Top Tips for Memorable Engagement Photos
Written and Photographed by Curator, Lisa Kathan
Are you planning an engagement session prior to your wedding? If you’re getting married in Chicago or just having your engagement photos here, these are some great tips you can use for planning your engagement session!
Be smart when choosing your photographer
Often photographers will suggest that you use the same photographer for your engagement photos that you’ve chosen for your wedding. This is very helpful because not only will you get acquainted with your photographer before the big day, but you’ll have a consistent look to all of your photos.
However, couples who are getting married in another location may choose to have their engagement photos where they live. If this is the case for you, try to find an engagement photographer with a similar style to your wedding photographer if your goal is to have a consistent look to your engagement and wedding photos.
Plan ahead for popular seasons
Do you have a favorite season, or do you need your photos well in advance of your wedding? Be sure to plan ahead!
In the Chicago area, Fall is by far the most popular season for engagement photos. But it’s also the most popular time of the year for weddings! So your photographer may be booked if you wait too long to schedule your session.
If you’re struggling to find a day for your engagement photos, you might want to plan your engagement session for a weekday, or consider doing your photos during another fun time in Chicago, like summer or winter.
Aim for the best light
Most people love to have a beautiful glow in their engagemenet photos. So while midday may be most convenient for your schedule, you should make it a goal to have your outdoor photo session about 90 minutes before sunset (or about 30 minutes before sunrise if you’re planning a sunrise session).
This means that in the winter, you might be doing your session around 3pm, but it also means in the summer your session will be around 7pm.
Include places important to you
Couples who involve spots that are special to them have the most unique and memorable engagement photos. Wherever you’re at in your life, try to include it in your photos.
Some great ideas are an engagement session in your neighborhood, at the place you were engaged, or had your first date. Chances are high you won’t be living in the space home after you’re married, so capturing those special places in your photos will make for great memories.
If you want variety in your photos, try to select a place that’s NOT the same look and feel as your wedding. For example, if you’re getting married downtown and will be having your wedding photos there, think about having your engagement session in a wooded area, or perhaps your neighborhood. Getting married in a rustic barn setting? Maybe have your engagement photos in the city so you have more variety in your photos.
Plan an activity
Pretty, posed photos can be beautiful, but for a unique — and less stressful — twist, try including an activity in your engagement photos. What is something you love to do together? Try to include at least one activity during your session and not only will you end up with amazing photos, but you’ll actually be creating some great memories! This is also an excellent option for those feeling shy in front of the camera.
Some suggested activities:
Grab coffee or a drink
Bake cookies together
Go on a picnic
Attend a festival
Play games together
Carve out time for getting ready
If you’re planning to do hair and makeup (highly recommended!), and you need to dress and get to your location to meet your photographer, be sure to include time to do that. If you’re planning your session on a weekday, that may involve leaving work early; and if your session is in Chicago on a weekend, it will definitely involve extra time getting around.
