Take Springtime Engagement Photos

Engagement photos are a great way to get comfortable with your wedding photographer, create save-the-date cards, and capture that sliver in time when you’re happily anticipating your big day. Spring is a gorgeous time for engagement photos. Take advantage of the season and choose your clothes, location, and props that will make perfect and memorable springtime engagement photos.

Steps

Choosing Your Clothes

1. Coordinate your outfits. Plan what you’ll wear ahead of time. You don’t need to be match perfectly, but wear outfits that complement each other’s. Wear a solid that shows up in your partner’s prints or plaids. Choose bright solids for spring. Decide if you’ll both be formal or casual.
   • Try matching your shirts to each other’s shoes for a whimsical look.
   • Add a colorful accessory that highlights the colors your partner is wearing. For example opt for a tie or scarf that pops with a bright color in their outfit.
2. Choose one outfit. Keep it simple with a single outfit so you can focus on taking good photos without worrying about multiple clothing changes. If you want more than one outfit, choose one formal and one casual outfit. Mix it up by wearing a sweater or jacket that you can take off for a different look.
3. Wear springtime colors. Go for light colored clothes in pastels, whites, beiges, and grays. Bold, bright colors are also popular in the spring. Wear floral prints, light plaids, sundresses with a light sweater, blue suits, chambray, and khaki.
   • Choose neutral colors if you’re posing in front of a vibrant background, like a field of flowers.
   • Spring is a great time to pick clothes that flow. Wear something that moves with you for a dynamic look in your photos.
4. Pick clothes that represent who you are. Capture a look that shows who you are as a couple. For example, wear more casual clothing if you’re laid back. Make sure that your clothes are flattering for your best look, especially because you’re creating a keepsake of your engagement.
   • Engage a stylist or a free personal shopper from a major department store if you need help choosing flattering pieces that reflect your style as a couple.

Finding Your Location

1. Go to a garden. In the spring, look to gardens and other venues with flowers and greenery that showcases the beauty of the season. Try a botanical garden, zoo, or public park. In the city, find budding trees or other spots of green to highlight the season, even if the focus is on you near a favorite landmark.
   • If you have a favorite location, take some shots outside to take advantage of the spring weather. For example, if you love the theater, stand near the marquee on the street.
2. Take your photos on the water. Go to the beach or a lake, especially if you love being on the water together. Try shooting some photos in a boat or barefoot on the sand. Take advantage of the spring weather being cool enough that beaches and lakes won’t be overcrowded.
3. Head to a farm or vineyard. Use the new growth in these locations to add interest and a springtime look to your photos. For example, take some photos with young farm animals in the background to symbolize spring and new growth. Pose around some lush vines at your local vineyard, especially if you love wine.
4. Pose in your home. Take the photos at home, where you’re most comfortable. You’ll look your best in your comfort zone. Pick a sunny location to highlight the beauty of spring. Also emphasize the season by posing on your front porch, balcony, or in your garden.

Selecting Accessories and Props

1. Use vintage props. Use a vintage car, old bicycle, or other antiques for a vintage theme. An outdoors photo with vintage props works really well in the spring. Combine flowers with your prop to emphasize the season.
   • Accessorize with vintage jewelry, especially pieces that feature light gemstones or pearls.
2. Hold a bouquet. Gather some flowers for a small bouquet of spring flowers. Or wear a floral crown to show off springtime blooms. Add flowers or other greenery to shots inside or out. Look for brightly colored flowers to emphasize a springtime look.
   • Add springlike accessories, like scarves or ties with flowers.
3. Choose accessories and props that will complement your photo. Find props that are appropriate to your setting, like an oar if you’re taking photos near the water. Also keep the background and any props and accessories low-key so the primary focus is on the two of you. Avoid anything that might distract from your faces, like clothes with patterns that overwhelm you, or overlarge accessories or props.

Sources and Citations

See also

• Build A Darkroom
• Create an Inexpensive Photography Lightbox
• Make a Pinhole Lens for Your SLR Camera
• Make a Pintoid Camera
• Make an Invisible Mask for Video Cameras
• Build a Panoramic Tripod Head
• Create a DIY Extreme Macro Tube
• Create a Photography Backdrop
• Make Homemade Photography Lighting
• Create a Pringles Can Light Reflector