Engagement photo basics

Everything you need to know to capture the perfect engagement photos. By Siobhan Adcock - The Knot Magazine

Why take engagement photos?(Besides just to document what a good looking couple you are). Submit a shot to your local paper with your engagement announcement, use them creativily in your wedding day decor, or give framed prints to your families. Need an ultrapractical reason to schedule an engagement photo shoot? It's a great opportunity to test-drive your wedding photographer. Read on for the basics to help you make the most of your premarital mug shots.

Make it snappy
The best time to snap your paired-up pics depends on how and when you plan to use them. Here's a rundown of photo scheduling options - choose whatever works for you:
Day one/two: Take a picture of yourselves to commemorate the moment you get engaged-you'll already be wearing a photogenically(and naturally) happy smile!
First month" Schedule a photo shoot early in your engagement if you plan to submit a formal engagement announcement with a photo to your local paper(check your paper's guideline for specific pose or print quality requirements, which are often listed on the newspaper's website)

When you set the wedding date
Have a photo taken for your wedding website or save-the-date - many couples incorporate photos of themselves into the design. If this trend appeals to you and you're planning to send guests an early heads-up, have photos taken eight to ten month before the wedding, int time to print and send save-the-dates no later than six months before the wedding.

Six to eight months before
You can also take engagement pictures once you're booked your wedding photographer or when you're narrowing down your final choice (which should occur when your planning countdown hits the eight-month-prior mark).

Three month before
If you plan to submit a shot with your newspaper wedding announcements, check their guidelines for specifics and schedule a picture-taking session at least three months before the wedding. Larger newspaper ask to receive weddings submissions up to six weeks before the event, and you want to factor in fout to six weeks before the deadline to see your proofs and make prints.

Two month before
Trying out weddings day looks? Schedule hair and makeup trial appointments the same day as your engagement photo session to capture a preview of your wedding day fabulousness on film.

Up to one month before
Planning to feature your smilling faces on the wedding program, the favors, or plastered on the hot air ballon in which you'll be leaving the reception? Schedule pictures in plenty of time to see proofs, select your favorites, and get everything you need printed up.

TIP Be prepared for print
If you're submitting your photos to a newspaper, check the requirements and bring them with you to the shoot. You'll have to inform your photographer if there are any preferences as to black-and-white or color, glossy or matte and size ranges (4x6 to 5x7)

Who calls the shoots?
Many photographer include an engagement photo session as part of the overall packages, which presents a good opportunity to see your photographer in action. It also gives the photographer the chance to experiment with flattering angles, poses, and lighting levels before the wedding day. If you haven't booked your nuptial shutter bug-yet, look at engagement photos as a chance to audition your top choice.

Take aim
Before you call a photographer, have a heart-to-heart with your sweetie about what kinds of engagement photos you'd like-posed or candid, formal or casual. Again, let your decisions be guided by how you plan to use the pics: Will they be hanging on grandma's wall, reproduced in Black-and-white newsprint, or shrunk down to the size of a quarter for personalized favors stickers? Advance planning will help you make the most of your pictures. Some photo-friendly options to consider for your engagement shoot:

Bring it outside
There's no need to spend a day cooped up in a photographer's studio if you don't want to. Visit a nearby arboretum or botanical garden, or hit your favorite downtown landmark. Your photographer may be able to suggest local sites that make great backdrops for your pictures too. Talk about locations you like when you make your appointment.
Make yourself at home: Your home is your comfort zone, and when you're confortable, you look better on camera. Choose a more scenic area like your living room or front stoop- the bedroom may be a little creepy.

Stage your shoot at a significant site, like where you shared your fisrt date.

Around your world in a day
Create a meaningful backdrop for your engagement photos be revisiting nearby sites that are significant to the two of you: the restaurant where you had your first date, the ice cream shop you frequent on Sundays, the bus stop where you shared an umbrella - you get the idea. While the camera's snapping, retell your best couple stories and relive a few of the moments that brought you together. It's a blue ribbon recipe for a series of romantic, fun candids.

Get close
You probably don't need to be persuaded to get close to your fiance, but do plan to get a few affectionate close-up pictures: hug, hold hands, sling your arm around his shoulders. You're in love, show it off!

Ready, dressed, go
An engagement photo does not require you to shop for matching outfits- you're getting married, not becoming the Bobbsey Twins. But clashing plaids and flasing bling do not make a pretty picture. Here are some of our basic guidelines fro dressing the part:

The duds
Wheteher you're going formal or casual, solid colors are a must. Try to avoid plaids, florals, patterns, and head to toe black or white clothing-keep the silhouettes streamlines. Some couples coordenate their clothing palettes to the point of looking a bit matchy, but there is no need to go overboard. If you are worried about color, pick a neutral and few coordinating color tones you both like (gray with blue and violet for instance, or brown with pink and blue) and stick to those hues.

The details
Keep your jewelry ultrasimple to avoid flashy distraction in your pics. For mem, that means leave your watch and your pinky ring on the dresser. Women should stick to unfussy earrings with a simple necklace or bracet (or one statement piece), and your engagement ring.
The Knot Boston Magazine Spring/ Summer 2007

ALICE PEPPLOW PHOTOGRAPHY OFFER ENGAGEMENT SESSION ON THE WEDDING PACKAGES: ROSES, CALLA LILIES AND TULIPS. YOU CAN ALSO TALK TO ALICE TO INCLUDE ON YOUR CUSTOM PACKAGE.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE ABOUT THE PACKAGES