Great Engagement Portraits

You certainly don't have to have engagement portraits done if you do not wish to do so, but it is something that many couples like to do. It is a great time to have pictures taken at a time in your life when you may only gather together wedding shots. Engagement photos do not have to be the standard 'smile and look pretty' shots if you do not want them to be. You can do whatever you want whether you choose a studio location or if you choose to hire someone to take pictures for you somewhere else that might fit your personalities much better.

There is no harm in getting your engagement portraits done in a studio if that is what you want to do. These can be stunning, and may fit your style. This is a great option for someone who wants to go out and get engagement portraits done, but does not have a lot of time. You can set up an appointment, get in and out within a few hours, and then get your pictures back within a few weeks. Most studios will also sell you a CD with your photos on them so you can get prints done the moment you leave the studio.

If you choose to go this route for your engagement portraits, make the most of your package. Look for deals and see what other specials they may offer you. Take extra clothes with you so that you can make a few clothing changes for some variety. You may want to make sure you and your intended wear or take outfits that compliment each other. This does not mean you have to look like twins in your engagement portraits, but you do want to wear similar colors so the photos look more fluid. If your outfits clash, the pictures are not going to look good.

For something different, you can get your engagement portraits done in an outside setting, or even on your own property or in your home. You will have to hire a professional to come with you to your desired setting and take the photos you want. What can be great about this is that you can have any background that you find on your own. You are not at the mercy of what the studio has to offer. You can take as much time as you want, as long as you have paid your professional for the time.

Take both long, medium, and close up shots together for your engagement portraits. Take some looking at the camera and take some that are more natural. Perhaps a few looking at each other will come out well. Remember that the more you take when you do your photo shoot, the more choices you have and the better the chances you have of coming up with one or two that you feel are amazing. Include family pets if you wish, or your children if you have any before you get married. Focus on the two of you, but don't leave the rest of your life out.