Congratulations on your engagement! Someone popped the big question and “Yes” was shouted from the rooftops. But before the wedding planning takes over, celebrate with some romantic engagement photos.
Taking engagement photos is the perfect way to capture all of the love and excitement of starting a new chapter in life with a partner. Engagement photos freeze that once-in-a-lifetime moment to share with friends and family. An engagement photoshoot with results beyond the predictable shots requires some preplanning.
Here are some romantic engagement photo ideas after they say “yes”.
Engagement photos are about showing the love and friendship that develops between the couple getting married. The pose is what showcases that. An engagement photoshoot should probably include some standard “stand together and smile” or “hug and kiss because we’re getting married” shots. There are many other ways to celebrate an engagement while putting each of the personalities front and center.
Simple ideas for posed engagement photos begin with hugging, holding hands, standing forehead to forehead, kissing, or staring into each other’s eyes. Get creative with action shots such as high fives, a piggyback ride, or re-enacting the engagement shot by shot.
Posing with an engagement ring is standard for an engagement photoshoot, but it doesn’t have to look expected. Chances are one or both engaged partners have an engagement ring, or one person wears a personal token like an engagement necklace or bracelet. Take photos of hands intertwined with the engagement ring or other symbols of love. These photos document the special items as part of the engagement journey. They can be close-up shots or part of a larger picture where the engagement ring stands out from a blurred background. Make the engagement ring a dazzling subject, and the engagement shoot will be off to a great start.
Using props may seem cheesy for an engagement photoshoot. Currently, however, they’re fashionable for engagement photos. Don’t misunderstand “props” as items like boas, tiaras, and gigantic hats. Anything you add to a photo is a prop. Consider props that have meaning for the bride and groom. Then coordinate with the photographer to ensure they’ll be available. Examples of props to pose with include:
One of the most uncomplicated engagement photo backdrops is the season in which the engagement occurred. All seasons serve as a romantic and memorable backdrop for engagement photos. No matter where you live, seasonal focused engagement photos can be memorable and stunning. Here are some photoshoot ideas for all four seasons:
If the engagement takes place during autumn, take advantage of the beautiful fall colors for a photoshoot. Fall engagement photo ideas include sweeping, colorful outdoor shots. If you’re near mountains or the woods, try engagement photo poses in front of the dramatically colored trees or landscape. Use Halloween or Thanksgiving as an autumn photoshoot theme. Take advantage of the holidays with photos including costumes, colors, candy, and other seasonal themes.
Highlight the coziness and the playfulness of being outside in cold weather for winter engagement photography. Start a photoshoot at the local skating rink huddled together, drinking hot cocoa. If skiing is the couple’s passion, dress them in their best gear on the slopes for a dramatic shot. Or try a photoshoot at home, cuddling in a favorite room with lots of blankets, or near the fireplace in pajamas. If it’s cold out and snow covers the ground, simply pose the smartly bundled couple together somewhere scenic. Let the warmth of their gaze add to the moment.
Springtime is the season when many couples get engaged. The weather is warmer, and people are eager to shake off winter hibernation. Trees and flowers are blooming with gorgeous colors and sweet smells. A photoshoot with seasonal blooms–like cherry blossoms or tulips–for a natural, floral background makes for eye-popping engagement photos. Or embrace the spring rain with part of a photo shoot posed under colorful umbrellas, or just get soaked for a sultry and flirtatious rain shoot.
Summer engagement photo shoots are all about enjoying the warm weather. Dress in your finest summer wear for a rooftop happy hour, beachfront dinner, or an afternoon by the lake. Or take it casual and fun with a photo shoot at an amusement park, pose with cotton candy and stuffed animals to share.
Outdoor engagement photos provide endless photography possibilities. Evoke a love for adventure and zest for life by saying goodbye to stiff and predictable portraits. Being outdoors allows the couple to feel free and comfortable in working with the photographer. Take the photographer along on favorite outdoor hobbies - hike a favorite trail, take a boat out for a late-day cruise, or take the dog out on a walk in the city. If the couple are foodies, a playful picnic in a park with food and champagne from a favorite restaurant. Or, a wine tasting at a neighborhood bar showcases their shared love of hobbies.
Romantic engagement photos at the beach are super playful, or sexy. For surfer couples, take surfboards along to pose for a colorful, sporty vibe. Get wet and wild in the waves in favorite swimsuits, or build the sandcastle of your dreams while wearing casual beachwear. Getting wet or sandy for engagement photos at the beach isn’t necessary. A simple sunset walk down the beach at sunset holding hands is stunning and frame-worthy.
Engagement photos with a vintage twist are always stunning. “Vintage” has different meanings for different people during a photo shoot. Love all things retro? Dress up in vintage clothing from past decades. Whether it’s a Great Gatsby, seventies, or punk vibe, it’s an opportunity to show off a fun and different side of the couple’s personality together. Vintage can also mean the way photos are filtered. A vintage photography color palette is soft, ethereal, and romantic. It gives photos a completely different look.
Engagement photos don't have to be practical. Taking relationship pictures means showing off your best self with a partner, formally, relaxed, and even silly. Once a theme, backdrop, or props are chosen, engagement photos are a wholly personalized experience that the engaged partners can look back and enjoy anytime.
When the photoshoot is complete, don’t just leave them in a folder. Use the Motif Photos app to create a once-in-a-lifetime photo book to look back upon with fond memories of an extraordinary time. Create engagement cards to announce the moment to friends and family.
Your romantic engagement photo shoot shouldn’t be interrupted by uncomfortable clothes. When you’re planning your engagement photo poses and places, you should also plan the outfits you and your partner will wear.
It’s important to plan your outfits based on where your photo shoot is located. If you’re at the beach during the summertime, it might be too hot to wear a sweater and jeans. Plan according to photo placement and weather. You want to feel comfortable with what you’re wearing and you don’t want to be overheating or too cold.
When looking back at your engagement photos you want to remember the beautiful, romantic moments; not how much you hated the way you looked. You’ll feel the most confident in clothes that feel like your personal style. It’s okay to amplify your ensembles to match the tone of the photo shoot but if you never wear dresses and don’t feel comfortable in them; then stick with a nice pantsuit or jumpsuit. It’s crucial that you feel happy with yourself and feel confident during the photoshoot.
Engagement photos poses don’t have to be practical. Taking relationship pictures means showing off your best self with a partner, formally, relaxed, and even silly. Once a theme, backdrop, or props are chosen, engagement photos are a wholly personalized experience that the engaged partners can look back and enjoy anytime.
When the photoshoot is complete, don’t just leave them in a folder. Use the Motif Photos app to create a once-in-a-lifetime photo book to look back upon with fond memories of an extraordinary time. Create engagement cards to announce the moment to friends and family.