5 Unconventional Engagement Shoot Ideas

Article specially written for lenasabala.com by Carmen Gray

Most engagement shoot photos that are presented on television and in magazines are usually professionally shot outdoors, involving the couple looking into each other’s eyes, sharing a kiss, showing the ring on the bride’s hand. But if this isn’t your style, you can choose to simply be yourself and have something similar to this intimate home engagement photo shoot by Lena Sabala. Here are some other ideas to help you think of what style would be perfect for you and your partner:

1. Be chill

You can stay indoors and just be where you’re most comfortable and have the shoot there however you want. If you have the same hobbies, you can have photos while you do them together. Instead of having a photographer, you can also take selfies on your own and not dress up too much and that would still capture your theme of homeliness.

2. Be chiller

Have candid shots. This can be planned in advance by whoever will be presenting the ring to capture an authentic reaction. Candid shots can also be anything that involves the couple just being completely themselves as the photographer snaps moments that look the most real and beautiful. Don't be too conscious that you're being taken photos of; act like it's just you and your partner.

3. Eat out

Engagement photos can be romantic without being serious and cheesy if you don’t want them to be. Go out to a restaurant or have a food trip. Let the photographer tag along to snap shots of you and your partner sharing a meal, feeding each other, or just enjoying your own meals. Try not to worry about how you look while you’re eating to give off more the feeling that you and your partner are comfortable with each other.

4. Choose a theme

Have a look at Bridal Guide’s examples of Disney-themed engagement shoots for ideas on living your Disney dream, or your other fandoms, even just for a few hours. If you have a hard time not looking stiff in poses, having a theme might help you pose more naturally since you can act as a character but still be yourself. You don’t have to perfectly stage or go full cosplay of whatever theme you choose since it’s still important that you show your personality and have fun while doing so.

5. Just find a location

This sounds conventional, but sometimes finding the right location is all you need to make the perfect engagement photos. Find out what parts of the year certain trees and fields flower, and figure out the weather and how the sky looks during certain times and seasons in the places you’re thinking of shooting at. This way, you can plan outfits, poses, and even props ahead of time.

Preparing for the engagement shoot

Before the actual shoot, of course, it’s important to prepare some things so the day itself will go smoothly.

Be your best self

While makeup and post-processing can take care of any blemishes, it would be better to have clear, healthy skin. PrettyMe’s review of Frozen Collagen Supplements says that the right supplements help lessen acne breakouts and give the skin a brighter and more youthful appearance. Pay attention to your hair as well as it is another point that will be easily seen. The LDN Diaries’ writeup on Noughty explains that a good hair product hydrates without being heavy so you can still style it without it feeling brittle. You can also fix your nails if you want, since you'll be showing off your ring!

Location

The location won’t be just about the place; it also involves the time you shoot there. To find the perfect location, take into account what personality you want to have in your photos, and all other decisions will follow. The Knot’s list of engagement photo ideas shows that you can have a shoot anywhere. Consult your photographer for the right pose and angle to transform any place into a romantic spot for you and your partner.

Outfit

Instead of matching completely, consider complementing each other’s outfits. You don’t need to buy anything new if you can help it, especially if you’re dressing for a relatively simple shoot. PhD in Clothes’ article on Engagement Outfit Ideas for 2020 gives tips on choosing your colours and complementing them also according to what your chosen location looks like to avoid clashing and blending into them. You can also match your outfit colors to your actual wedding color/theme so if you ever upload your engagement and wedding photos, they look like a set rather than shoots of two completely unrelated events.

Pose

Even though posing means not moving, it’s actually helpful to be in motion so you don’t appear stiff. Like with all skills, the more you practice posing, the more natural they come. Aside from the traditional ones, you can also try the less cheesy poses to give a more fun, but still sweet, feel to the photos. If you're still not sure what to do, you can ask the photographer for guidance.

Article specially written for lenasabala.com by Carmen Gray