Need tips for your engagement pictures? We've got 'em for ya right here in our latest blog post.

It's your engagement era and all that excitement is starting to really set in. Now it's time to capture all of that euphoria, and what better way to do that than with an engagement photoshoot?

Beyond being able to capture some of that newly-enfianced bliss, engagement pictures are a fantastic way to practice for those future wedding pics. Before you get to the tasks of all the wedding event planning and shopping for your wedding dress, take an afternoon off for a fun engagement photoshoot and fill this era with unforgettable memories.

Why should I book an engagement photoshoot?

We found ourselves wondering about some of the big 'Whys' for booking an engagement photoshoot, so we thought we'd reach out to the pros for answers. Here's a hot take from the experts at Freya Bear Photography:

"Engagement photos are SO important! They give you a chance to get to know your photographer, before your big day! You'll not only get the opportunity to see how they work, but to make sure your personalities are a great fit too! That way, when your wedding day is here, it will be like having a great friend there to take your photos, instead of feeling like paparazzi."

So you can see that booking an engagement shoot can work out to be a pretty good deal. Ready to start planning? From how to prepare for the photos, to outfit and posing advice and more, here's some top tips for taking amazing engagement pictures that you'll love and cherish.

Engagement photoshoot FAQs

The cost of the pictures, timing, the when and the where - here are the answers to your frequently asked questions about tips for taking engagement photos.

How many pictures will I get?

For a typical engagement shoot, the sweet spot is somewhere in between 100 and 200 engagement pictures. You can get less in some cases and of course pay for more, especially if you get a deal to get all the unedited ones from the photographer.

Just like most photo sessions, an hour long session with a photographer will get you usually between 75 and 100 photos.

A longer session can go anywhere between 90-minutes to 2 hours, in which case you'll get about 150 photos. Some couples book 2 hours or longer and that engagement shoot will get you about 200 photos.

How much does an engagement photoshoot cost?

Oh, wedding budgets. You'll have to start the budgeting process once the engagement is on (but give yourself a week or so to soak in all that joy) so that you don't blow what’s there to spend in the first few months. Which means that getting budget-minded (whether it be high, low, or somewhere in between) for your engagement shoot is a terrific way to jump-start your wedding planning journey.

The cost of your engagement shoot will really depend on a couple of big factors: mainly the location and the photographer. Just like with the average cost of a wedding dress, having an engagement shoot if you're in a big city typically means a higher price point.

Most wedding photographers include an engagement session with their packages, so make sure to inquire about that when shopping around, and consider these separate costs of the engagement shoot when you get an estimate of your photographer’s entire wedding package.

That being said, know that the cost of an engagement shoot typically costs anywhere between $250-800 or more in the U.S. Here’s a further breakdown of the price range:

• Lower end: $200-500

• Mid-range engagement shoot: $500-1,000

• Higher end: $1,000 or more

A little overwhelmed with the price points? We've got a budget-minded tip for you.

Do you know a photographer who's in the earlier stages of their profession? Give them a try while they're still on their beginner rates. Just because they don't have a ton of experience (or a fancy social media profile) doesn't mean that they don't have an eye for beauty. Who knows, it might be the start of a love affair where they become your wedding photographer and beyond. I've personally found some fantastic photographers through AirBnB experiences, as many artists will use that platform to get their name out there.

How far in advance should I book the engagement shoot?

Seems kinda hard to book an engagement shoot far in advance if you don't know when you'll be getting engaged, right? It's not as hard as you may think, actually.

Many photographers book engagement shoots up 4 months in advance, and it lots of cases you can book much sooner. If you’ve booked the entire engagement and wedding package with a photographer, those can be booked between 6-12 months in advance.

Although, it's not uncommon to book a one-off, last-minute photo shoot a few weeks in advance, especially if it's on a weekday.

So if this is something that you and your fiancee have decided on, make sure to give yourself some time to shop around, because picking a photographer is arguably one of the more important wedding planning decisions that you'll make.

When is the best time of day for an engagement shoot?

When it comes to the time of day for basically any type of photo session, the golden rule is golden hour. Magic hour, golden hour, or whatever you want to call it, it’s the 1-2 hours before sundown in the particular location where you are at when the light is best for photography.

So consider the season and the weather in the location where you’re planning the engagement shoot to get the right timing for your golden hour! If you know the weather won’t be ideal in the late afternoon, then schedule a morning photo shoot. Early morning and pre-dusk light is always the best for photos.

Wedding tips for days! Our wedding blog is filled with all kinds of content from the best honeymoon destination recommendations, what to bring to your bridal appointment, and much much more.

