…Well, it’s done. And it was FUN.
My future husband and I got our engagement pics done on the BEAUTIFUL campus of the University of Oklahoma and around Norman, Oklahoma. Oddly enough, that area doesn’t mean anything special to us per se, but the campus has the iconic red phone booths that DO mean something to us. And they have a gorgeous pool hall where we got some great pics taken as well.
This shoot was a source of some apprehension for both my future husband and I before it happened. We don’t consider ourselves to be particularly photogenic, individually or as a couple, and have never particularly enjoyed having our photos taken.
That said, our engagement shoot was kind of a blast. Here’s how we made it so:
1. Find a photographer you love and trust, and be honest and open with them
Our photographer had a very hands-off style except for every once in a while. She put us in a beautiful location, gave us a couple of pointers, and then practically disappeared while she was taking pictures and we just did our thing.
2. Don’t think of the session as a photo shoot
Think of it as a date that happens to have a photographer. Before we met up with our photographer, we went out to breakfast. We met her at a coffee shop and just basically went for a walk around a beautiful location.
3. If you have some shots that are really important to you, let your photographer know
I emailed our girl some great pictures my future husband and I that I loved the style and feel of, and a couple of them that we definitely wanted of us. A good photographer will appreciate a little guidance from you. After all, she works for you, not the other way around.
4. Bring props that are important to you
We brought books, our pool cues, and a photo frame of our wedding date.
5. Go to your element
We went to a pool hall and a college campus. Those are both places we love and places we feel at home. If your element is inside your own home, shoots at home are great too!
6. Wear something that makes you feel awesome
I changed my outfit three times the morning of because when I looked at myself in the mirror, I didn’t see me. I saw me in a top I wouldn’t normally wear, or in jewelry I’d never worn. I changed into a favorite top that I feel like a million bucks in, and brought my favorite little black (okay, blue) dress. And I was so happy I did. My future husband is most comfortable in a sweater and jeans, so he wore his favorite of both and brought a button-down and slacks (his work uniform and another favorite look).
Any other tips you can think of?
