I’m a huge proponent of engagement sessions. Philadelphia engagement photography has tons of uses, and your session itself can be incredibly romantic. Most importantly of all, it give me a chance to work with you before your wedding day, so I can pick up on your dynamic as a couple. If I can help you through your photography jitters before they’re added to your wedding-day jitters, more’s the better!
Everybody’s self-conscious about something. Let me know if there’s something you’re sensitive about, or if you’re just feeling awkward. I have lots of posing tricks up my sleeve to help you look great and feel confident! Here are a few off the top of my head:
- Relax! We tend to hold a lot of tension in our necks and shoulders when we’re nervous or anxious. Take a moment to roll your neck around if you need to, and keep your shoulders back and down.
- Don’t be afraid to smile. It’s very common for people to be self-conscious about their teeth, but I’ve never photographed anyone who didn’t look absolutely radiant while smiling or laughing.
- Keep your neck long by raising your chin a bit and turning your head away from the camera slightly.
- Try a few different things with your legs–point your toes, bend your knees, and position them differently. When sitting, avoid keeping your legs stuck together. It can look a little wooden.
- Keep your hands relaxed. Holding your significant other’s waist or shoulder for too long can result in claw-hand. If that happens, simply shake it out and try again.
- Avoid facing the camera straight on. Instead, lean on your back leg and angle your hips away from the camera, bending your front knee. A 3/4 view is almost always the most flattering.
- Bring props. They can be anything: pets, signs, pieces of your setting, or things you enjoy doing together, like board games or sports equipment. Your engagement session will represent who you are as a couple, and props are one of the best ways to express yourselves.
Another useful thing you can do is look through other couples’ Philadelphia engagement photography sessions for ideas. You can get a better feel for how your photographer will pose you. It’ll also help you feel more relaxed when you see how amazing other couples look in their photos! I’ve posted a few of the engagement sessions I’ve done on my blog. Head on over to my Engagements Archive and have a look!
