Poole's Image Creations Photo Services

Engagement Photo Tips

Pick your place. Select a location that has some meaning to you, where you met, where he proposed, a place where you will feel comfortable and relaxed. Perhaps a theme is in order.....doing something you both LOVE to do together. Any one of the area's parks are a great location for photos. The Botanical Center is another good place. An abandoned building, a classic old brick wall for a backdrop, a favorite tire swing at Grandpa's farm. Your options are endless!

Be sure to consider the time of year and time of day when you select your location. If your photos will be taken outside, the best time of the day for the session is early in the morning, or the last few daylight hours in the early evening. Photos during this time will produce a warm glow. Fall photos can be gorgeous.   Natural daylight is the BEST kind of light, but from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. the sunlight will produce very harsh shadows and unflattering photos. If early morning or evening photo sessions are out of the question due to schedules, etc., then you'll want to choose a place where there is significant shade or have the photos taken on an overcast or cloudy day.

Coordinate your clothing. This doesn’t mean you have to match EXACTLY, but keep in mind color combinations and clashing of colors. Select solid clothes. Patterns that are busy take the attention away from the couple and easily date the photos, and stripes are the worst! Photos should be timeless. Keep in mind location and the time of year when choosing your clothing so that the clothes you choose will compliment the background. Go with colors that you look good in. Primary colors are very striking in photos where as white can actually wash many people out.

Wear layers. If the season is cold, this is a must, but it also gives you more options and looks for your photos. Your wedding photos will be more formal so your engagement photos should feature you both as you appear in your everyday life together. Choose something that reflects your individual style and style as a couple. Is he more comfortable in khakis and a starched button down shirt than jeans and a polo shirt? What are you more yourself in - when you really have your game on? You will want your photos to reflect that special intimacy that only the two of you share.

Be yourself when it comes to hair and makeup. This is a case where less is definitely more. You’ll want photos where you feel comfortable in your own skin and it WILL show in the photos. Be natural, this is supposed to be fun. Your photos will be better if you enjoy the session and have fun with it. My job is to take the photos - your job is to relax and have fun!

If you have a particular pose or style of photos you want to achieve, by all means PLEASE tell me. Don't be bashful about telling me what you like or don't like. If you don't, I won't know and we'll both end up unhappy.   This is supposed to be fun, and I want to achieve that personal touch for Your photos. I like to be able to capture not only your looks but your personality in our session. Don’t want to have that “canned” appearance so that your photos are the same as everybody else's? Dare to be different, unique. Make your engagement photos about YOU and who YOU are. Talk to each other about what you both want in the photos. Two heads are always better than one Look through bridal magazines and publications for ideas, and bring with you the ones you like.

If you have a preference for a type of special effect you want applied to your photos, black and white, sepia tone, color spot focal, soft focus/spotlight, etc., please share that with me. I want you to be happy with your photos. Sometimes I can GUESS what a couple likes, but not very often!

Your photos can be used in a variety of ways………..Save the date cards, thank you notes, invitations for showers, wedding programs, etc.

What is your style…………casual, intimate, elegant, goofy, classic/traditional.

I am working for you - I want you to be happy with your session and your photos. Nothing is more disappointing than having photos you aren’t happy with.