The Ultimate Guide to Engagement Photos

Are you considering an engagement photography session? We’ve put together the ultimate guide for these pre-wedding photos. Engagement photo shoots can be a ton of fun for couples who want to capture this amazing time in their lives. Read on about the where, the when, the why and the how of engagement pictures.

Why Should You Get Engagement Photos Done?

Having an engagement session is such a special experience for couples. But you may be wondering if you even need to get engagement photos done. As two of the best New York wedding photographers, we’ve got the answers to your engagement photography questions. There are many reasons why having these images will be meaningful. 

Engagement Photos Look Great on Save the Dates

When you send out save the dates, you can include images taken at your engagement photo session. Having the photographs from your session will mean a lot to close friends and family. People often keep save the dates on their fridge or out in plain sight. Having photos to accentuate your stationery will excite and delight family and friends.

These Photos Can Deck Out Your Wedding Website

When you’re designing a wedding website, you may wonder what to even put on it. There’s so much opportunity with designing your wedding website, and also a lot of space to put images in. Having professional images on your wedding website ties everything together on the site. When visitors come to get more wedding details, they’ll be pulled into captivating images of your love story.

They’re Fantastic Practice for Your Wedding

Perhaps the biggest reason to have an engagement shoot is to practice for your wedding. The first time you get professionally photographed shouldn’t have to be on your wedding day. When you have engagement pictures done, any stresses or fears in front of the lens should subside. 

As New York engagement photographers, this is the exact reason we offer complimentary engagement sessions in the Hudson Valley with every package. We want our couples to feel comfortable in front of the camera with us. We direct and teach our couples during their sessions to make sure they know exactly what to do. That way, when they get to their wedding day, they’re total pros who know how to pose.

How Often Do You Have Professional Photos Taken?

Honestly, how often do you have photos taken with your partner? Use your engagement photoshoot to capture memories on this part of your journey. You’ll want to look back at photos someday that aren’t just your wedding photos. You’re only engaged for a short time in your life – capture those memories forever with a photo session.

How Soon Before a Wedding Should You Do Engagement Photos?

When should you take engagement photos? This depends on what exactly you want to use them for. If you’re using the photos for save the dates, you need to have them done about 9-10 months before your wedding. On the other hand, if you just want to use your engagement photoshoot to practice with your photographers, you can do this 2-3 months before the big day.

It all depends on how you’re going to use your engagement images. Some couples want them done as soon as possible after they’re engaged. Others take their time and go at their own pace. Think about what works best for you, and how you want to use the photos.

What To Wear for an Engagement Photo Session

What should you wear to an engagement session? There are plenty of options for engagement photos. A number of women choose to wear white semi-formal dresses for their photoshoot. However, that’s not the only option for what to wear.

Are You Going Casual or Semi-Formal?

The big question for couples: casual or semi-formal? We offer our couples 2 outfit options for their NYC engagement photos. That way, you can have the best of both worlds. Some couples want variety in their outfits because the photos may be used for different purposes.

Dress Comfortably

Make sure to dress comfortably for your engagement photoshoot. This is the most important factor. If you’re wearing heels, for example, bring a pair of walking shoes to change into between locations. However you choose to dress, you’ll want to be feeling your best while you have your photo taken.

Should You Use the Same Photographer as Your Wedding Photographer?

Does your engagement photographer need to be the same as your wedding photographer? The answer is no, not technically. That being said, it’s a good idea to use the same team for both your engagement and wedding photography. This is because it allows you the opportunity to get to know your photo team better before the big day.

What Should You Bring to an Engagement Photo Shoot?

Some couples choose to bring props to engagement sessions. There are tons of fun engagement photo ideas that involve props. For example, some couples bring little signs with their wedding date on it. Others choose to bring more props like picnic baskets or champagne glasses.

Where To Take Engagement Photos in NYC

There are so many amazing options in New York City when it’s time to choose a location for your engagement. From the West Village and Washington Square Park, all the way to Prospect Park in the heart of Brooklyn, you’ve got plenty of engagement photo ideas to work with. We’ve listed a few favorite locations of our couples.

Central Park

Central Park is a hotspot for engagement photo sessions. There are tons of locations within the park itself that make for beautiful images. From Literary Walk to Bethesda Terrace, you’ve got a good handful of options to bring your engagement photos to life.

The Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is a classic spot for timeless New York City engagement photos. As NYC engagement photographers, we always recommend that couples go early in the morning to this spot. After the sun rises, it’s immediately packed with tourists. Early mornings are best for Brooklyn Bridge engagement photos.

Dumbo

Dumbo is another amazing spot where early morning is best. If you want to do your engagement photo shoot in Dumbo, be warned that there are plenty of tourists. The earlier you can get to these photo locations in NYC, the better. There are a number of beautiful engagement photo spots in Dumbo like Washington Street, Jane’s Carousel and the Time Out Market.

Prospect Park

Prospect Park is a gorgeous landscape for couples who are looking for some nature. This is a less busy spot than Central Park, which gives you more options for locations. Prospect Park is a gorgeous location for photos at any time of day.

Anywhere That Makes You Happy

The most important part of picking a location for your engagement session is to find a spot that makes you happy. Where did you two first meet? Is there somewhere special in the city where you spend a lot of time? Figure out the best place for photos that makes you happy as a couple.

How Do You Find an Engagement and Wedding Photographer in New York?

If you’re looking for an engagement photographer in NYC, we’ve got you covered. With complimentary Hudson Valley engagement sessions included in all wedding photography packages, we’ll teach you the best spots and the best practices for your photos. Reach out and let us know what you’re thinking – we’d love to hear from you!