How to Take Great Engagement Photos When You Hate Taking Photos
As someone who grew up with a sister who hated taking photos, I know the struggle of trying to get one decent photo where everyone looks happy that doesn’t end with everyone being upset with mom for trying to take a family photo. We’re all adults now and not much has changed. If this sounds like you or your fiance, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the key steps to taking good engagement photos when you don’t actually like taking photos and maybe even have fun taking them.
Center your photo session on a shared activity that you enjoy
The single best piece of advice I can give on how to have fun taking photos, is to take photos doing an activity you actually enjoy. This one sounds like a no-brainer, I know. That being said, I think when people think of engagement photos, the first image that comes to mind is not necessarily one of them doing something they love. More likely, it’s the thought of uncomfortable clothing, stiff postures, saying “cheese”, and doing something that makes you think to yourself “this does not feel like something I would ever do in my real life.” In my professional opinion, I think that is where most engagement portrait sessions go wrong. You may get a beautiful picture, it’s true. But will you get a photo that feels like your life? That represents your relationship? Probably not. Instead, start by choosing an activity that you actually enjoy doing with you partner. The rest gets so much easier.
Alternate between posed, prompted, and truly candid moments
This piece of advice is more related to finding your style and a photographer that matches it. Speaking about my photography style, I prefer to alternate between posed, prompted, and truly candid shots. This combination will give you some of the more traditional photos that you want to share with your grandparents during the holidays, some “candid” moments that come from guided prompts, and truly authentic photos that happen when you’re just being yourself with your partner. This combination also seems to help folks who don’t like taking photos to last a little longer in front of the lens.
bring your pets
I know not all people are animal people. For those of you who are, you already know how much more at ease you feel when you’re with your pet. As a dog momma myself, I know that my dogs not only make me more comfortable, but give me something to focus on when I don’t know where to look or what to do with my hands during a portrait session. Lastly, I know that the love you feel for your pets is authentic. When your pet is there, that love comes out. It’s not posed or orchestrated, it’s real.
be honest about your tolerance for being in front of a camera and work with a photographer who will end the session before you reach the end of your rope
During a portrait session, or really any time you are in front of my lens, my goal is not just a pretty picture. It is an experience that you enjoy. An experience that you feel safe and celebrated. An experience that feels like you and that tells your story. When you reach the end of your rope and no longer want to be in front of the lens, it’s time to stop. Communicating your needs both before and throughout the session and having a receptive photographer will help you to meet all of those goals.
Get my free resource for more guidance
If this post was helpful to you, check out my free guide for how to feel more comfortable in front of the camera. Click the link below.
