An engagement is a beautiful promise, a show of commitment to each other – and it should tell exactly that in your engagement photos. Just like getting married, you only get engaged once right and for memory’s sake, have those raw and new emotions captured. An engagement photoshoot is a cherished thing to have. 

Hiring a professional engagement photographer in Australia will make things even more magical! Entering into the realm of being a bride soon, you will of course feel overwhelmed about location, poses and outfits. But there are solutions to all these stress factors and believe that there is a possibility where you can enjoy having your pictures taken. 

Why do we focus on the enjoyment part? Candid couple photos are the loveliest and when the to-be bride and groom are having fun, it reflects in the pictures as well. So, do you want to know how to make the entire occasion of having your pictures taken absolutely fun and exciting?

These 15 tips will help you create splendid photos where your relationship will depict radiance, confidence and above all, love. 

1. Choose a Photographer Who Gets Your Vibe

Every person is different and their ideas and wants of a photography session differ too. The same way, every photographer is distinct as well. Some photographers like the traditional approach and will want you to stick to the standard poses and might not be very open to newer ways. Others will match your vibe and understand that posed pictures are not what you require but the natural candid ones that conveys your truer self and your couple identity. 

It’s essential that you find a photographer who gets you, your style and personality, and will match the photography to it as well. The way you can approach your search is to first view the gallery and see for yourself what kind of style the photographer depicts. It is quite evident in their portfolios. Go through reviews and read the experiences that other clients have had with the team and the entire process in general. 

There are always certain perks that are missed in meetings, and you only think about it when a client has mentioned it in a review. Even ideas can be generated like that. By doing your research first, you will also be able to ask the appropriate questions to your photographer and figure out if they can cater to what you have envisioned. 

2. Pick a Location That Feels Like “You”

Association with any place always makes a moment nostalgic and gives the right feels. If there is such that holds meaning for you, do think of it as the perfect spot for your engagement photography location. It could be the place you first met, or maybe where you shared your first kiss. It could even be the spot where you first mentioned to each other how you feel or any other connection you might hold to a significant day in your lives. It brings back the emotions and that happy glow on your face and makes you more comfortable. And the result is an amazing shoot with all the magic.

If you do not happen to have a location in mind or maybe the look you want to give in the pictures has a different theme, there are so many options available. Local spots can be made unique with backdrops and a setting. There are beautiful parks around Australia where the photos will stand out. It can even be a seasonal engagement photos session if that’s your preference; blooming gardens in spring or cozy cabins in winters. Urban chic spots in Pyrmont or the magnificent architecture in New South Wales can give a romantic and classic backdrop to the proposal. 

3. Nail the Timing

From a photographer’s perspective, a note to keep in mind is that timing is everything. And it’s not the timing in life, it’s the time of the day when you want to have your pictures taken. You must nail the timing if you want your photos to be fabulous. The ‘Golden Hour’ is the magic when all the pretty pictures happen. It is either in the early hours when the sun rises and is low or a few hours before the sun sets. That warm soft glow gives the best aura and setting to the camera lens and is flattering to the subjects of the picture.

If you are thinking of outdoor engagement pictures, the thing that you need to be certain about is the timing of the shoot and the weather for natural light photography. Are you a morning person or will you be happier in the evening? These things do matter. AND, you don’t want to pick a day without checking the weather predictions first! However, in circumstances where the weather decides to turn rogue and doesn’t follow the news, keep an indoor location in mind as well for a backup. Although the option of rescheduling is always there, it might be less expensive and convenient to switch places than to plan the entire day again. 

4. Dress for Confidence (and Comfort!)

No one knows your style better than you do. When you dress up in your engagement photo outfits you have chosen for yourself and are comfortable in, confidence shines in you. The more confident you are, the happier and comfortable you look in your photos. Body type, which colour will compliment your figure more, the style or cut that your dress should be, it all makes a huge difference in how the picture comes out. Soft, neutral tones like ivory, soft pink, or pastel shades tend to photograph beautifully and give a timeless, elegant feel. Bold colours, on the other hand, will make your photos more vibrant and eye-catching. Many brides like to wear emerald or sapphire, even ruby. Many also like to wear their favourite colour, whatever it is, if they have one. Since for the wedding day, there is little option other than shades of white, this is the day to fulfill your wish.

Remember to keep the weather and season in mind too when deciding your dress. You can have creative couple portraits in the winter season but if you wear a sleeveless dress and have decided to go out in the snow, it could be bad for your health. Similarly, a summer shoot requires light fabrics and breezy dresses. 

