So He Put a Ring On It 💍
Your Ultimate Guide to Engagement Photos from a Destination Wedding Photographer & Tampa Wedding Photographer
The Engagement Excitement: Let the Planning Begin!
The ring is sparkling on your finger, and the “yes!” is still echoing in your heart. You’re officially engaged, and now the adventure of planning your wedding begins. There’s the venue to book, the florist to meet, and the dress to dream about. But if there’s one thing you shouldn’t overlook, it’s your engagement and wedding photography.
As both a Destination Wedding Photographer and Tampa Wedding Photographer, I can tell you: these photographs will be how you relive your happiest moments for decades to come. They’ll be the images you share with friends, family, and even future generations. They’ll fill your Instagram, your walls, and your hearts. So, let’s make sure your engagement photos are as incredible as your love story.
Why Engagement Photos Matter
Engagement photos aren’t just a fun pre-wedding activity-they’re a celebration of your relationship, your personalities, and your journey together. They set the tone for your wedding, help you get comfortable in front of the camera, and give you beautiful images for save-the-dates, your wedding website, and more.
What Makes a Great Engagement Photo?
- Authenticity: True connection always shines through. The best photos capture your real personalities and the joy you share.
- Comfort: The more relaxed you are, the better your photos will be. That’s why working with the right photographer is so important.
- Location: Whether you’re dreaming of a city skyline, sandy beach, mountain vista, or your favorite local coffee shop, the right setting brings your story to life.
- Style: Editorial, candid, classic, or adventurous-your session should reflect your vibe as a couple.
Step 1: Look and Feel Your Best
Let’s be real-confidence is key. When you feel amazing, it shows in your photos. Here’s how to prep:
Hair & Makeup
Get your hair and makeup done professionally if you can. It’s not just about looking “done up”-it’s about feeling your best. For many women (and men!), a little pampering is a huge confidence boost. If you’re not comfortable doing your own makeup, book a pro. And don’t forget your nails-those ring shots are coming!
Outfit Planning
Lay out your outfits the night before. Choose clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable. If you’re unsure, ask your photographer for a style guide. As a seasoned Destination Wedding Photographer, I always provide my couples with personalized outfit advice. Pro tip: avoid neon colors-they reflect onto your skin and can mess with the color balance in your photos.
Be Well Rested
Get a good night’s sleep before your session. Being well-rested helps you look refreshed and feel energized. Plus, you’ll be less likely to stress about the little things.
Step 2: Plan for the Elements
Stay Hydrated & Cool
Outdoor sessions are beautiful, but Florida heat (or any destination’s climate) can be intense. Bring water, stay hydrated, and take breaks if needed. Sweaty pits and shiny foreheads are no one’s favorite look-your photographer will help you stay cool, but a little planning goes a long way.
Weather Flexibility
Don’t expect everything to go perfectly. Weather can change in an instant, especially if you’re working with a Destination Wedding Photographer who travels to new places. Be open to a little adventure-sometimes, rainy or stormy skies make for the most dramatic, unforgettable photos.
Step 3: Make It Personal
Bring Your Pets
If you have a dog (or even a cat, turtle, or other pet!), bring them along! Pets add fun, candid energy to your session and help you relax. Bring treats and toys to keep them happy and engaged. Some of my favorite engagement sessions as a Tampa Wedding Photographer have included couples’ pups-check out Kasi, Elliot & Frankenstein’s Ybor City session for inspiration.
Choose Meaningful Locations
Pick a spot that means something to you. Maybe it’s where you had your first date, your favorite neighborhood, or a dream destination. As a Destination Wedding Photographer, I’ve shot sessions everywhere from the beaches of Florida to the streets of New York City. Your location should feel personal and exciting.
Incorporate Your Story
Think about what makes your relationship unique. Are you foodies? Bring pizza to your session! Do you love the outdoors? Let’s hike to a scenic overlook. The more your session feels like “you,” the more you’ll love your photos.
Step 4: Hire the Right Professional Photographer
This is the most important decision you’ll make for your engagement and wedding photography. Here’s why:
Experience Matters
A professional Destination Wedding Photographer or Tampa Wedding Photographer brings experience, creativity, and technical skill. We know how to pose you naturally, find the best light, and make you feel comfortable-even if you’re camera-shy.
Do Your Research
- Check Portfolios: Look at full galleries, not just Instagram highlights.
- Read Reviews: See what past couples say about their experience.
- Match Your Style: Make sure their editing and shooting style fits your vision.
