Best Ideas For Memorable Engagement Photos

So, you've met The One, and the two of you have just gotten engaged. You are excited to do an engagement photoshoot to share your happy news with the world. It's a special occasion, one you will look back on again and again in the years ahead, so planning for the photos beforehand will be time well spent. Whether you prefer to keep the engagement photoshoot separate or you're throwing a party and want the photographer to take photos throughout the event, you likely want the photos to be special. You're capturing memories to last a lifetime. 

The following are a few excellent ideas and samples to help you take home frameable and beautiful engagement photos. After you've chosen a photographer, discuss your ideas for your engagement photos and show them samples of your favorite engagement pics. If you're clear about what you want at the outset, you're more likely to get what you want from the photoshoot.

Engagement photo ideas

You and your partner can show your creativity and unique personalities (and personality as a couple) using all the components of the photoshoot. These include but are not limited to location, mood, theme, props, and poses.

Unusual or traditional locations

The location is important, but a white wall photoshoot in a professional studio can make for excellent photos, too, if the photographer is skilled. The idea is to capture the two of you looking happy and comfortable together, no matter what backdrop you choose.

Depending on the photographer's ability and experience, some unusual locations can make dramatic and gorgeous shots. These include taking photos:

• at a train station; at an airport; on a stage;
• on a rooftop; in a treehouse;
• in a cave; in a cozy coffee shop;
• at a petting zoo; underwater; 
• at a funfair, in a floating hot air balloon, at a music concert, and many more.

Other more traditional locations include taking shots:

• on a mountain or hill; in the waves or on the beach; in a beautiful garden; by a waterfall or near a natural body of water;
• in an art gallery; at a heritage site; in a cathedral, church, or museum; on a balcony or in the door or window frames of an old building;
• in a train (stationary or moving); on a boat at sea or on a river;
• at a landmark such as the Eiffel Tower in France, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Tower of London or the London Eye in the UK, the Statue of Liberty or Central Park in New York, the Grand Canyon, etc.;
• on a horse farm, in a barn, in front of mirrors and large windows, etc.

Don't be afraid to be creative with your choices. Also, consider remaining open to the photographer's suggestions, as they are likely to know great spots in your area. 

Mood

The mood is the atmosphere you want to create in your engagement photos. This will take some thinking and planning and will depend a great deal on your personalities and tastes. The mood links closely to style, so consider the following moods or atmospheres while discussing your engagement photo ideas:

• opulent, dramatic, and theatrical;
• romantic, vintage, and soft focus;
• polished, crisp, and abstract;
• carefree, natural, and relaxed;
• a combination of two or more styles.

Spring engagement photos can look stunning in a cherry orchard or any blossom-filled environment, while snow or a dry grassland can do justice to winter engagement photos. Summer engagement photos may look wonderful in a green and lush natural setting, with fruit trees depicting the season's opulence—think of grape-bearing vines or whatever fruit is in a season where you live. Make sure to dress according to the season, if this is the mood you aim for.

The season, time of day, and weather are also likely to determine the atmosphere in the photos—sunrise or sunset, in the wind, rain, or sunshine can all make for excellent photos. For a light and romantic photo, shoot early in the morning. For more dramatic shots, consider a sunset or even night shoot. A black and white palette or special effects such as colored or uniquely positioned lighting can make for wonderfully atmospheric shots too.

Theme and props

If you're leaning more towards a creative photoshoot, having a specific theme can help a lot. This could offer clear guidelines regarding costume, decor, makeup, and hairdressing, as well as the props you should use. Some themes to consider are:

• TV/Movies: Game of Thrones, Gone with the Wind, Star Wars
• Holidays: Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day
• Famous People: Mythological figures, famous movie stars, historic figures
• Period/Fantasy: Historical era, prince/princess, goth or emo

If you share a specific hobby, like ballroom dancing, photography, cycling, art, or even reading, including this in your theme could make for meaningful, personal photos.

You could also decide to have a color scheme, such as monochrome, chiaroscuro, two-tone or contrasting colors, or a riot of all colors and shades.

If you don't prefer any specific theme, think of taking along props like:

• umbrellas, top hats, sunglasses, scarfs, black jackets or coats, high-heeled shoes;
• candles, lanterns, an enormous bunch of flowers, wine glasses and a bottle of wine (Actually drinking it could help the models relax!), wigs, masks, and so forth.

These could add a special touch and character to any picture and stimulate the flow of creative juices. The photoshoot, ideally, should be a fun time to play in front of the camera, which can make for beautifully spontaneous photos, even more so if the photographer is skilled.

A theme or props will also guide you regarding what to wear for your engagement photos. There is no specific dress code, but a good tip would be to choose something comfortable. A proper photoshoot can take several hours, and the discomfort of wearing ill-fitting clothes will show on your face after a while.

Poses

A good professional photographer will guide you expertly regarding what works best in front of the camera, but you can make your suggestions for poses. Think of photos with the following poses:

• The two of you lying down on different surfaces, sitting backward on chairs, sitting on each other's lap or back-to-back, sitting close to one or among many candles, next to a campfire or lantern;
• Posing in unusual spots such as a shallow pond or a stream; or
• Hugging and kissing each other. 

If the photographer is an expert in movement photography or photoshoots in uncommon environments, consider photos of you two swimming underwater, dancing, tickling each other, horse riding—the list is only as limited as your imagination. 

The most stunning photos are often taken when the models are unaware of the camera for a moment, no matter how stylized and choreographed the photoshoot. This is what you want to achieve for memorable and unique engagement photos. Aiming for funny engagement photos are also likely to help you relax and laugh a lot. If you have special features like tattoos or unusual piercings, be sure to have them included in the shots, and remember to take photos of the ring.

Engagement ideas from world class photographers

For inspiration, think of exploring the portfolios of famous photographers such as:

• Annie Leibovitz
• Diane Arbus
• Mario Testino
• Patrick Demarchelier
• Alexey Titarenko
• Julie Blackmon
• Steve McCurry and even Roger Ballen, for a touch of the absurd

From this list alone, you are sure to garner excellent tips for once-in-a-lifetime engagement photos. Don't focus on these photographers' subject matter, but rather look for photographic effects, lighting, poses, and atmospheric styles that appeal to you. Then take a selection of photos that illustrate best what you want and discuss your favorites with your photographer before the shoot.

Ask an expert for ideas or support

Planning for a wedding is stressful, whether it's planning engagement photos or making all those little decisions about the big day. If your differences and conflicts become worrisome, though, it may be good to consult with a registered counselor or therapist for some guidance.

Many couples have turned to online therapy to work through issues related to an engagement and impending marriage. This can be a great way to work out issues before the wedding and get on solid ground together. Online therapy can be a convenient and affordable way to get that pre-marriage support.

Regain offers both individual and couples therapy, and our therapists are uniquely qualified to help you deal with any pre-wedding stress or relationship conflict. Once you fill out a questionnaire, you will be matched to a therapist, then you can set up sessions at a time that works for everyone.

Takeaway

Planning for a wedding can be a joyful time, but it's common to have things you'll need to work through—such as hiring a wedding photographer and planning the perfect engagement photoshoot—so take the time to talk to each other so you can enjoy the ride together.