Engagement Photos - The PASH Wedding Forums and Message Boards

MarthaA562 · #1 10-17-2006, 05:41 AM

We are trying out this photographer that specializes in black and white photos. He is an artist, and has never done a wedding. So, we are doing a trial run to make sure that this is what we want to do. First of all, what should we wear? And then secondly, what poses should we do. He mainly has done architecture, and probably will not have a lot of ideas... but he is charging only for the film. He wants to get into the business, and just told us to pay him what we thought was fair. Any ideas???

munchkin · #2 10-17-2006, 06:48 AM

I don't know about pricing, but I can suggest photos.
First of all, where are you going to take them? Make sure you get photos of you sitting, standing, and walking.
If the photos are going to be black and white, don't wear black and white. It looks really stark, and won't be as attractive. Also, do not wear bright red or dark lipstick as it will turn black in the photos, and I don't think that's the look you're going for.
Wear what you're comfortable in. Don't dress up if that's not you. You want these photos to capture who you are, not who you're pretending to be.
Let me know if you want some more advice. Having been on the other side of the lens, I'm a big fat pain in the arse to photographers who are taking my photo.

CMK · #3 10-17-2006, 05:29 PM

My husband is also starting his own photography business (Cincinnati, OH). So far he's done a few weddings and a couple engagement portrait sessions for almost just the cost of film & developing, but he also does family & senior portraits. I think it's a great idea to have engagement portraits done
as a test before the wedding day. Make sure you analyze his personality, professionalism, and direction as much as you analyze the quality of his photos & turn-around time. Any flaws he has will be magnified at a wedding.

As far as clothes go, solid color earth tones are always best. It's a better hue for most skin tones & is not as distracting as prints or bright colors. Your outfits should also coordinate, but not match. Go as formal or informal as you like- whatever you are comfortable in. Jeans are very popular for outdoor photos. Plus, you can do some more creative poses in jeans than in other clothes. I also agree make-up should be done as you normally wear it- more natural the better.

Engagement photos should be about conveying how much in love you are & how much fun you have being together. Poses should be of you cuddling up close, looking at each other in admiration, or walking off toward a great future together. I suggest Googling "engagement portrait photography" & looking at photo galleries for ideas. Or you can e-mail me at sindbob@yahoo.com & I can send you a link to a recent engagement photo shoot we did & answer any other questions you may have. Enjoy your photo shoot! It should be a great experience!

MarthaA562 · #4 10-21-2006, 06:57 PM

Well, tommorrow is the big day. I have looked at a lot of other black and white engagement photos, makeup tips, and poses. I am trying to convince Joe to put on a little concealer and foundation for undereye bags and such... the web sites suggest it... He is having to part of it!!

AngelRoseFyre · #5 10-21-2006, 09:30 PM

Have fun!!!!

I don't think my FH would wear the makeup either. Good luck with that!

michandmitch · #6 10-23-2006, 01:32 PM

So, how did the photo session go? Did Joe wear the makeup? I don't think my FH would be very willing to wear it but I think he would just because. Can't wait to see the pics!

MarthaA562 · #7 10-24-2006, 01:03 AM

It was raining, so we had to postpone it!!!! I really wanted to get working on that scrapbook. Grrrrr.... I hate the weather. Now I have to wait two weeks because I am going out of town next weekend. I am still working on the make-up thing. I swore that I would not tell any of his friends... and no eyeshadow, just a little concealer for his undereye bags and some foundation to even out his skin tone, esp. for black and white photos. I do not think that he will do it, but I am having fun teasing him about it in the meantime.

MarthaA562 · #8 11-05-2006, 06:25 AM

New update!!!! I will be taking the engagement photos tommorrow!!! I am so excited to see how they turn out and turn it into my scrapbook/ guest album. I will post some pics when I get them back!!!