7 Fabulous Tips for a Shooting a Great Engagement Session from Lindsay Vann

If you're a photographer looking to get into shooting engagement photos, here are some recommendations from an expert. Read and implement to make your shoot super-awesome.

While you will have a lot more time as compared to what you get during a wedding, you'll have time to set some poses. You'll also will have a chance to get to know the couple in advance.

Here are some really helpful ideas from Lindsay Vann to enhance your art.

Give Clear Instructions

While it is the first time for the couple, make sure to be extra clear with posing instructions. Try to engage in light-hearted banter. And as engagement shoots can be great practice sessions for the major day, get to know the couple nicely. It is here when you have to establish trust.

Encourage Interaction

You are going to shoot it for relation, and to make it look lively, try showcasing two people in love. Make them feel committed to each other. It can include anything from hugging, kissing, to holding hands. Just aim at capturing some great moments.

Follow Some Basic Poses

Always follow the keep it simple process. For basic wedding photography, poses are needed to get the best shots and help the session flow smoothly. In such a case, pick poses which you are well-versed in ahead of time. All you have to do is flatter those and make it comfortable for both the future bride and the groom.

Keep Minimal Gear

Remember, less is more when it comes to choosing camera gear. This is highly true for an engagement shoot. Honestly, you don’t need to haul the whole wedding ring. The engagement shoot is shorter than the wedding day, but still there is a plenty of movement involved. With one camera body and two or three of your favorite lenses, you can create some great work.

Switch Shooting Angles

As stated earlier, keep posing as simple as possible. This doesn't mean you cannot switch the shooting angles randomly. Once you get your “safe shot” in a pose, don’t hesitate to look for different angles before you move the couple. You have to try close and far away shots for the best results.

Create Your Environment

To make it appear more voguish, shoot through objects and use your surroundings as props. For instance, if you are doing it in a field with tall grass and wildflowers, try posing the couple in grasses, and meanwhile position yourself to include some out-of-focus greenery in the foreground.

Look For the Perfect Light

Nothing works perfectly when you don’t have the right light in your environment. So, look for the right lighting and schedule your engagement shoots during the “golden hour”, i.e. one hour after sunrise or one hour before sunset.

So, these were some quick and easy tips to help you with professional wedding photography. Bring them into use, snap some classy engagement photo poses, and reach your goals. Good luck!