Engagement Photography Types and Styles

Engagement Photography  •  Photography Tips

Regardless of which photographic style a couple chooses to incorporate into their engagement shoot, it is important to make it a point to always be aware of the “in between moments” that are often overlooked. Camera always ready to shoot, wait for the moments just after a pose, during a quiet moment between the couple, after the guy whispers something funny in his fiance’s ear, or those subtle but intimate glances exchanged between the couple when they think no one is looking.

photo by Elena Novik

Those are the moments to be captured and those are the moments you should always be waiting for, regardless of which engagement style you are shooting that day. No matter which style suits your personality best, the gorgeous and personal candid photos will be secured.

1. Photojournalistic Engagement Session

Although nowadays photography styles seem to incorporate a photojournalistic feel, the photojournalistic engagement session typically is one where the photographer has little or no involvement at all. The couple has a specific and sentimental activity or location that they desire to have engagement photos taken at. Most often, the couple goes about their business and acts as they normally do while the photographer works “behind the scenes” to capture the shots from the outside looking in. The couple acts completely natural, ignoring that there is even a camera involved.

One of the best lenses for this type of shoot a telephoto lens. This allows the photographer to stand 10 to 30 yards away from the couple, allowing for privacy and intimacy. Candid pictures are easy to acquire in this engagement session because the couple stays very connected with each other, undisturbed by any surrounding distractions.

2. Guided Engagement Photography Session

Because many couples are not sure what to do when the camera is in front of their faces, the guided engagement session includes a great deal of the photographer’s input and direction. First, collaborate directly with the couple to determine the specific location(s) of the engagement shoot, then upon beginning the session, help to guide the couple through the shots and poses.

Photo captured by Mandy Austin

When booking an engagement photography session, make absolute sure to familiarize yourself with the couple’s personality, likes, dislikes, and style. That way, when out shooting, you can help to find poses and scenes that fit the couple’s tastes. Because the session is guided, many of the images are traditional in nature and posed shots. Many photographers also capture candid shots and also a few creative photojournalistic shots, but typically the pictures are more traditional and posed.

3. Combined Engagement Photography Session

While it is important learn about the couple before the shoot, you will also learn even more about them during the shoot. Because this includes shooting guided and photojournalistic photography, a longer engagement session is typically required, though not always. However, more time allows the photographer to guide the couple through the traditional posed pictures, catching candids in between, and leaving time for them to capture a photojournalistic feel. Try to schedule a few different locations for this type of engagement session. This allows the couple to have more freedom for different looks, wardrobe changes, and moving to places that are special to them as a couple.

Examples of some engagement shoots done in the past include couples who want pictures done at the place they first met, where they shared their first kiss, where he asked her to marry him, or somewhere that is all their own. Because of more time and more flexibility, you will not only get to know the couple better before their wedding day, but give them the opportunity to have a multitude of options to choose from when it comes to their engagement photos.

“love at the sunset” captured by Alyona Arnautova

About the Author
Rachel Searfoss is a wedding photography, online marketing, and search engine marketing (SEO) expert.