- Meet or Chat: Chemistry matters! Set up a call, coffee, or cocktail meet-up to see if you click.
Don’t Go Cheap
Your photos are forever. Don’t trust them to a friend, cousin, or someone who’s “just starting out” unless you love their work and trust their experience. Great photography is an investment in your memories.
Step 5: Communicate & Collaborate
Keep the Conversation Open
Once you’ve booked your photographer, keep communication clear and open. Share your ideas, concerns, and must-have shots. If you see something on Pinterest you love, let us know! While we don’t copy other photographers’ work, we’re always open to inspiration.
Trust the Process
Your session is a collaboration. Be open to your photographer’s ideas-even if they sound a little silly. Sometimes the most fun prompts lead to the best, most natural photos.
Step 6: The Engagement Session Checklist
Here’s your ultimate checklist for engagement photo success:
- Get hair & makeup done professionally (if you’re not confident doing it yourself)
- Stay hydrated and cooled, especially for outdoor sessions
- Have locations in mind-ask your photographer for recommendations if you’re unsure
- Be well rested and have your outfits ready the night before
- Bring your pet(s) for extra personality and fun
- Hire a professional Destination Wedding Photographer or Tampa Wedding Photographer who fits your style and personality
- Stay communicative and open with your photographer
- Be willing to try new things and go with the flow
- Pizza. Always pizza. 🍕 (Seriously, food makes everything better.)
Real Engagement Session Inspiration
Need ideas? Here are a few favorite sessions to spark your imagination:
- Peace & Anaís | Surprise Proposal on Indian Rock Beach
- Alice & ZQ | Fancy Free Nursery Elopement
- Kasi, Elliot & Frankenstein | Ybor City Engagement
- Andrew + Sarah | St Pete Intimate Elopement
- John + Jeanneane | Tampa Florida Engagement
- Ral + Mary | Fancy Free + South Tampa Engagement
- Leo + Deneé | Tampa Florida Wedding
- Stephen + Jennifer | Longboat Key Florida Wedding
- Jason + Andrea | Garfield Park Conservatory | Chicago Illinois
- Tim + Grace | Naples, Florida Beach Couples Portraits
Frequently Asked Engagement Session Questions
Q: How do I choose the right location for my engagement session?
A: Think about places that are meaningful to you as a couple. If you’re working with a Destination Wedding Photographer, don’t be afraid to dream big-mountains, beaches, cities, or even your own home!
Q: What should we wear?
A: Wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Avoid neon colors and busy patterns. Coordinate, but don’t match exactly. Your photographer can help you style your outfits.
Q: Can we bring our pet?
A: Absolutely! Pets add so much personality and fun to your session. Just bring treats, water, and maybe a friend to help out.
Q: What if the weather is bad?
A: Be flexible! Sometimes cloudy or rainy weather makes for the most beautiful, dramatic photos. Always have a backup plan, especially for destination sessions.
Q: How far in advance should we book our photographer?
A: As soon as you have your date! Popular Tampa Wedding Photographers and Destination Wedding Photographers book up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Ready to Book Your Engagement Session?
If you’re looking for a Destination Wedding Photographer or Tampa Wedding Photographer who will capture your story with artistry, heart, and a sense of adventure, contact Stills by Hernan | Stills the Studio today. Let’s create images you’ll cherish for a lifetime-wherever your love takes you.
Final Thoughts: Celebrate Your Love, Your Way
Your engagement session is about more than just beautiful photos-it’s about celebrating who you are as a couple, embracing your journey, and having fun along the way. Whether you’re planning a destination adventure or a Tampa love story, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
So go ahead-get pampered, bring your pup, laugh a little too much, and let’s make some magic together. And remember: pizza is always a good idea.
Stills by Hernan | Stills the Studio
Destination Wedding Photographer & Tampa Wedding Photographer
So again here is your check list:
- Get Hair & Make-Up done professionally if you can’t do it yourself with confidence 💇💅
- Stay Hydrated 🚰 and cooled ❄️
- Have locations in mind – if you don’t have any, ask for recommendations from your photographer
- Be Well Rested 💤🛌
- Bring your pet(s)! 🐕🐶
- Pick the right PROFESSIONAL photographer, someone you really connect with! 📸
- Stay Communicative with your Photographer ✉️📧
- If you have questions please let your photographer know, I am sure they would want to know what your concerns are so that they can help you!
- Be willing to do just about anything – full cooperation is key and sometimes we tell you to do things that are flat out dumb but it’s for a good reason 😜
- Pizza🍕🍕🍕 – It’s always a good idea!