I love the romance, the beauty and the joy that engagement photography sessions exude. As a Melbourne engagement photographer, it can be intoxicating to celebrate the love that this city is teeming with! And when love is in the air, what better way to immortalise it than by capturing the trueness of your connection with an engagement photoshoot? When it comes to capturing those memorable photos, here are five tips on how to prepare for an engagement photography session.

1. Connect

How do couples prepare for pictures? Take time to connect with your partner. Whatever ritual you may share that makes you feel connected, do it before the shoot. Enhance your connection with eye contact, by holding hands or with heartfelt hugs.

By taking some time to connect meaningfully, you’ll feel it in your photoshoot and that will translate into magic. Engagement shoots are about romance, after all, so let your inner romantic out!

2. Clothes

Be comfortable. Wear something that makes you feel like you. What should you not wear to an engagement shoot? An overpowering pattern or print. They can be a distraction and draw attention away from your faces, which – if I’m going to be totally honest here – is what we came to look at! 

Bring multiple outfits and layers with you. This will allow you to play around, get creative, match styles with your backdrops – and be prepared for any weather changes! Your photographer will thank you for having the extra elements to get creative with. 

3. Hair And Make-Up

We want nothing more than for you to be yourself during the shoot. Getting your hair done – or even doing it yourself – can really allow your locks to look lustrous and flow beautifully. This is your time to shine!

If you have short hair, give it a bit of style – bring out your edge! If you have long locks, perhaps get a blow dry or curls and let them simply hang. When the hair is loose, it allows for movement and motion to be captured in the photos – and this always looks beautiful and free. 

As for make-up, I suggest being as natural as possible – enhance your features but remain yourself.

With engagement shoots, there will naturally be a focus on your hands so make sure they tell a good story. Remember to neaten up your nails (if a manicure is not your vibe) and don’t forget to shine that ring!

4. Colour Scheming

What are the best colours to wear for engagement photos? To make complexions look silky smooth, beautiful and glowing, pick colours that complement your skin tone. Otherwise go for colours that are soft, neutral, earthy and warm as these colours always look good with skin tones and against nature (if you’re shooting outside). 

How can you prepare for an engagement photoshoot if you want to add colours? Try to choose colours that emphasise you – rather than you emphasising them! For example, go for something closer to sky blue instead of electric blue. Instead of bright orange, opt for ochre or apricot. 

When deciding on colours, try to either complement your natural environment or contrast it. Start by looking at the colour wheel. Choose a shade next to the colour of your background to complement it, or on the opposite side of your background to contrast it. Contrasting colours can look epic, such as a mustard dress in a deep green forest!

Instead of matching your partner entirely, try to complement each other. Different shades of the same hue can work really well!

5. Poses

How do you act natural for engagement photos? Take stock of a few ways you can pose beforehand, as this can really help you to play into your role as a model for your photographer. Yes, your Naomi Campbell moment has arrived! By looking at a cheat sheet of poses, you can learn which poses feel best for you. 

So, how do you pose for engagement photos? Try out all sorts – if they feel unnatural, that’s ok, they’re supposed to! Your photographer will be able to direct you as you hit the target. Check out some guides on posing beforehand to give you some inspiration to bring into the shoot and to help it really come alive! 

By following these tips, you’ll know how to prepare for an engagement photoshoot perfectly and it will allow for your photoshoot to be well curated, to flow and to be fun! To find out more about taking your engagement photography in Melbourne, we’d love to hear from you – get in touch!