Loveshoot: Step-by-Step Guide on Planning Your Love shoot
If you’re in a relationship, engaged, or soon will be engaged (at least that is what you hope for), this is article (and video) is for you!
Today, I will guide you on a step-by-step process on planning your love photoshoot. Starting from choosing the best locations all the way to your outfits.
Because, let’s be real: planning your loveshoot can be difficult.
There are many questions you’ve probably never even thought about! How do you choose the right location? What is the best time for photos? And, what the heck are you supposed to do during the session?
So, whether you’re already engaged or are completely certain you will be soon, here are my 6 best tips on planning your loveshoot.
Hire a Professional Photographer
Obviously, when planning your love shoot, you are going to get the best photos if you hire a professional photographer. Your engagement is the first step as a married couple and you definitely want to document it. To be honest, this period goes by too fast! (Amiright!?)
This special chapter in your life and your relationship deserves to be commemorated with beautiful professional photos. My best tip is to book this session with your wedding photographer. This will help you get familiar with your photographer before your wedding day and will make sure you feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Read more: 3 Key Factors of Hiring a Professional Wedding Photographer
Choose the best location
Location is everything. The location you choose for your love shoot will determine how comfortable you’ll feel in front of the camera. So before heading to your neighbourhood park for your love photoshoot, think about what you really love as a couple and what places reflect that. Are you the type of couple that enjoy having coffee in the morning and snuggling on the couch with some good series on Netflix? Then an indoor session is right for you. Or maybe you’re the adventurous couple who spends your weekend doing winter sports? Then let’s head to Winterberg!
Your engagement photos should reflect your relationship and tell a story about it. Don’t be afraid to incorporate your favourite activities like riding bikes in Amsterdam or visiting alpacas on a farm… you make your own rules!
Read more: How to Choose The Right Location for Your Couple Photo Session
Schedule Your Session During The Golden Hour
The golden hour is for us, photographers, our favourite time of the day to take photos outdoors, the light is so rich, beautiful and strong. The Golden Hour, which is that beautiful time of the day just before sunset is the perfect light if you want to add extra effect in your photos. Plan your photo session right before sunset time so that you can enjoy the golden light and have some extra time after for more photos.
Early, early in the morning can also be magical. In August 2019, I did a sunrise photo shoot in Aruba and I took these next photos in Parke National Arikok Aruba. Important to note is that if you’re going to plan an early morning shoot, you’d have to plan time for make-up and hairdo really really early. The goal is to arrive at the location just as the sun starts to rise.
Wear something that complements your fiancé
Ladies, when you think about the outfit you’ll be wearing, I want you to think about how the two of you can complement each other. I like the idea of having two different outfits. The first look is a little formal; such as a short or long dress, heels or pretty sandals, and accessories. If it’s cold in the summer (you can expect everything in The Netherlands), you definitely can add a cute jacket over it.
Stay away from clothes that are too tight or clingy, you’ll spend most of your time fixing your clothes instead of enjoying the moment. Instead, choose an outfit that makes you feel like a total badass. Choose the pieces that flow nicely as you move, especially when taking your photos outdoors.
Ignore the Camera
If you haven’t spent a lot of time in front of a professional camera (and let’s be honest – who has?), you may be pretty unfamiliar with the process. My best tip to look your best on your photos is to ignore the camera. Just focus on your partner and forget about the camera, this will make sure you look authentic and are actually enjoying the moment. At the end of the day, the photos should reflect the love and relationship between the two of you.
Read more: 4 Tips on Looking Your Best on Your Wedding Photos
Make a day out of it
One of my best advice is to make your engagement session part of a day-long date. Free everything from your calendar on this day so that you can enjoy the day without feeling rushed. Instead, start your day with a nice brunch, take time to do your hair and make-up and plan a dinner date for after the shoot.
Remember: this is the first phase of your life together and it should be celebrated as much as your actual wedding. So, are you ready to plan your engagement photo session?
Do you think your wedding photos are important? This wedding photography guide will help you with:
- How to create your wedding photography timeline (+ a full day sample).
- How to plan your engagement photo session.
- What to wear during your engagement session.
- How to plan the morning of your wedding day (+ details checklist).
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