Screw stiff and cringy posing. As a documentary-style photographer, I value the real moments and prioritize capturing raw emotion over fake smiles. Engagement photos are one of my favorite things to photograph because they’re a celebration of each unique story and should be treated that way! In this blog I’m sharing exactly how I help couples create authentic engagement photos that feel unique to them.
Incorporate a Meaningful Activity + Location
Popular engagement photo locations in Boston are popular for a reason — they’re beautiful! But, before choosing a location you’ve seen used countless times before, take a moment and think about who you guys are as a couple. Is there a particular bar or coffee shop that’s been a regular meeting spot in your relationship? Do you have a special love for espresso martinis at Cafe Vittoria in the North End of Boston, or did the pizza shop around the corner from your first apartment become your go-to for a slice of gooey cheese pizza after a night at the bars? Maybe you’re the kind of couple who cherishes a Sunday morning home with a warm stack of pancakes and some freshly brewed coffee?
Whatever your love language is, I always encourage couples to think about incorporating a meaningful activity into their engagement session, because having an activity to bond over helps play into that documentary style, and can also just help to ease the nerves! This way, your engagement photos will capture genuine laughs and smiles, and serve as a keepsake from a special time in your lives in a place you cherish.
Have Fun With Your Engagement Photo Outfits
The outfits you choose for your engagement shoot can make or break the vibe you’re going for. When I think of engagement photos, right off the bat I think of the color white. And don’t get me wrong, I love a classic white bridal moment. But, I want to encourage you to not be afraid of adding a pop of color into your outfits! Color can totally change the dynamic of your photos and is a quick and easy way to immediately take your engagement photos from basic to unique.
If you want to go with that classic white bridal look (again, no shade at all from me ;)), have fun with the little details that’ll elevate your outfit and reflect your style. If it’s a fall engagement shoot, maybe try a cozy cream sweater and denim maxi skirt, or even think about wearing some fun colorful shoes! Being intentional about your purse, jewelry, and hairstyling are all subtle ways to elevate your outfit, regardless of its color!
Bring Props to Your Engagement Photoshoot
Props are SO much fun to incorporate into engagement sessions and they can help add a ton of variety to your gallery (double win!)!
Some Prop Ideas That I love:
- Funky sunglasses for some “Wes Anderson”- inspired city shots
- A polaroid camera to take some cute photos of each other while I photograph you both
- A wildflower bouquet to add a timeless touch of femininity and give you something to do with your hands (which is always a plus)
- A bottle of wine and vintage glassware for a “picnic in the park” moment
These are just a few of the endless amount of ideas there are for props you can incorporate into your engagement session to create effortless, fun and natural engagement photos.
Choose a Documentary-Style Photographer
Documentary-style photography in itself helps to create not basic photos because each session is completely unique and is treated as such. Being a documentary-style photographer myself, I’ll give you plenty of fun prompts which help to tell the story, but I’m also going to just give you space to be yourselves. Therefore, going into your engagement session with an open mind is so important! You hired your photographer for a reason, so trust their expertise! I always tell couples to view their engagement photoshoot as a fun date night rather than a super formal photoshoot. It really makes a world of difference in the final pictures because they’ll capture your real couple vibe!
Incorporating Movement into Your Engagement Photos
Going off of the importance of documentary-style photography, movement is key in creating unique and natural engagement photos! During your engagement session, I’ll tell you to run and spin and jump and everything in between. It’s all about capturing real emotions and reactions that tell your unique story. Lots of movement helps to create one-of-a-kind moments that are impossible to replicate.
Hire a Photographer that Understands Your Vibe
If your goal is not basic engagement photos, you definitely don’t want a photographer who will just copy your Pinterest board and do the same old poses everyone else does. Instead, you want to hire a photographer who takes the time to understand you and your unique vibe as a couple. When you feel at ease during the photoshoot, your pictures will portray that natural and genuine energy, and that’s something no one else can ever replicate.
If you’re based in New England and in search of the perfect documentary-style photographer who can capture your engagement photos in a natural and creative way, I may be just who you’re looking for. I’d love to create with you! Click here to get in touch.
Boston Film-Inspired + Documentary Style Photographer – Maddy Bethune Photo
Hey! I’m Maddy, a film-inspired + documentary style photographer based in Boston. I love the unconventional and encourage couples to do something that feels like them when it comes to their photo session! I’m inspired by film photography, vibrant color palettes, and couples who don’t take life too seriously. I’m here to tell YOUR story just as you remember it (no fake smiles and laughs here), and to transform your most precious moments into tangible art that’ll hang on your walls for years to come. Ready to create together? ? Get in touch with me here!
