Engagement photography vancouver - photoshoot guide
Congratulations on your engagement! This is such an exciting milestone, and what better way to commemorate it than with a romantic and timeless photoshoot?
But where do you even begin?
Being in front of a camera can feel intimidating, especially if you want your photos to look natural and genuine. We’ve all heard the phrase “just act natural,” but what does that even mean? This is where your engagement session comes in - it’s the perfect opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day. Plus, it allows us to build a connection and create beautiful, meaningful images together!
We’ve put together this guide to help you prepare for your engagement shoot, offering tips and insights to ensure your session is personal, effortless, and perfectly unique to you and your partner.
Choosing the Perfect Location
With so many stunning locations to choose from- and an endless number of Pinterest boards and Instagram saves - it can feel overwhelming to narrow it down.
So, where do you start?
We always encourage our couples to think about what truly inspires them. Are you world travelers or homebodies? Do you love nature, or do you feel most at home in the city? The right location will reflect who you are as a couple and make your engagement photos feel even more personal.
We also recommend choosing a location with variety. For example, a spot that offers both ocean views and a lush forest, or a place where we can capture both a city skyline and some natural scenery. This way, we can maximize the session and give you a beautiful mix of images!
What to Wear for Your Engagement Shoot
Stumped on what to wear? You’re not alone! These photos will likely appear on everything from your wedding website and save-the-dates to framed prints in your home - so you want to choose outfits that feel authentically you.
Here are some key tips:
Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident, whether that’s a flowy dress, a chic white shirt with jeans, or even a beautiful bridal gown.
Instead of matching, aim for outfits that complement each other. Think of colors and styles that work together without being too identical.
Soft pastels, neutral tones, and earthy colors always look stunning in photos, but bold colors can work too! If you’d like a second opinion, feel free to send us outfit options—we’re happy to help!
Avoid busy prints, as they can be distracting in photos. Solid colors and subtle patterns tend to photograph best.
Accessories & Layers
The little details can make all the difference! A statement pair of earrings, a cozy scarf, a pair of sunglasses, or a stylish hat can add extra visual interest to your photos. Accessories are also great because they can be easily swapped out to create different looks.
For our grooms, layering is key! A blazer, jacket, or even a textured sweater can add dimension and depth to your photos while keeping things stylish.
Timing: Finding the Best Light
Lighting is everything in photography, and golden hour - the hour or two before sunset - is hands-down the best time for dreamy, flattering light. It gives everything a soft, romantic glow that makes your skin look luminous.
That said, overcast days are just as beautiful! Think of clouds as nature’s softbox, diffusing the light perfectly so your skin looks smooth and even from all angles.
Please consider scheduling your shoot on a weekday. Popular locations can get crowded on weekends, so choosing a quieter day will help create a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
Props and Design
Props can add personality and storytelling to your shoot! Think about items that are meaningful to both of you—whether it’s a bouquet, a cozy picnic setup, a vintage car, or even a bottle of champagne to pop open!
And if you have a fur baby? Bring them along! Pets make engagement shoots extra fun and add an adorable, candid element to your photos.
Communication
The most important part of your engagement shoot? Communication. Share with us your vision, your favorite photos from our portfolio, and the moments that matter most to you - and we will take all of the above and start curating the perfect session for YOU.
Let us know your inspirations, your must-have shots, and any concerns you might have - we want you to feel completely at ease during your session!
And most importantly? Have fun! This session is all about celebrating your love, and the best photos come from moments that feel natural, joyful, and 100% you.
We can’t wait to capture this special time in your lives!