When I’m on a consult call with couples asking about wedding photos, one of the questions that often comes up is “when should we take our engagement photos?” If you’re engaged, or going to be, that may be a question you’ve also pondered! As someone with 14 years of wedding photography experience, I’m here to give you my expert opinions and advice. ;) Are you ready?
The Answer: it varies.
I know, that’s not helpful! But I’ll break it down.
To start off, there are a few pieces of the puzzle you and your partner need to figure out.
How long is your engagement?
Are you sending out save the dates, or using an electronic version?
Why are we taking these photos? (For me, as a photographer, this session is key in helping me get to know my couples better before the wedding day, with more emotions, pressures, and timelines. It’s also a great way to have a fun night out together, and have photos to share of you both in a more “typical” setting and aesthetic!
Do you have any special activities you’d like to include?
(As a documentary-inspired photographer, this makes a big difference. If you want to incorporate your love of the pumpkin patch, you’ll need a fall session. Or maybe you are avid snowboarders and will want a snowy winter session to capture you both on the slopes!!)
Some couples get married soon, within 6 months of the actual proposal/engagement, so taking engagement photos often happens quickly. If you have a longer engagement (12-18+ months) then you have more wiggle room in deciding the season and location for your shoot.
late spring and early summer are beautiful in central Iowa, perfect for a gorgeous evening session!
Where to go: Iowa is a gorgeous state! There is a lot of variety, from bustling downtown cities, to quiet small town squares, and rolling hills of green and gold. Your engagement photos should reflect your partnership as a couple, interests you share or admire about the other, and highlight your beauty as a twosome.
What to wear: Often couples will choose a longer session so they can snap photos at two locations, and dress in two different outfit options. This also allows you to be both more formal, and a bit casual!!
What to do: This (again) varies. I think that your photos should reflect you as a couple, and be as fun and personal as you’d like. With a longer session, I often suggest two contrasting locations and then using those spaces to plan out an activity or two. Need a few ideas to get the creative juices flowing?
-plan a picnic and bring along your favorite books to read, or card games to play
-dress up fancy, we’ll head downtown and wander along some of the more elegant buildings, and then end with drinks at your favorite ritzy bar!
-strap on your rollarblades, grab the playlist that you dance to in the kitchen, and we’ll explore a path in your favorite park & end with ice cream cones on the curb, dripping in sugar and sunlight!
Regardless what you decide, I’m here to support you in planning a beautiful, yet timeless style.
Wedding and engagement photographers see a wide variety of styles, ideas and personalities over years of events. I recognize this job as one where I get to serve people, and love brainstorming with you to pull out the beauty in your life as you document a short season amidst a lifetime together! Reach out here for a consult.