Additionally, wardrobe malfunctions are a horror story for any bride and having backup options ready not only keeps you safe but also keeps you secure in the head. And you need to be your happiest during your photoshoot, without any stressors. Have an extra outfit ready, an extra pair of shoes and if you want to accessorize and elevate your look then have extras for those too. With the right planning, you and your partner can keep the focus on yourselves. 

5. Accessorize Wisely

Brides, it is time to get your accessory game on point – while your dress is the star of the show in your movie, the accessories are the sidekick that cannot be ignored. They will add charm, but never steal the spotlight. 

Add personality to your photos without any distractions. If you feel like a cool hat will show your inner self more or if there is a necklace that will highlight the curves of your neck, add it to your dress if you think it will suit. Other than hats and jewellery, scarves make for a chic look. There are classic pieces that add elegance to the entire image. However, you need to be careful with what you accessorise with as well. For instance, if a hat is what you want, you also need to make sure it is not big enough that it is hiding your partner in the pictures! Or getting in the way of the more intimate pictures. 

Now, new ideas for accessories that can take your bridal look from “lovely” to “That’s such a cool thing to do!” is…Enter: sentimental pieces. Incorporate the family heirloom into your pictures. Grandmothers often have those vintage brooch or pins that look amazing on your dress or in your hair. Some couples even add a personal touch to have artistic engagement shots. They will have some souvenirs from their relationship incorporated into the shoot, small and meaningful items such as a love letter or a stuffed toy. Accessorise wisely – make it unique to you. Tell us the story. 

6. Get Your Hair and Makeup Done

Truthfully speaking, nothing says “I am ready for my close-up pictures” like professionally done hair and makeup. There are those brides who can do it themselves and know their skin and makeup routine really well. For them, maybe that option is best because let’s be honest, you are your worst critic. Hence, if you think that you can work on yourself the best, that will be true. 

Now, for those who do not fall into that category, book your appointment and have your hairdo and makeup done by a professional before your photoshoot. Unless you are a beauty guru who knows the difference between a bronzer and a highlighter, you might want to consider calling in the experts. And it is totally worth it.

Professional stylists know what type of makeup will suit what type of face. They are known for playing with all kinds of hair and can style it up in any way you want. And how fun is it to just sit in a chair and let others do the beautification while you just sit back? I mean, why would you want to take that extra stress on yourself for your engagement photoshoot? 

If you want to look natural and give that “hey, I woke up looking like this” then they can do that for you too! DIY may save you some money but face the facts, those tutorials and experiments on yourself will be more of a disaster than a masterpiece. Go with the pros and you will thank yourself (and me) later when you go flip through your engagement photos and look effortlessly flawless. 

7. Bring Props That Tell Your Story

When it comes to romantic photo ideas, props are like the icing on the cake. The cake is the love story and the icing and the decoration on top is all you. Props are a unique and fun creative way to tell your story beyond the love that is already obvious. It adds that special touch which will make your photos, you.

You and your partner have to sit together and find the things that define your relationship or perhaps give a flicker of the inside story. Are you two foodies – if so, why not share your favourite sandwich in a picture? Take a bite just like Lady and the Tramp, one from each side. Or what if you want to add a bit of classy champagne to the picture – nothing says romance and bliss like a shared champagne glass. 

Some couples love their pets and want them to be a part of the couple photography session and to be honest, it looks really cute. It actually says “hey, we’re ready to be a family” when you pose with your cat or dog. And if your fur baby is over the top cute, the snuggling photos come out adorable. They will end up stealing the show!

Custom signs or date boards that say “Save the date” or nowadays, couple hold pictures of the stars and galaxies aligned on the day they met. It’s fun, personal and gives a sneak peek into your story. If you want to showcase cultural or family traditions with an heirloom or something meaningful that was in the family, you can add those in the photo session too somehow. 

8. Practice Poses But Keep it Natural

Posing for engagement photos can sometimes make you feel like you’re in a rom-com because there is a photographer there capturing it all and you are being all lovey dovey with each other. For many couples, this is the first time being photographed properly and it can make be overwhelming and make you feel like you’re auditioning for a movie. 

So, how do you avoid being stiff and unnatural? Firstly, get your partner and practice a few poses before the actual session. Think of what you want to depict. Do you want it to be all natural and smiling or do you want those intense romantic pictures that are devastatingly attractive and beautiful? 

