remember that you are the expert and don’t be afraid to show the couple samples of images that show both couples who took your styling advice, and those that didn’t. Explain the advantages of your choices until the couple understands the benefits of heeding your expertise.
If you sell a product, such as a reception photo book, keep this in mind as you’re shooting so you can create shots that will fit well into this product template.
After it’s all said and done, don’t forget to do a little selling. Engagement pictures make great wallet-sized pictures for family and friends. Or, show the couple an example of a save-the-date card with a small engagement print included. Engagement photographs are also a popular decoration at weddings or reception; show the couple their options for a large mounted print that can be framed and displayed on an easel as the guests arrive. You can even offer a print that is matted so that guests can sign the matte in lieu of a guest book, or create a fun album of multiple engagement shoot images for a multi-page guest album for guests to sign and leave comments on pages.
The engagement shoot is a great opportunity to increase your comfort level with a couple, bring out the best in them, and create some memorable images that are sure to please.
