This Photographer Shares The Secret to Good-Looking Engagement Photos

It’s easy to feel some pressure with how your engagement shoot photos are going to look like. There’s so much inspiration online, and it can get confusing to incorporate the best styles. Plus, not all couples are the same either. So today, we have just the thing to make it easier for you.

Wedding and Engagement Photographer Jaja Samaniego gives us some key practical tips on how to make your engagement photos look effortlessly natural and beautiful. (She’s newly-engaged, so she knows and understands how you’re feeling, and what it’s like!) For most, “natural” might seem boring or uneventful, but you’d be surprised how breathtaking your photos could be if you tried using these techniques.

Jaja Samaniego Weddings and Engagements Photographer

 

Tip #1: Everyone is different, so find your own version of natural!

Recognize that what’s natural for you may not be natural for others, as this can be very subjective for couples. There’s no need to conform to or follow a style that you saw online! But of course, they’re still pretty helpful as inspiration. You may use them to think about what will make you and your partner the most comfortable–creativity permitted! Again, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding what is natural for each couple. Sometimes the simplest ideas can show the most authenticity in emotions and actions.

 

Story: Engagement photos can be simple, and totally you. This couple went strolling around in Korea without a set itinerary along the way. The result? Photos that felt real and portrayed the couple’s personality without compromising beauty.

 

Tip #2: Find something you like and turn it into a shoot

It doesn’t have to be a pictorial where you directly pose in front of the camera. It could be you guys surfing, hiking, or going camping for the first time. (But hey, if you like studio shoots as well, it can be a cute idea too!) Activities that allow you to move a lot give your photographers a chance to capture candid moments that will look amazing as photographs. You may not know it, but your photographer is capturing your natural movements in a flattering way. Skilled photographers have trained for years to do this.

 

Story: This sporty couple who are nature lovers, went hiking in the mountains. They also opted for another look that was more casual, minimalist, and timeless. They weren’t necessarily limited to just one look, but they made sure both looks represented their personalities.

 

Tip #3: Focus on your partner and don’t over-think poses.

By the way, laughing during your engagement session and conversing with your partner is really the way to break the ice. Think of it as a fun experience where you and your husband-to-be can practice in front of the camera before the big day! Plus, the magic truly happens the moment you start to open up–the rare glimpses, the sweet exchange of looks, and the subtle nuances of affection. It’s photos like those that perfectly capture the romance! And when you get your engagement photos, we guarantee that the shots you will love are the candid ones wherein you let your guard down.

 

Story: If you’re uncomfortable around the camera, relax by focusing on your partner rather than the camera lens. The best shots from this engagement photo session were when the couple just started goofing around, throwing embraces, and really lovingly interacted with each other. No matter what, love shows on the lens, so don’t hold back.

 

Tip #4: Collaborating with your photographer can bring about unexpected surprises

Having a more spontaneous day opens up your prenup to a lot of possibilities for suggestions from your photographer, or cool last-minute ideas from you and your partner. The key to effortlessly romantic photos is trusting your photographer! Your photographer has been doing shoots like these for a long time, so they know what looks good. Admittedly, you might find following directions a bit awkward at first, but it’s important to trust the process and have fun. Keep an open eye and ear as the best things truly come from the unexpected!

Story: This couple went to Escolta after their photographer, Jaja, suggested it, and it turned out that the building was owned by the groom-to-be’s family! This earned them a more meaningful shoot as the location had a connection to the couple. So be open to hearing out what your photographer suggests, because it might just be a new idea you’ve never heard of or an idea sitting under your nose all along.

 

At the end of the day, you would want an engagement session to feel less like a “photo shoot” and more like a new experience between you and your partner. You’ll want it be an experience that displays your love and affection, and one that you can cherish forever. Having a natural engagement session gives a couple a chance at making sweet new memories and catching it on camera. So take note of the tips above and enjoy this time with your special someone cause it’s something you will always fondly look back at.

 

If you’re planning an engagement session and you want it to truly capture your essence as a couple, don’t forget to keep these tips in mind! You can check out engagement and wedding photographer Jaja Samaniego on her Instagram or shoot her an e-mail.

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