Either way, you need to pull both off naturally and candidly and the best thing to do is to practice and then listen to your photographer. Now, don’t forget to have fun either because it’s supposed to be fun. Be playful and show the loving and goofy you rather than the awkward and stiff you. Have funny jokes aligned or some hilarious conversation ready because the photographer will capture the candid laughter and smiles. 

The trick is to be yourself and don’t try too hard. You’re in love, you’re engaged and just be yourself with your partner. 

9. Plan for Weather Surprises

For your engagement photoshoot, don’t just pray to the weather gods and hope for the best, be prepared! Mother nature is not something you can predict a hundred percent and if you have planned in vain for your photoshoot, an uninvited rain or a hailstorm or even strong winds can cause trouble. 

But…you can use these weather surprises to your advantage. Picture this: your fiancé and you are in the middle of rain. He is down on one knee, you both are soaking wet or maybe he’s soaking wet and you’re holding an umbrella in your dress. It will be like the most romantic scene from a movie, both of you looking absolutely royal but rain soaked. 

Similarly, if the winds come in the picture then maybe you can have those dramatic photos in which the hair and dress and flapping attractively and giving those heroine vibes.

Nonetheless, if the weather turns into something you really can’t have a photoshoot outdoors, there are always indoor locations to consider as a backup. And one should always have those. The best thing is to not panic and have a plan – or an umbrella around – just in case. 

10. Incorporate Your Hobbies or Interests

Here’s an idea to bring up the game – add your hobbies or interests into the mix and show the uniqueness of your personality. There was a famous couple shoot where they dressed up as their favourite characters from Harry Potter! Not that you have to go that far, but to get the extra sparkle in the pictures, maybe think of things that are a reflection of your personality. It can be individualised or as a couple, that is your decision. 

Maybe there is a sport that you two like to play together? Consider a picture in that arena, if possible. Or maybe you two are into basketball and want a picture with him making a shot at your proposal? It will be a funny story to tell at the wedding and adds a lovable charm to the entire photoshoot.

It doesn’t have to be sports only though; it can be a boardgame even. If you two are chess players, it will make for a very dramatic, intensely charming and rustic photoshoot with the two of you on each side of the board. The close-ups will be very special. Cooking photos also add for a cutesy backdrop. You can have tomato sauce on the face, baking powder in the hair or maybe a messy food fight. The candid shots during that will be epic. 

And, if you have a talent, think of that too. Do you dance? Show us that! Do you play the guitar? Bring it to the session! It’s all about having fun and making memories and what better way to do that than to have the day spent with your loved one just like you do.

11. Create a Pinterest Board Together

It’s all about capturing the love and excitement of the young couple who have announced their commitment to the world – engagements are wonderful. But, you also want it to special and if you’re hiring an engagement photographer then you want your photos to come out amazing too, right?

You have to do your part. Since you are the star and you are the one who is telling what they need and want, you have to be clear in what you want to the photographer and your partner as well. Pinterest is a perfect tool for getting ideas and gathering them together. Having a visual representation to show your requirements makes the process easier. Collaborate with your partner and create a Pinterest board together. Later on, you can share the board with your photographer so that there is no room for any error and everyone knows what the requirements are. 

Keep it simple though, over the top ideas and impossible scenarios often ruin the moment and cannot be done. Have a realistic setup in mind. For instance, having an underwater engagement shoot can be pretty tough, unless you are Aquaman! 

12. Don’t Forget Your Engagement Ring

The engagement ring, the sparkler that will be the other attraction of your photoshoot, aside from you two of course. It is the shiny object that will be the interest of many. Your family, friends, generations to follow will want to see the engagement ring. And why not? It is the sole item that deserves the moment to shine, more so than any other accessory or prop that you may have in mind. 

The ring demands serious attention (think of it as one from Lord of the Rings) and be prepared for some close-ups of your hands together that will be highlighting the piece that is telling the world of your commitment and promise to one another. Your hands will be the star in those pictures so maybe you might want to have a manicure before the photoshoot has to take place? You can even put on some nail polish to compliment your dress or the colour of the ring. In these pictures, it is the ring and the hand that will be the focus. Get your partner ready for some kissing hands and staring dreamily at their pictures! 

And err…maybe avoid some last minute gardening sessions if you can. 

13. Plan Your Wardrobe Changes

Planning wardrobe changes for your engagement photoshoot is a fashion challenge where you need to look cute but also not sweat in your outfits like you’re running a marathon. Firstly, think of both casual and formal outfits for the affair. You want to have options to represent yourself in both manners. While casual represents the closeness and comfort of you and your partner, the formal attire has to be breathtaking and say, “I love this person…and also hire a wedding planner immediately!”

