HAUS I Preparing for Your Engagement Session
An engagement photo session, also known as a pre-wedding photoshoot or save-the-date session, is one of our favorite shoots to do. It's a perfect opportunity for couples to have an insight into what their wedding photography will look like, and over the years, I've gathered enough tips and ideas to help you create amazing photos.
These tips and ideas are based on questions I get almost all the time:
Do we need to come in early?
Absolutely! I always encourage my couples to come in at least 15 minutes earlier than the set time, this will give you enough time to relax and set up the things you came along with. I'll be there early too - to look out for the best landmarks that'll make good angles for your photos.
Do I have to practice some poses?
Be yourself - it's my perfect advice to you. I know most people find it awkward to be the focus of the camera, but my job is to make you feel less awkward and usher you into a comfortable mood where you are most relaxed and at ease with yourself. You do not have to recreate poses you see on Pinterest or copy models, but feel free to practice! We will guide you throughout the entire session
When is the best time to take engagement photos?
There is no perfect time for your engagement session. A favorite season that represents your personality is a good choice to start with. Whether you choose autumn, spring, winter or summer - each season will make perfect pictures. I'll also recommend having your shoot early, so you can have enough time to prepare for your wedding. In terms of time of day, generally the best lighting is in the early morning or late afternoon/evening, unless it is indoors.
Invest in a custom dress and suit.
We strongly recommend hiring a custom designer and/or stylist for your. This allows you to truly have a shoot that’s unique to you. It's a chore thinking of the perfect outfits for you and your partner. Arrive already dressed in your first outfit. We recommend starting with the more formal outfit first. Upon booking, we have a great list of recommendations.
What essentials should we bring?
Bring any props you'd like! Anything that may hold significance to you. A small bag/tote to put any loose items in while you're being photographed.
Things to bring:
A small bag with water, phone, keys, wallet, comb, etc. Bring a sweat rag, blotting paper, water, hair brush and a little hairspray with you to handle last minute fly-aways, and a few make up essentials for any needed touch-ups right before the session. Most importantly, bring great ENERGY. We will be taking a lot of photos, let’s be excited and ready to have fun, it creates more authentic imagery
Locations
There's an endless list of locations to pick from and we’d love to provide a list to help you with your decision. Whatever your desired location is, ensure you choose one that matches your style and vibes. Be unique! Use social media pages for inspiration, but not replication.
Weather
The weather can be unpredictable - not even after monitoring the weather apps or listening to the meteorologists. We recommend postponing to another date if the forecast is above 40%.
Get professional Hair and Makeup
Oh yes! You wouldn't want to be caught un-fresh. Guys, go for a clean trim, preferably on a day close to the shoot. Ladies, I'll suggest you have your hair and make-up professionally done. You can take advantage of some trials from your hairstylist and make-up artistes to have an idea of how your wedding look will be.
Have a manicure, moisturize your fingers and remember that your ring is the special feature of your engagement shoot.
On the day of your shoot,
I urge you to bring all your positive energy and get pumped up! My years of experience show that couples who plan to have fun at their shoots have the most authentic and beautiful pictures. There’s an endless possibility of great images when you are both in high spirits, having fun and smiling at each other. So clear your schedules of meeting and phone calls, free your mind of all distractions, get lots of sleep the night before, get ready for an engagement shoot you’ll forever cherish, and let the love you both share radiate in each photo.
For more examples of our Signature Style, check out our Pinterest Board.
Make-Up Guide: How To Do Your Makeup For Engagement Photos
Looking good on camera doesn’t require a makeup artist, but professional makeup tips help. Even if you prefer a natural look, the camera tends to exaggerate flaws and create artificial ones. Who needs that? These camera-friendly makeup tips focus on makeup application that enhances rather than detracts from your looks.
Skin, The Canvas:
Before you apply makeup, start with smooth, toned and moisturized skin. If necessary, give yourself a facial or scrub treatment. This minimizes uneven or artificial-looking makeup application and promotes a healthy, glowing look.
Minimize Shadows:
As photos are two-dimensional, the camera ages the subject by enhancing dark, fine lines, and wrinkles. To compensate, gently apply a lighter shade of concealer makeup to darker areas: around the eyes, crevices, and expression lines. Next, using an upward stroke, apply a light layer of foundation makeup over the face including lips. Blend makeup at the edges. Except for corrective work, use foundation makeup colors closely matching the natural skin color.
Raising Those Eyebrows:
Before applying makeup ensure that the eyebrows are properly shaped as they affect facial expression. For a guide, align a pencil vertically along the edge of nostril and inner corner of the eye. Do the same for the outer corner of the eye. This makes a good start and endpoint for the eyebrow. If the eyebrow arch needs help, align the pencil with the edge of the nostril and the outer edge of the iris to determine the highest point of the arch. Tweeze stray brows outside these areas and use an eyebrow pencil for even more definition. However, it is best to avoid significant tweezing just prior to applying makeup.
Popping Them Lips:
Most lips benefit from definition, even when lipstick is not generally used. For a natural but polished look, try a shade or two darker than your lip color, apply lip pencil, smudged lips a bit and use a little gloss or lipstick.
To Powder or Nah:
When Not to Shine – Apply a light dusting of translucent powder over your face to avoid shine and set makeup. Concentrate on the T-zone as necessary and apply sparingly to lined or dry areas.
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ABOUT THE HAUS OF GREY
Creative. Clean. Different. We are a group of creatives in Atlanta, Ga. with a passion for storytelling. Founded in 2016, our studio has been serving women, especially women of color, at the highest capacity of creativity. The Haus of Grey experience is unrivaled. We’d love to treat you to a tea an panini in the Marietta, Georgia area and walk you through our albums, canvases and other print photography products. We can also provide more information on our Wedding Videography and introduce you to our team