Celebrating Love in Ohio: Tips for Planning Your Ohio Engagement Session

Cleveland Couples & Engagement Photographer

PHOTOGRAPHY FOR ADVENTUROUS SOULS & REBELS AT HEART

It's that time of year again – engagement season! If you're newly engaged, congratulations! 

This is a exciting time in your life and you're probably already starting to plan your wedding. One important aspect of planning your wedding is deciding on your engagement photos.

Engagement photos are a great way to capture the love and excitement of your engagement and to have beautiful memories to look back on. They are also a great opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera and to work with your photographer before your big day.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to have fun and be yourself. Your engagement photos should reflect your personality and the love you have for each other. So take some time to dream about what you want your engagement photos to look like, and start planning with your photographer.

Location: Think about where you want to take your engagement photos.

The location of your engagement photos can have a big impact on the look and feel of your photos. It's important to choose a location that reflects your personalities and the overall theme of your session.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a location for your engagement photos:

• Personal significance: Consider choosing a location that holds personal significance to you and your partner. This could be the place where you first met, where you got engaged, or a place that holds special memories for you.
• Aesthetic: Think about the aesthetic of the location and how it will complement your outfits and the overall theme of your photos. Do you want a more urban, cityscape background or a more natural, outdoor setting?
• Accessibility: Make sure the location is easily accessible and that you have permission to take photos there if necessary.
• Lighting: Consider the lighting at the location and how it will impact your photos. Soft, natural light is often flattering for photographs, so consider the time of day and the direction of the light at the location.

Take some time to dream about the perfect location for your engagement photos, and discuss your ideas with your photographer. They can help you choose the best location and provide suggestions based on their experience.

Theme: What kind of vibe do you want for your engagement photos?

When it comes to planning your engagement photos, one important decision to make is what kind of vibe you want for your photos. Do you want a romantic, classic look or something more fun and playful? Your personal style and the overall theme of your wedding can help guide you in determining the theme for your engagement photos.

If you're going for a romantic, classic look, consider choosing a location with a stunning backdrop and dressing in elegant, timeless attire. Soft, natural light and a focus on your love and connection can help create a romantic atmosphere.

On the other hand, if you want a more fun and playful vibe, consider incorporating props or choosing a location with a more whimsical feel. You can also choose more casual outfits and incorporate playful poses and expressions.

No matter what vibe you choose, it's important to be true to yourselves and have fun. Your engagement photos should reflect your personality and the love you have for each other. So take some time to think about what kind of vibe you want for your engagement photos, and start planning with your photographer.

Outfits: Your outfits can play a big role in the look and feel of your engagement photos.

Choosing the right outfits can help you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, and can also contribute to the overall theme and aesthetic of your photos.

• When selecting your outfits for your engagement photos, consider the following tips:
• Choose colors that complement each other and fit the theme of your photos. Avoid busy patterns and logos, and opt for more timeless pieces.
• Consider the location of your photoshoot and the season. If you're taking photos outdoors, choose attire that is appropriate for the weather and the setting.
• Think about your personal style and what makes you feel comfortable and confident. Choose outfits that reflect your personality and the love you have for each other.
• Don't be afraid to mix and match different pieces, such as a formal dress paired with a casual jacket or a suit paired with a more casual shirt.
• Bring a few different options for each of you to try on during the photoshoot. This can help you find the perfect look and also give you some flexibility in case of any wardrobe malfunctions.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in your outfits. So take some time to plan and choose outfits that suit your personal style and the theme of your engagement photos.

Props: Adding props to your engagement photos can add a fun and personal touch.

Props can also help set the scene and theme of your photos.

• Here are a few ideas for incorporating props into your engagement photos:
• Personal items: Consider incorporating items that are meaningful to you and your relationship, such as a favorite book or your pet.
• Seasonal elements: Depending on the time of year, you can incorporate seasonal elements into your photos. For example, a fall engagement session might include autumnal leaves or pumpkins, while a winter session might include holiday decorations or a cozy blanket.
• Fun props: Consider incorporating fun props that reflect your personalities and interests. For example, if you both love to travel, you might bring a vintage suitcase or a map.
• Signage: Adding a sign or banner with a special message or quote can add a personal touch to your photos.

It's important to keep in mind that props should be used sparingly and should not distract from the focus of the photos – you and your partner. So choose a few meaningful or fun props that enhance your photos, rather than overwhelming them.

Timing: The time of day and the season can also impact the look of your engagement photos.

Here are a few things to consider when deciding on the timing of your photoshoot:

• Light: Soft, natural light is often flattering for photographs, so consider scheduling your session for early morning or late afternoon. This will give you beautiful, golden light and avoid harsh shadows.
• Season: The season can add a unique touch to your photos. For example, a fall engagement session with colorful leaves in the background or a winter session with a blanket of snow can add a beautiful and romantic atmosphere to your photos.
• Personal preferences: Think about what time of day and season works best for you and your partner. If you're not morning people, scheduling an early morning photoshoot might not be the best idea. Similarly, if you don't enjoy the heat, a summer session might not be the most comfortable option.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a time that works best for you and allows you to feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera. So take some time to consider the time of day and the season, and discuss your preferences with your photographer.

I am a LGBTQ+ friendly, body positive elopement, wedding and portrait photographer located in Cleveland, Ohio.

My mission is to create beautiful, authentic images that reflect my clients' uniqueness and celebrate love in all its forms.