Transitioning between outfits is not as easy as it might seem. There is going to be some awkwardness, and the task will take some of the magic out of the day because no one wants to change clothes in a random location. However, the more prepared you are of what is to come, the better you will overcome the discomfort associated with it. Get your best friend to come and help you out with the changing or sneak behind a tree and the photographer will ensure that no one is looking. 

Take extra towels with you to wipe off the sweat or just to change behind if your fiancé can hold it up. It might sound like a hassle but once you see the different photos of the same day and the memories you will be forming, it will be worth it. 

14. Stay Relaxed and Have Fun

You’re about to have your studio engagement portraits, or at whichever location you have chosen. Take a deep breath and remember that this is your moment. You have to remember the first rule – stay relaxed and have fun. Easier said than done of course but if this is the mindset you start the day with, the nerves might just go away. 

Music is a great thing to help people relax. Playing it in the background or even listening to it beforehand will calm those nerves. Dance around and be comfortable with your own body, just like those theatre performers who yell and enunciate different sounds before they have to go on stage. 

If you want to go into the zen state, then you can meditate as well. Do that which will relax you the most. Keep smiling and when the camera has to click, the focus should be on each other and all about the start of the promise that you two have made to each other. Joke around, kiss each other, show love and make it easier for the two of you. 

You’ve got this. The real danger is tripping on your own two feet!

15. Trust the Process

Okay future brides, I am going to say something you might not agree with but you have to listen so that I can explain. Your engagement photos do not have to be flawless. They just have to be you. And how you are with your partner.

I’m sure you’ve been dreaming of the shoot you want to have, hair flowing in the breeze and the mountains behind you. But let’s be honest, it’s probably going to be you laughing with your fiancé and he’s thinking whether he should sneeze first or kiss you now. And that’s really okay!

THESE are the moments that you want to remember and capture, the love and candid expressions that are the magic. Little imperfections in the picture make it all perfect. He held your elbow rather than your hand and then you laughed about it? That is the shot we want. It is adorable.

And of course, the post-shoot excitement. While you want those sneak peeks and don’t like a few pictures that might show a squint or something, let the photographer’s magic work wonders and the results will be what you always wanted. The best shot is the one where you both are yourselves, imperfect and perfectly in love. 

Perfect Moment Photo & Video: Your Go-To For Engagement Photography

You want to show the real depth of your love story, you want a photography team that understands the importance of every shot taken? Perfect Moment Photo & Video has the approach to engagement photography that allows couples to feel natural, relaxed, and completely at ease. With a focus on authenticity, out talented team will put in the effort to make your engagement shoot to be more than just a session – a beautiful, timeless experience.

Why Choose Perfect Moment?

Perfect Moment is different for its expertise in genuine and candid shots. Our team has a vested interest in documenting the raw emotions and letting the couple enjoy their moments without putting any pressure on them for posing. The laughter shared during a pre-wedding shoot or the connection between your partner during the proposal, our team has seen it all and knows what it takes to really get the story behind the lens. 

Each session is tailored to the clients needs and Perfect Moment is one that excels in making the atmosphere comfortable, where we prefer that you simply be yourself. The services provided don’t just include the shoot, but what is happening behind the shoot too. We care about how you are feeling and know exactly what to do to get you to overcome your camera shyness too, especially if it is a pre-wedding shoot or an engagement session. 

What Sets Us Apart?

One of the key differentiators of Perfect Moment is our natural and relaxed style. Traditional photography that often feels staged is not the approach that we have in mind. Perfect Moment Photography is all about making sure that you are in fact you during the entire process. 

Our team holds a special knack for candid moments and has an eye out for the furtive intimate looks, that laughter and the natural love that is exhibited. 

We also offer competitive pricing and do not compromise on the quality. The high-quality images that you can see in their portfolio comes at an affordable price. In Pyrmont, Our team is very familiar with the locations and the couples who want beautiful landscapes can discuss with us. The team is also available for shoots throughout Sydney. 

Create Timeless Memories

Engagements are a wonderful beginning to a new chapter and what better way to start it than to have it preserved in pictures forever? 

Perfect Moment Photography and Video can help you do that, especially if you want your love to actually be the love it is – in the most candid shots possible. 

You are unique, so is your love, your pictures should be too. Create magic with us, request a free quote today.