How to Prepare for Your New York Engagement Photos
Preparing for your New York Engagement Photoshoot
Now that you’ve picked a photographer, and most likely started wedding planning, it’s time to prep for your engagement photos! As a New York engagement and wedding photographer, I’ve learned alot about what makes for the perfect session. I’ve complied a list of tips to help you nail those engagement photos!
Engagement sessions are good for sooo many things. One, gorgeous photos to print in your home and remember this beautiful season of life by! They’re useful for save the dates, wedding websites, invitations, and for displaying at bridal showers, engagement parties and at your wedding. But they are also like practice for the wedding day! It helps you get comfortable in front of the camera and get to know your photographer a little more!
Here are a couple of things to think about when preparing for your engagement session!
Pick a Date, Time, and Location.
When picking a date & time, think about these things: the season, what the weather might be like (hot, cold or mild, it affects your outfit choices.) and if you want sunset/golden hour photos. You’ll want to select a date and time that aligns with the vibe you are going for in your session. Some favorite Long Island engagement session locations are: Robert Moses Beach, Port Jefferson Village, and Babylon.
Some favorites in NYC are: the New York Public Library, Central Park, Bohemien Bar, and Boucherie.
If you are hoping to do a beach engagement session, try for late Spring, Summer, or early Fall. It’s not best to do a beach engagement session in Winter as you’ll most likely be in winter clothes to keep warm, and it won’t make sense with the tropical background. Beach engagement sessions are soo much better in the early mornings/around sunset to avoid crowds! And who doesn’t love golden hour at the beach! Get your feet wet jumping around in the ocean together, the photos will be SO cute, trust me.
For late Fall/Winter Sessions - I HIGHLY recommend cozy sessions like in-home, downtown sessions, etc! Somewhere where you can take shelter from the cold. You won’t be happy and yourself if you’re freezing your but off! In-home sessions are great cause you can crank the heat, make yourself some hot cocoa and capture yourself in your true form - literally the place where you spend the most time together!
Downtown sessions are also perfect for this as there is always some cute coffee shop or restaurant we can utilize! You can start off with some cute outdoor walking around town photos, had inside for some food/coffee, get cute photos of a little date night and then end the session during sunset outside! It limits your time in the cold and makes it like an experience.
Overall - pick your date, time, and location to mesh well together and represent the truest version of you. Your photographer can help with this! I personally have a location guide to help you pick the perfect spot and also offer location scouting in your package, so if you don’t see the place your looking for, I am happy to do research for you!
You will also want to make sure you get your photos in time for any events or save the dates/invitations you want to send out! So ask your photographer what their turn around time is and plan accordingly!
Review Your Outfit Planning Guide
I offer an outfit planning guide to all of my couples which highlights good outfit choices for different seasons and complimenting your partner’s outfit choice. Along with that I have a pinterest board full of ideas! Think about the location and how your outfit will fit in with it - and ask your photographer for advice! We are here to help you and be a sounding board for your ideas!
Schedule Hair & Makeup Appointments
You’ll most likely want hair & makeup done for your session, so why not put your bridal trial to good use? Schedule it for the same day as your engagement session! I have a list of vendor recommendations that gets sent out to all my couples, and inside are tons of amazing Long Island bridal hair stylists & makeup artists that I can honestly say are AMAZING!
Get Your Nails Done - Or Do Them Yourself!
Only if you want to! I just like to mention it so you think about it - you’ll want to show off that ring, so if you like having your nails done then definitely do that before your session! Or if you prefer the natural look, file them nicely the morning of! I also LOOOVE impress press-on nails. They’re perfect for on the go if you forgot to do them!
Loosen Up!
Remember that the photos will look so much better if you loosen up! Don’t be afraid to be playful and intimate with each other! Of course I will pose and prompt you but don’t shy away from doing your own thing and being yourselves in front of the camera. Remember if you feel comfortable, you usually look comfortable. Grab your partners arm and cozy up to them if thats what you usually do! Be affectionate with each other in a way that is authentic to your relationship and I promise, you will love your photos.
Decide If You Want To Add Film Photography
I ALWAYS recommend adding on Film Photography! It is a beautiful way to capture nostalgic photos that you will love looking back on! Check out my blog Adding Point and Shoot Film To Your Engagement Session to learn more! If you’re looking for a photographer who gives direction & helps you plan as well as shoots film on the side, you can contact me here!
