One of our readers, Anna, sent in her engagement session to me the other day (aren’t they so cute?) and when I stumbled across the above photo, I thought it was a good example of a discussion I’ve been having with my Nonpareil Magazine partner, Kristen of Paper Crave. If you’ve never seen me talk about engagement session on the blog before, it’s because I haven’t come across one that has ever really stopped me in my tracks because they all look so similar nowadays. So many of them just drop the couple into an empty industrial area or field with maybe a few props and not much else. Now, I love great post processing as much as the next blogger, but these shots shouldn’t hinge on just that in my humble opinion. What I love about Anna’s shot, though, is how graphic it is – but it still has a whimsical element to it that infuses a ton of personality, and all they needed were a few heart shaped doilies!
If you think about it, an engagement session is the perfect opportunity to get really creative, as a photographer or as the couple. There’s been a lot of talk on the blogosphere about over-styling your wedding (which I’m totally cool with as long as you don’t loose sight of what the wedding is ultimately about), but why don’t we talk about taking the time to really thoroughly style an engagement shoot? After all, there are no guests or time constraints to worry about, and both the photographer and couple can both really enjoy and have fun with it.
Here are some thoughts to get your mind going:
- Think Outside the Location. A really dynamic set can be a great alternative (what about a flat wall with interesting wallpaper and props, or even something more abstract?). When used strategically, as Anna did, it can really make for an amazingly graphic shot that would be perfect for a save the date. If you do go to a location, find something with a lot of architectural interest or visual style that matches who you both are as a couple – and the more unexpected and unused, the better.
- Rock the (Appropriate and Unexpected) Props. Balloons have been done and done. What’s the next big thing? I’d love to see crepe paper pinwheels, over sized metal letters, spray painted vintage frames, mid-century modern furniture, and vintage cameras and film or Polaroid prints (pinned up one the wall behind the couple perhaps?).
- Brainstorm a Concept. Taking a lot of pictures can be awkward sometimes if you’re not a camera ham, so come up with a concept you and your spouse to be can get comfortable with. Whether it’s playing a game or playing dress up (and not just in the “wearing nicer than average clothing” kind of way), find a way to get loose in front of the camera – or at least “otherwise occupied” enough that you don’t shoot too stiff.
- Do Your Research, and Collaborate. Take a look at what’s been done before, and what’s been done and done and done before. Brainstorm with your photographer, as well. Both paths may spark an idea you might not have considered before and might be perfect for your shots.
Are you having an e-session? What are you doing to make it unique?
Image from Meredith Mashburn Photography.
Great ideas! Our photographer posed us in front of buildings that I’ve passed by a lot of times but never noticed the interesting architecture of columns, etc. He also took pictures of us walking which turned into pictures of us playing after we loosened up. It was a fun experience and the pictures look great!
Edited by Maddy: Please keep it nice guys. Yes, I’ve been made aware that the shot it similar to another one posted earlier on OnceWed. Please try to be supportive of their desire to want to do something outside of the box, rather than to be negative and sling accusations. Thanks for keeping it positive.
Edited 2/22: Comments are being closed on this article because rather than actively discussing the content, I’ve had too many comments that violate our comment policy and are inconsiderate towards the couple that was kind enough to provide us with the main photo. While I enjoy all feedback – good or bad – because it helps the site grow, this unnecessary negativity has no merit at all and is absolutely rude. Under no circumstance will I allow any of those that share any bit of their big day feel hurt or insulted, and based on this I made the decision to allow no further comments. Feel free to contact me directly if you have any further comments on this article.
Love this beautiful young couple…what a great shot full of personality, happiness , sweetness , love, and much joy!
What an adorable couple, full of personality and affection! Having seen the repertoire of engagement photos taken of this couple on the photographer’s site, I can see that many design elements served as an inspiration. What hasn’t been mentioned is that this couple had a specific purpose in mind when implementing this sitting- a “Save the Date” Valentine! Although the setting may have been replicated, the idea, personality and love shown in this photo are 110% original!
This was a really helpful post. We’d been kind of fretting our upcoming e-session because most of the examples out there are what you said: a field, some balloons, etc. And these are fine for the folks who got them. Often they’re really beautiful, but they’re also just not who my groom and I are. But we couldn’t think of anything else! After reading your post though, we had a blitz of a brainstorm and are planning on building a small set in my gallery space that is based off of a poem. I’m planning it out now and can’t wait to get the photos done! Thanks for getting the creative wheel spinning!
Totally agree, Maddy! All these shoots want to look like they came out of a catalog or magazine. And if I see another photo of someone’s kooky wedding shoes… well, I don’t know what I’m gonna do!
Thanks!
This is really timely for me – I’ve just been planning an engagement shoot with a couple who want to do it in a completely unique boutique hotel, with an Alice in Wonderland type theme going on. They plan to dress up, really get into the theme. It should be fantastic.
As a photographer, when I have clients that want to do shoots that are so different to the normal e-session, it makes me so excited.
It is always nice to credit the source of your inspiration. I’m deliberately avoiding all Tim Burton Alice in Wonderland previews until after my shoot, as I don’t want to be too influenced!
I had my engagement shots last summer at the opening day of our local race track. We dressed the part too, with a big hat and frilly dress for me and a suit with an ascot for him. i loved them because it was a different setting and the mix of people in the bcakground made them fun.