Engagement photo shoots can get awkward quickly, especially when one or more of the subjects is trying too hard to not look awkward.
Indeed, a good photoshoot needs to be approached with a little bit of calm and cool. But you can’t exactly force a chill state. Some simple steps can help keep the stress to a minimum, though, and when the stress is low, there’s a pretty good chance your photoshoot will go off without a hitch. Of course, we’re here to help guide you toward that sought-after Zen shoot.
So go ahead, you sexy beasts, and strike a pose. Then get those invitations in the mail, lock down the most unique wedding rings on the planet and before you know it, you’ll be looking calm and cool — sexy, too, obviously — while your wedding photographer snaps away.
Work with a Photographer Who Makes You Comfortable
Skilled portrait photographers are great at putting their subjects at ease. That comfort level can come in quite handy when you’re trying to navigate a potentially awkward/stressful engagement photoshoot.
Indeed, your rapport with the photographer should almost be as important as their actual skill level when it comes to snapping pics. When y’all like the photographer, you’ll have an easier time in front of the camera. That’ll lead to an overall fun, creative shoot. And that means you’ll definitely have engagement shots you’ll be eager to share.
Do What You Need to Do to Chill
Some people have an especially difficult time relaxing in front of the camera. If that’s you, you should be open about your unease with your partner and the photographer. Know that your photog is a pro who undoubtedly has plenty of experience with people who feel exceedingly unnatural with a camera pointed at them. They’ll help you through it.
Two pro tips:
Tip 1: It can help if you aren’t looking directly at the camera. Try gazing into your partner’s eyes or looking off into the distance.
Tip 2: As long as you can do so responsibly, it’s not a crime to pop that flask and see if you can’t ease those nerves with a tipple of your favorite sauce.
Go with the Flow, Dammit
This one is for all the dudes out there who would rather be doing pretty much anything else in the world.
Posing for photos can be pretty awful, especially when you need to do embarrassing things like lean in for a kiss, or worse, assume the classic lift and kiss pose time and again until you nail a good shot.
But, guys, remember that this is a once-in-a-lifetime event for you. Sure, you may find it kind of mortifying, but this is important to your fiancé. So smile and roll with it. If you roll in like a grump and act like a grump, the shoot is just going to take longer. And longer shoots are even more miserable.
A good attitude is your greatest ally.
Don’t Force the Environment
Let’s just toss a hypothetical out there: Your shoot is set for Chicago in the middle of winter. You’d love to get some shots with Lake Michigan in the background, even though the wind whipping off the lake is going to make the real temp feel like 18 degrees. It’s gonna be hard to fake a smile in that.
The point is: Don’t choose an environment that’s going to make the whole thing more difficult. If it’s cold out, do the shoot indoors or at least dress properly if you take it outside. Don’t act like you’re a professional model who can rock a summertime pose with a glacier in the background.
Thrive with the Right Supplies
Be prepared with the right gear.
First off, you NEED the goods that can keep you looking good. We’re talking makeup, comb, hair products, etc.
Bring the stuff that’ll keep you feeling good: snacks, water, that flask we mentioned a few paragraphs back, jackets and sweaters.
And if you decide to rock a few different looks during your shoot, consider items that will be fairly easy to dip in and out of. Of course, if you’ll be at home or in a studio, you won’t have to worry about how easy it is to don and doff.
Let the Sun Save You
Mediocre photos become great photos when the lighting is just so. And there’s no better lighting than what the sun hooks us up with during the golden hour, when the world is awash in rich amber light that makes everything look strong and healthy and sexy as all hell. Now the term “golden hour” is kind of a misnomer because it occurs twice daily — an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset. But when most photographers mention the golden hour, they are referring to the last little bit of glorious light before the sun plummets in the evening.