Friday, January 4, 2013

Make YOU Come Through: Engagement Ideas

One of the most exciting things about photographing people is when they have a clear and unique idea how to express themselves for a portrait. You can have a hum drum sit-and-smile photo session, or you can incorporate nuances about yourselves that crack you up, make you blush, or otherwise open you up to authentically being yourself with your other half. Plus, a personalized idea can be enhanced tenfold by the location you choose. Get inspired and check out these couples' unique engagement session ideas!

1940's Vintage Airplane
He's a pilot. She's vintageously creative. Bam. My most memorable engagement to date. See more from their session here.


Chicagoans Unite
A healthy dose of the Bears and 'staches from this couple who now call Chi Town their home. See more from their session here.


World's Fair-ness
This couple has a 1904 World's Fair themed wedding; they thought they'd incorporate it into their engagement portraits as well. Enhanced with aged photo effects. See more from their session here.


Car-noisseurs
They share a passion for muscle cars. So I took them to a field and shot them enjoying their vrooms. See more from their session here.


Tap into what locations and themes speak to you as a couple. Touch on things you enjoy doing together and get creative. Go against the grain! And have fun doing it.

More Ideas
Do you enjoy wine? Take your shoot to a vineyard for some spectacular landscapes and grape themes.
Are you outdoorsy? Trek somewhere you can both engage in adventurous activities together.
Recreate your proposal. Same place, same time, same reaction if you can!
Love hanging out in a particular spot in town? Take your shoot there and do what you love doing.
Movie nerds? Re-create the semblance of your favorite movie scene. Dress the part if it suits!
Where did you first meet? Maybe it makes a great backdrop for a re-creation of when you first laid eyes on each other.

I love when couples have different and unique ideas, and I'm always willing to try what you have in mind. But if you're not a creative person, ask me for some thoughts on what will make your engagement session memorable. I'll be stoked to brainstorm with you!