Myrtle Beach Engagement Photos - Helpful Tips for Your Session

If you've recently gotten engaged and you're vacationing in the Myrtle Beach area, consider booking a professional engagement photoshoot during your stay and capture the magic and excitement of the moment! Here's a few valid reasons why I think all newly engaged couples should book an engagement shoot. (Although some may say I have a biased opinion.)

Reason #1 - Celebrate Your Love

Professional engagement photos are a fun and romantic way to celebrate your engagement and bask in the romance between you and your partner. 

Reason #2 - Creative Freedom to Express Yourself

While wedding day photos are sure to be cherished forever, professional engagement photos offer a more genuine reflection of your true selves.

Reason #3 - Get Comfortable with the Camera

Many people are uncomfortable having professional photos taken. Engagement photos are a great way to loosen up in front of the camera before the wedding.

Reason #4 - Document the Moment

There's no doubt you'll be glad you have beautiful, professional photos to help you remember the official starting point of your lives together.

Reason #5 - "We're Engaged!"

Use your quality photos to announce your engagement and create memorable save-the-date cards for your wedding. Go a step further and order a custom-made guest book to have at your wedding reception for your guests to sign. I offer these things and more!

You'll want to get the most out of your engagement shoot, so keep reading for helpful tips on how to be prepared. 

Engagement Shoot Location

Talk with your partner and decide what type of engagement photos you want. Will they be candid and playful or sophisticated and posed? Once you figure this out, it will be easier to choose an appropriate location for your engagement shoot. Share an ice cream on the boardwalk, toast a glass of wine at the Duplin Winery, or walk barefoot along the shoreline. The Grand Strand has many ideal spots for romantic engagement photos. If you need help choosing a location, please don't hesitate to ask me.

If your wedding will take place in Myrtle Beach, consider pairing the aesthetic of your engagement shoot with the aesthetic of your wedding. Thinking this through may be helpful if you want a cohesive theme for both. (Get to know me during your engagement shoot and call on my services again for your wedding portraits.) 

What to Wear

Once you decide on a location (or locations), you can start to think about what you'll wear. Of course, no matter what time of year it is, your attire should be appropriate for the season. In my experience as a professional photographer, I've found that neutral tones and cool colors translate well in photos, as do textured fabrics like lace, leather, and silk. Bold prints and bright colors like neon, red, and orange tend to draw attention to the garment and not the faces in the photos. So, avoid wearing them during your shoot. Consider a stand-out accessory, like a chunky necklace, a colorful scarf, a fabulous pair of heels, or a cute hat. Easily removed, these items will add variety to your collection of photos. 

Attire that is overly baggy or tight-fitting does not translate well in photos, and please make sure your undergarments are not visible. Wear clothes that do not hinder your ability to move so you will not be tugging on your clothes and distracted. Your clothes should complement your partners but should not be matching. Classic styles are timeless, and I recommend them over trendy. Feel free to bring more than one outfit and coordinating accessories if you'd like.

Engagement Shoot Poses 

You don't need to know how you're going to pose before you arrive at your shoot, but it's helpful to think it through a bit to get an idea of what poses might work for you. While I do direct my shoots, here are a few poses to consider before you arrive:

• Kissing Hands - stand close to each other and hold hands. Now, take turns kissing each other's hands.    
• Almost Kiss - Get close enough to "almost kiss," stopping just before your lips touch. Close your eyes to add a bit more romance to this shot.
• Dancing Poses - Tell me your favorite romantic song, and I'll play it on my phone while you enjoy a dance together. 
• Walking Poses - Slowly walk together while holding hands. This action provides natural, candid photos.
• Lay Down - Lay in opposite directions with your heads close together and snuggle into each other's shoulders. This pose is ideal for close-up shots taken from above. 

Don't worry about how you look. Leave that to me. You will get the best photos by relaxing and allowing yourself to be fully present with each other. Be playful! Your engagement shoot is a celebration of love. Get lost in the moment together.

Additional Tips to Consider

• Smiling - Showing teeth and smiling is not the same thing. Practice smiling with your eyes. During your shoot, be prepared to play, flirt, and laugh. This mindset will give you genuine happy-looking photos.
• Hands - No doubt you'll want "the ring" featured in some of your photos, so bring your favorite hand moisturizer along and moisturize before your shoot. If possible, consider getting a manicure for both of you before arrival. 
• Shaving - Ladies, to avoid razor burn in your photos, shave underarms a few days before your shoot. Men, carefully shave your face and neck a few hours before arrival for a polished look and don't forget to trim your mustache, beard, and sideburns. 
• Socks - If wearing pants, make sure your socks match your outfit.
• Things to Bring - Don't forget to bring along a mirror, hair comb, or brush. Lipstick, lip gloss, or lip moisturizer. Hairspray, make-up, sunscreen, and insect repellant. I also recommend bringing bottled water to stay hydrated. If the weather forecast calls for rain, bring an umbrella.
• Arrive Well Rested - Make sure you get a restful night's sleep before your shoot. Refrain from heavy drinking the night before to avoid red, puffy eyes and fatigue.
• Act Natural - It's common for people to have the jitters during a professional photoshoot but try to be yourself and have a good time. I'll direct you as needed. So, relax and let your love light shine!

Have questions? Feel free to contact me. View examples of my work and get engagement shoot inspiration by checking out this post. In the meantime, get excited - you're engaged! I hope to congratulate you in person soon!