Woodruff has some more silly tricks that work for nearly all of her couples. Pressing her elbows tightly into her body could make her arms less flattering.”įor group shots with arms around each other, Woodruff says to keep the arms low and around the waist, not shoulders-which leads to stretched and stressed fabric.Ĭandid photos that capture personality are ideal, but producing those gorgeous, natural poses like laughing in a garden or giggling under the sunset may seem unattainable. “If the bride wants to hold her bouquet, she should keep her arms relaxed and elongated. “Don’t press your arms against your body,” she says. Just keep going! If you don’t look good, the photographer should tell you.”Īnother question Woodruff gets asked all the time is “Where should I put my arms?” While acting natural is essential for wedding photography poses, Woodruff says there are some dos and don’ts for arm placement-and yet again, it all comes down to relaxing. “So much of the time I have couples smiling and laughing perfectly, and then they remember I’m there and stop to make sure they’re in the right position. “I tell my couples if they’re inclined to do something or move in a natural way, don’t stop,” she says. One of the most frequent issues? Ending a candid, natural moment too soon. Throughout her wedding photography career, Woodruff has noticed a few areas her couples need help with when it comes to posing naturally. Opt for pastels, neutrals, cool shades, and white.Mikkel Woodruff is a luxury and destination wedding photographer based on the East Coast. Consider Your Wardrobe: While you don't want to match your partner, you'll want to make sure your colors complement one another.Talk to your photographer beforehand to see how they can edit your pictures in a style that fits you. Dramatic Colors: On the opposite end of the spectrum (pun intended), you can use the unique colors of your shoot's locale to find a color palette that puts any Instagram filter to shame.The contrast can be simple but will result in stunning shots. Black and White: For a timeless, striking look to your photos, opt to have your photographer edit your favorites in black and white.

Act natural in your location of choice (by sampling hops at a brewery or picking out music at a record store) to create a laid-back feeling to your engagement photos.

Candid Shots: We know it's easier said than done, but sometimes, candid moments make the best photos.

Using Props: Are you both bookworms? Or love to ride the waves? Incorporate your favorite book into your shot or show off your matching surfboards for a picture that is 100 percent you.Pretend like the photographer isn't watching and embrace your partner the way you would when you're alone-as long as it's G-rated, of course. PDA: From simple handholding to sexy, bikini-clad kisses, showing off some public displays of affection always makes for a sweet photo.Unless you're a model, getting 'candid' shots will probably feel anything but natural-but there are a few simple ways to help ease any discomfort. Your First Date: Revisit the spot of your first date together for a few of your photos, even if it's for your eyes only.If you're heading to a particularly gorgeous location, find a photographer in the region who can snap some shots in front of that city skyline or national park mountainside. Your Next Vacation: Planning a trip together (engagement-moon, anyone?) is one of the most exciting parts of prepping for your big day.Your Favorite Spot: Do you have a go-to coffee shop where the barista knows both of your orders? Or a brewery where you meet for happy hour every week? Use these personal spots as inspiration for your engagement shoot to save the memories of these places for years to come.Whether you and your significant other are world travelers or would rather just Netflix and chill, location is everything for making your engagement photos unique.

Before you jump into your session, though, here's what you should know about engagement photoshoots. Today, there are a handful of things you can do to make sure your photos turn out perfectly one-of-a-kind and feel right for you and your partner. Thankfully, you don't have to rely on those predictable poses and overdone locations, if that doesn't suit your aesthetics. But where do you start? Given that there are so many cheesy couples' photos and countless run-of-the-mill shots, it can be a challenge to snap a picture that is truly your own. Now that you and your partner are engaged, it’s time to commemorate the momentous occasion with a romantic photoshoot.

Romantic photo shoot ideas for couples