“There are many reasons to have engagement photos taken: pictures for invites, photo guestbook, wall art for your new place, proof for your future grandkids that you were, in fact, young and attractive. All good reasons, but I’d say the biggest reason to do engagement photos is to get to know your photographer, get familiar with their style of shooting and get comfortable in front of the camera. For most people, the last time they had their pictures taken professionally was as a high school senior, so getting in front of the camera before the big day is a great way to get loosened up and know what to expect.” - http://thethingswewouldblog.blogspot.com
Practice : This use to be a joke, but its now one of my best pieces of advice I can give clients before a session. Practice in the mirror!
I know it sounds embarrassing, but go in your bathroom where no one is watching you and rehearse your pose and smile. Do you want to smile with your mouth open, or closed? How do you want your eyes to look? Practice on how you want your smile to look and how you would want your serious face, or a smirk to look. Trust me, as silly as it may seem, it will help you out :)
Have a Vision : I love it when people have a specific vision, idea or style in mind. Does your wedding have a style you’d like to stick with? Style ideas can come from anything, your favorite store, a TV show, other photos you’ve seen, a time period, etc. Think about what made you pick me as your photographer-what about my style do you want to see in your photos? If you don’t have a specific idea, that’s totally fine. Start by thinking about the type of backgrounds you want to have. Do you want city backdrops, or more rural-modern buildings or vintage brick? Is there a place that is special to you two? All of these things can help in picking a location and deciding on what style of clothes to bring. I have my own spots that I like to shoot at, so if I have at least a direction or some kind of idea that you are wanting, I can help you.
I typically suggest that couples bring 2 outfits, an everyday one and a more dressy one. Be bold, but stick with your style, don’t wear something that you are going to feel self-conscious posing in. For inspiration, look at your favorite store’s catalog or website and see how they are dressing couples together in shots. I’d check out JCrew, H&M, Forever 21, or Zara. If you aren’t sure what is going to photograph best, bring options and I would love to help you make a decision.
Here are a list of 7 things from (www.applebrides.com) that I found very helpful :)
1. Coordinate Colors. This doesn’t mean matchy-matchy, it just means that you wear colors that complement each other and pieces that have common shades.
2. Be bold with color. Yes, black is slimming but it doesn’t always come out well in photos so try and pick a bright color that will stand out.
3. Wear extra make-up! Your engagement session is a great time to try out your wedding make-up artist, see if you can coordinate a trial on the day of your engagement session. If not, make sure you wear heavier make-up than your everyday look, and definitely wear lipstick!
4. Don’t be afraid of prints. I know they may be a bit scary, but a head to toe print can look great in photos. Just make sure it’s one that is flattering and hits you in the right places! Also, stay clear of logos and designs on shirts, etc. To balance the print, have your fiance wear a solid color.
5. Choose clothes that complement your surroundings. Try and wear an outfit that matches your location.
6. Wear playful accessories. Play up your femininity if the outfit is edgy or choose edgy jewelry to balance super feminine outfits. If your outfit is pretty casual, try jazzin it up with a pretty necklace, high heels or cute flats.
7. Wear layers. In my research, there were quite a few photographers who said that clothes photograph better when they are layered. So add a cardigan, blazer or jacket to finish your look.