Let’s talk about some sure-fire ways to love the way you look in your engagement photos! 

The time around your engagement can feel like you’re walking on air. 

The proposal was beautiful, it fit your unique love story perfectly. You feel so in love and excited for your future. I couldn’t be happier for you right now.

But after the excitement of the proposal settled down, you may have felt a roller coaster of emotions: 

• YES WE’RE IN LOVE! 
• I can’t wait to start planning! 
• Ohh I hope that photographer I like is available 
• Booked and blessed!
• Shoot.. I hope we don’t look awkward in those photos 
• Google ”how to look good in engagement photos” 
• Google what should I wear??
• Decide where to take your engagement photos 

Doubtless, there is a lot to do to plan a wedding. But when it comes to your engagement and wedding photography, there is no need to stress! You’ve landed in the right place. 

As a wedding photographer, I’ve heard so many beautiful stories of how couples have met. 

Things like:

• ”We used to vacation at the same campgrounds as children, but then met at our first job when we were 18.” 
• ”He actually lived up the street from me, but I never met him until going away to university” 
• ”We were introduced by my sister; they had been friends for years before we met!” 

Your love story is unique, and your photos should help you tell that story in a way that is authentic to you! 

What If I Feel Uncomfortable In Front of the Camera?

I’ve all seen examples of engagement photos that I definitely don’t want. Maybe you’re worried about how your photos will look: 

• Will they be cheesy?
• Will I look awkward?
• We’ve never had photos done before, is that okay?
• Do engagement photos even matter? 

You deserve to have engagement photos that you absolutely love. And with the right photographer (ahem, me), swoon-worthy engagement photos are something you will get. You’ll also have a ton of fun because you’re engaged and it should be a fun time.

Usually, bad photos happen because couples are feeling uncomfortable, so they follow the advice they normally wouldn’t from people they don’t even like. You wouldn’t do that normally, so don’t start now!

It’s perfectly normal to feel a bit unsure when starting the engagement photo process. There’s a good chance that this might be your first time getting professional photos done. If you aren’t used to spending time in front of the camera and don’t love being the centre of attention, it’s normal to feel a little shy. 

The problem is, that feeling uncomfortable usually comes through in photos. So, how can you feel more relaxed as you head into your photoshoot? Doing a little bit of prep work (like, say reading a blog about posing from yours truly) is the best way to start.

How to Look Good on Camera, and I mean like really really good

One of the best parts of being a wedding photographer is easing my clients through the transformation from camera shy to “dang, we look good”!

Remember, it is so important to me that you love your photos! I will do everything I can to make sure you feel great during your photoshoot – which includes helping with posing, offering gentle instructions, giving suggestions on what to wear, recommending gorgeous locations for the shoot, and positioning you in the most flattering lighting. 

When you read over this post, be sure to pay attention to the poses that speak to you. Maybe you want a deeply romantic, loving theme. Or maybe engagement photos that are more fun suit you better. You’ll find poses for both types, plus more, below. 

Buckle up friends, I’m going to find you some poses that feel great for whatever your comfort levels are. 

10 Poses For Your Engagement Photo Shoot 

1. The Walk Toward 

This “pose” is a sure fire way to feel great about your engagement photos. Adding movement will quickly make your photos feel more casual and natural. Plus, your walk will be like a built-in fan to create that stunning wind-strewn hair. 

2. Pucker Up

Soon enough, you’ll hear the words “You may now kiss the bride”. But for now, sharing a sweet kiss is a classic engagement photo pose. This kind of pose helps you capture the madly-in-love vibes that really make engagement photos stand out. 

3. Come a Little Closer 

Not a fan of PDA? No worries here! To help you warm up to that one, line up with your partner and press your foreheads together. Think of it like that blissful few seconds before a kiss. You know it’s coming, and you get to just live in that in-between space between your previous life as singles, and your life together as a married couple. It will look like your photographer caught a special candid moment between you two.

An added bonus is as you stare at each other it will begin to look more and more like your partner only has one eye which will give you a good laugh, then you get great natural smiles. It’s as Michael Scott would call a win-win-win.

4. The Dip

A look is exchanged, the music swells, birds sing, and your beloved holds you tightly as you lean back. Want to turn your engagement shoot into a romance novel? Try the dip pose! It will add some drama to your shoot, but without feeling cheesy. *Bonus: you can extend your leg out and look like an absolute vision!

5. I’ve Got Your Back 

That’s all we really want in a partner, right? Someone, to have your back no matter what? This pose is a winner because it’s a stance you’ve probably been in hundreds of times, so it will feel comfortable. Plus, both of your beautiful faces will be in the photo! You can practice while one of you is cooking or working. For an extra sweet touch, when your partner is hugging you, close your eyes for a few seconds and think about how good it feels. The look on your face will be priceless.

6. Stop and Stare

When you have a ring as gorgeous as yours, it needs to make it into the photos. This is a classic engagement shoot pose. Place your hand on your partner’s shoulder, and hold each other for a few moments. Your photographer can choose to zoom in on the ring, or pull back and include your lovely faces in the background of the shot. 

7. Hand in Hand

You’ve probably heard it many times before, but the best relationships are rooted in deep friendship. This sweet pose demonstrates the loving friendship that will carry you through your many years together. Holding hands can also be a chance to bring attention to your ring in engagement photos, without it being only a photo of your ring. 

These are some of my favourite photos to get since I get to be a bit artsy, and you get great photos. It’s the best of both worlds.

8. Feeling Bubbly 

I hope that you’ve taken time to properly celebrate this exciting time, but if not, your engagement photo shoot can be a beautiful time to pause and reflect. And every celebration is better with some bubbly! I mean really, who doesn’t want a reason to have a glass of champagne?

Bring along a couple of glasses and your favourite sparkling drink. Pop the bottle and toast to this joyful time in your life.

This is also a photo you can recreate at your wedding, which would make a nice side-by-side pairing. You’ll love the natural smiles that come along with an overflowing glass of champagne. 

9. Get cozy

The pose captures the warmth of a long-term relationship. You guys are past the awkward first-date vibes and have moved on to the coziest partnership. You have the kind of love where you feel most natural around your partner, cheek against his shoulder, with his arms around you. Is there anything better? 

10. Outfit Check 

How often are you in full hair, makeup and styled wardrobe? You’ll love having some detail-shots of your full look. For a man, this can be as simple as looking off to the side, while you adjust your sleeve or cuff links. For a woman, it can be a focus on the perfect shoes you picked. Either way, this style of photo adds some refinement to your engagement album. 

Conclusion

With your wedding on the horizon, engagement photos are the perfect way to celebrate this special time. Whether you’re planning for a big party with all of your family and friends, or just love the idea of an intimate wedding, you have an exciting journey ahead of you.

But, don’t forget to make the most of this time together with date nights and fun adventures beyond wedding planning! Your engagement can be such an incredibly rich time to deepen your relationship and navigate challenges together.

In the meantime, choose any of these poses for your engagement photo shoot or just trust me to guide you two and you’ll love what I come up with.