First Engagment pics, need some ideas

momo3boys · Apr 30, 2012

I talked one of my friends into letting me shoot her engagement pictures. She wasn't planning on getting them done so I'm not charging her anything, just adding to my portfolio. The shoot will be in the morning (not as early as I like but its supposed to be partly cloudy so that should be fine), at a local picnic/park area. It will actually be at the park they plan on getting married. There are trees, a gazebo, playground, chapel area and stream. I'm hoping for some ducks too but I will have to see what's there that day. I also need to work in their 1yo son. If you have any ideas or pointers I would appreciate them. Thanks.

P.S. I have done weddings before (usually as a second shooter) but those are very different in my mind than this shoot, more flexibility and fewer distractions.

momo3boys · May 1, 2012

Nobody?

rub · May 1, 2012

My advice would be to take pictures of the couple

. Really though, If you talked them into it you should have the ideas already! It so completely depends on the couple, their personality, your style, the location, etc.

Shoot what you love, capture their personality, and have fun while you are doing it.

Good luck

raider · May 1, 2012

google for ideas - i also peruse MM for idea jogging.

momo3boys · May 1, 2012

I do have some ideas, I guess i was just looking for something I hadn't thought of but should. I've googled and I've searched the forum and came up with some good ones, but it never hurts to ask.

mhbethea · May 1, 2012

Shoot the love

Robin Usagani · May 1, 2012

my suggestion is.... dont shoot it at the SAME location as the wedding!

groan · May 1, 2012

Schwettylens said:
my suggestion is.... dont shoot it at the SAME location as the wedding!

Why?

rub · May 1, 2012

Because it can be very easy to just repeat, especially for someone starting out.

momo3boys · May 1, 2012

It's a big park and the chapel is just a small portion of it. I was only thinking if taking a picture of them separated in the pavilion and then together after the wedding. Does that make sense? The rest of the shots should be more fun than the wedding shots so not much duplication but I understand why that could be a problem.

tirediron · May 1, 2012

rub said:
My advice would be to take pictures of the couple . Really though, If you talked them into it you should have the ideas already! It so completely depends on the couple, their personality, your style, the location, etc.

Shoot what you love, capture their personality, and have fun while you are doing it.

Good luck

Absolutely this!! ^^^^

This is why the pre-shoot consultation(s) is/are critical to acheiving a quality result. Talk to them, ask them what they like, what they like to do, what they like about each other, how they met, hobbies, etc. All of those are potential ideas. Ask them if they have seen any pictures or poses that they like (you don't necessarily have to re-create them, but you can "borrow" from them).