I am typically a pretty decisive person. What can I say, I know what I like. 
For whatever reason, I am really struggling to make any kind of decision regarding our engagement-photo session. Basically, the only thing we have decided so far is what photographers we are going to use (Sarah & Ben). Oh, and we scheduled the engagement session. Major stress. This is the first and potentially last time Mr. Squirrel and I will have nice photos taken of just the two of us in everyday clothes. While we don’t plan to utilize these photos for the wedding, I love homes with walls covered in big photo canvases. They feel so warm and homey. Our engagement photos seem like a logical way to start this collection.
So here is our problem. I want it all. I love so many engagement photos. I love modern. I love vintage. I wish we could have an extended session so we can take pics in all four seasons. Props…yes, no? Dramatic night shots, sunset sunbursts—how is a couple to decide?
Deep down I think if I capture every possible idea, we are bound to find a few we like. What if we can’t really rock vintage? Maybe our casual clothes will be too boring.
So without further ado, in a perfect world, if I could capture any and every style/location/outfit/etc., these are the top 10 pictures we would have (in no particular order):
1. Cozy, rain, dog.
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Image via Polka Dot Bride / Photo by Aparat Photography
2. Sultry body shot (remember…perfect world).
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Image via lover.ly / Photo by Joielala Photographie
3. Sunburst.
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Image via Inspired by This / Photo by Jose Villa
4. Kite + Field.
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Image via Wedding Bells / Photo by Aria Photography
5. Dramatic industrial “motion” shot.
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Image via Pretty Little Weddings / Photo by Tracey Autem Photography
6. Stylized fall props (beehive). Sigh.
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Photo by Easy Dreamer Photography
7. Night in the city.
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Photo by Blueberry Photography
8. Winter wonderland. Big hats. Railroad.
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Image via Green Wedding Shoes / Photos by Alysse Gafkjen Photography
9. Quirky background. Sparkles.
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Image via Green Wedding Shoes / Photo by Kristin Rogers Photography
10. Happy and super casual. (Yes…that is Jillian and Ed.)
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Image via Inspired by This / Photo by Wedded Bliss Photography
I know our engagement photos should capture “us” as a couple. But I feel like so many of these do. Our photographers said we can wear multiple outfits and go to different locations. Any suggestions on how to pull some of these ideas together? How did you narrow down your options?
Just looking through the photos you posted, I can already see trends emerging: country vs. city. Casual vs. glam. Posed vs. natural. I think you can utilize different areas and different outfits in just those ways. My FI and I did a “casual” fun country shoot, and then as the sun was setting switched into more dressy clothes to do the “night on the town”-type shots. Like most wedding-related tasks, it’s about organization and blending ideas. Layers are your friend!
Maybe pick one location in the city to get those industrial shots, and one in a beautiful outside spot? You could do multiple outfits at the city site pretty easily, I would think, but the outside one might be more of a challenge. If you had a place to change, maybe do a slightly more formal look and then a more casual look for each place. I mean, you can’t necessarily make it rain or snow, so you’ll have to work with what you’ve got. As for time of day, maybe start in the early evening so you can get some soft light shots while there’s still daylight, and then get some cool, night shots like you want? Hopefully that’s at least a little bit helpful.
Engagement photos are a time to have fun! You should pick three very different outfits that you love and base everything else off of that. If you do a super dressy outfit you could contrast it by being in a field or you could be surrounded by city lights. For your comfy look you could use props.. and you could pick one more and incorporate a fur baby. Just have fun and be in love.
We let our photographer (a friend from high school, actually) suggest a lot of things to us. She had ideas we never would have had on our own, and vice versa. Don’t be afraid to let your photographer try new things, and don’t be afraid to speak up when you want something specific. They are your pictures, after all!
I love all of these. Ours just consist of a lot of smooching, hugging, smiling, laughing, etc. Nothing is really posed. That worked for us. When you pose, I feel like you lose a bit of the “you” in the photos. A good photographer will capture the unposed, truest, most magical moments if you let them. So don’t try to MAKE them turn out a certain way. Have fun and be surprised when you get your pics back. 
@primcess: Thank you for verbalizing what I already know but can’t figure out for myself
@Brittany: ah, I love this. I am going to reread your comment right before our session
@TogetherThroughLife: So true! I mean, the reason we picked our photographers is because they are awesome. Why am I trying to do their job?
The one of Ed and Jillian is my fave because even though it’s posed, it looks like they’re just hanging out, having a good time. They look happy and in love, and like we caught them having a moment. I would suggest you go somewhere in the city you have always wanted to go but have never tried before and make a night of it. Let them capture the “moments” of your date night like they’re making a movie about you. Great dates start one place but then evolve into something else because you don’t want the night to end. From a picnic in the park, to a shot outside a local landmark to that awesome martini lounge, they’ll know how to shoot it all. Nothing wrong with artsy as long as you two are comfortable and wrapped up in each other. That should translate great on canvas!
I think the best engagement pictures are the ones where the couple looks happy and natural, so I say go for what will make you the most comfortable and allow your personalities shine through. Also, I think cool backdrops are fun, but our favorites were those that featured us, not the backdrop
Mrs. Squirrel, Tampa, FL Age and Occupation: 25, Genetic Counselor Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Graphic Designer/ Engineering Student Engagement Date: March 17, 2012 Wedding Date: May 2013 Venue: Davis Island Garden Club About Me: I am a DIY loving, science dork. I like to eat green peppers every day and I wish all clothes would be made with bows and lace. I moved to the South for grad school and stumbled across Mr. Squirrel, aka Southern Gent extraordinaire. We moved to Tampa, Florida and are starting a new life together. We are so excited to get married! Our ceremony will be in a Catholic church and the guests will then take a boat ride to the outdoor reception. We are channeling a Midsummer Night's Dream and plan to have lots of twinkling lights, moss, and whimsy in the air.
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