4 Tips for an Epic Cleveland Engagement Shoot
Photo by Juliana Kae Photography Cleveland, Ohio
Let’s talk engagement photos.
These are the photos that may grace the tops of every table at your bridal shower - the photos that you will frame and hang in your first home together - the ones that will go on your save the dates, your wedding website, and even in the local newspaper to announce your upcoming marriage.
You want to…No, you NEED to LOVE them.
When you receive that coveted, long awaited “Your gallery is ready” email from the photographer (that you spent countless hours researching and meticulously choosing) you want to feel confident that your engagement shoot was one for the ages.
To feel that level of confidence, make sure that you and your fiance are ready to shine by following a few simple tips.
1. Outfit choices are everything.
When it comes to outfits fit for an engagement shoot, it’s always best to keep it simple. Solid colors typically photograph much better than patterns and make for a stronger result, so most photographers advise couples to avoid patterns for photos all together.
However, a soft floral can also be beautiful as long as it doesn’t clash with your fiance.
Photo by Juliana Kae Photography Cleveland, Ohio
When choosing your outfits, think about your home, your style, the vision you have for the pictures, and YOU as a COUPLE.
Do you love a boho chic look? Do you live in a pretty wide brim hat? Are you a trendy couple? Do you love a light, bright look?
Think about all of these factors as you decide on your colors and outfit choices.
It also can’t hurt to choose colors you would love to see in your house, so you can put them in frames and compliment your decor.
If you’re anything like me, now you’re probably thinking, ok well great advice, but what in the world do I wear?? Lucky for all of us, Pinterest boards were created by photographers to help those of us who are, shall we say, “style impaired”. Yes, I include myself in that group of people.
Juliana Kae Photography created a Pinterest board specifically designed to help couples planning engagement photos with inspirational pictures and outfit choices in various seasons and locations that look gorgeous and compliment one another.
And they are *swoon* worthy.
But wait, there’s more! She even has an entire blog dedicated to outfit and shoe choices for engagement shoots WITH LINKS to her favorites for both men and women. On behalf of all engaged couples, THANK YOU, JULIANA.
2. Choose a Cleveland engagement photographer that matches your style and vision.
Photo by Juliana Kae Photography Cleveland, Ohio
Choosing an engagement photographer can be easier said than done. Easy access to mass amounts of photographers’ photos online sure helps when deciding, but it can also become massively overwhelming.
DON’T start on social media. Sounds crazy, right? Yes, maybe, but I didn’t say NEVER look at social media, just don’t start there.
All too often, engaged couples start perusing Pinterest and find themselves in a sea of beauty, BUT are probably looking at photographers in different states.
Well, that doesn’t do you much good, now does it?
Narrow the search to LOCAL photographers. Start with a simple Google search like “Cleveland Engagement Photographer”. Of course change the city depending on your location.
Once you’ve found the websites of engagement photographers in your local area and peruse the engagement photos on their websites. Keep in mind that not all photographers specialize in engagement shoots. Narrow it down to three or four photographers.
THEN, go to their social media and really start diving into each ones’ style. And make sure their style matches your style and vision.
Photo by Juliana Kae Photography Cleveland, Ohio
Some Cleveland photographers are light, bright, and airy like Juliana; while others have more muted tones (and amazing black and whites) like Jonathan at New Image Photography.
Both are gorgeous, yet very different, so do your research before deciding what you want to take up valuable wall space in your home.
Not only do you want to ensure that your photographer matches your style, but you also have to feel COMFORTABLE with him/her.
Start with your wedding planner. She has worked with TONS of photographers and will have great advice.
Then move to reviews online and ask family and friends who have worked with the photographer to get honest opinions. But most importantly, CALL him or her. Speaking with the photographer is a great way to see if your personalities mesh.
You can learn a lot from a phone call.
Feeling comfortable will make or break your engagement shoot. How can you possibly have beautiful candid smiling photos if you aren’t comfortable?
Spare yourself the disappointment, don’t stop at an email or DM with the photographer, go old school.
Make the phone call.
3. Leave the beauty prep to the professionals.
Photo by Juliana Kae Photography Cleveland, Ohio
Professional hair, makeup and nails go a long way in any photographs but especially engagement photos. Your photographer will MOST DEFINITELY want photos of your engagement ring on your finger, so unmanicured nails will be very up close and personal.
Pro tip: A good ring cleaning goes a long way!
Photo by Juliana Kae Photography Cleveland, Ohio
Speaking of up close and personal, the camera your photographer uses has an amazing zoom, and he or she will definitely use it. Professional makeup will help alleviate any worries about that zoom function.
Knowing that your makeup is on point for your engagement photos will put your mind at ease so you can enjoy the session without worrying about your falsies falling off.
A professional blowout and style. Need I say more? If you’ve ever had your hair professionally blown out and styled, you know how amazing you look and feel afterward.
That confidence will exude in your engagement photos. Professionally styled hair will surely make a difference in your photos, and it’s totally worth the money.
4. Location. Location. Location.
Photo by Juliana Kae Photography Cleveland, Ohio
Again, this decision depends a lot on your style and vision. Believe it or not, your photographer can probably make any location look incredible, and Cleveland has endless options to offer you a stunning backdrop.
Whether you choose the downtown cityscape, a Lake Erie beach, a field in the suburbs, an industrial bridge, the Cleveland Museum of Art, your favorite local Cleveland restaurant, or where you first met, your photos will be gorgeous.
Two additional tips on location:
Make sure that you can access the area easily.
Remember the above tips? You’ve just spent a lot of money on your hair, nails, and makeup. I doubt you want to be in a full blown sweat just trying to get to a location.
Be sure you can actually shoot there without a permit in the location you choose.
Typically, photographers can help with a location choice and know where they are (or are not) allowed to shoot.
If you’re completely unsure or indifferent about the location, ask your photographer. The expert always knows best!
Implement these tips then go ahead and confidently click the long awaited “Your gallery is ready” link. You will not be disappointed.
For more tips and tricks for your wedding planning, follow @fabsterlingevents on Instagram and Sterling Event Services Facebook.