7 tips for amazing engagement pictures

Want the best engagement photos possible? These are some of the top tips to follow that will help your engagement shoot go oh-so smoothly.

1. Location scout

Location, location, location! Start the engagement shoot planning process by brainstorming with your partner (and maybe getting some tips from your wedding party) about where you want to get those photos taken that best represents your vibe as a couple. Think practicalities like distance from your home, any potential additional costs involved (parking, entrance fees, etc), and the time of the year.

Your photographer might have some insider tips on the best locales for an engagement shoot too, so don't need to be set on your ideal photo-op spot right away. And don't worry, because your location doesn't have to be fancy pants. A good photographer and a happy couple will make your local park look like a million dollars.

But, it's always fun to play around with the location for the engagement shoot so that you can work with that wedding vibe. Think of your origin story as a couple: Did you meet lifeguarding? See if you can have a shoot at the local municipal pool. Met at your neighborhood running group? Take some pics in your best workout outfits.

The main thing is to have fun with your history and use that as #Inspo for your location, because it's a great way to tell your love story to the world.

2. Outfit tips for your engagement photos

One of the most frequently asked questions on this topic is "what to wear for engagement pictures?" which makes total sense, because of course you guys want to look your best for this fun day.

Choosing your location and theme first will help you better plan out your outfits for your engagement pictures. If you're going for a barefoot on the beach type of vibe, then loose and flowing linens and a one-piece dress is a great look. If you're doing an autumn leaves or hiking theme for your engagement shoot, then fall boots and some layers will be much appreciated.

And on a practical note, take a couple of outfits so that you guys can catch some different looks for this photoshoot. Have the outfits that you're going to wear freshly cleaned and ironed. Check for any spots the week before so that you're wardrobe will be good to go for the shoot. Don't wear one of your outfits on the way to the shoot - save them for picture time! Also, don't forget to make sure there's a place to change your outfits on location.

3. Don't rush choosing a wedding photographer

People always say that the photographer is one of the biggest and best investments that you'll make for your wedding. So take your time choosing your perfect photographer. And even if you don't have much planning time, don't rush it too much! Your wedding and engagement photographer doesn't have to be the most expensive or the best edited photos with the fanciest equipment. Candid stuff usually brings the best results, so book a photographer for your shoot who understands all that.

Because choosing a photographer is so personal, instead of spending the big money, we recommend spending some more time scouting for your perfect photographer.

4. Find your perfect hair and makeup stylist

An engagement shoot isn't only a great opportunity to work with your wedding photographer, but it's also a time to test out some hair and makeup stylists. If you are working with a higher budget for your engagement shoot, then a professional will be worth the splurge.

This is also the best time to do your bridal hair and makeup trials! A lot of brides do it for their engagement photos or for their bridal shower, so take this opportunity and get your money's worth on the trial.

Jumping on the sustainability train? Check out these tips for eco-friendly bridal makeup for your wedding.

5. Schedule your engagement shoot for golden hour

The ideal time to take any type of photos is always during golden hour, so make sure your location and photographer will be available for taking pictures during this time. For reference, “golden hour” means 1-2 hours before the sun sets when the lighting is picture perfect. If this time of day won't work, then early morning light is great as the second option.

Consider the season and where you're located so that you can time your golden hour photoshoot just right.

6. It's a vibe

Like the outfit and location, you want this engagement shoot to seem natural, so a theme that fits you and your fiance is a great way to start out on this wedding planning adventure together.

Catching that vibe for the best engagement pictures is also important. So, find that sweet spot between having a concept in mind, explaining it to the photographer and see if they're open and understanding, and trusting yourselves during the shoot so that you'll get the best results! All of it will come together and the pictures will be beautiful.

7. Communicate well with your photographer

Before and after the engagement shoot, make sure to communicate any needs or concerns with your wedding photographer.

Don't be shy to let your photographer get in-the-know about any specific parts you'd like them to highlight in the pictures - things like your side profile or if you and your fiance prefer more pics up close or from a distance to better capture you guys on location. Also, we recommend checking if your photographer does any facial or body touch ups in the editing process. Lots of photographers specifically state on their website that they do not, so make sure that you're in line with your photographer on that end.

The camera never lies, y'all, so try your best to be at ease and have loads of fun with your engagement shoot and the results will be stunning.

But, the most important tip when it comes to taking great engagement pictures is to simply have fun. Look at your new fiance and let that love shine through in your photos! If you're feeling it and are at ease, then they definitely will. So enjoy the process, 'cause you're ENGAGED!

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Sustainably Yours,

Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal
xoxo