An Expert’s Guide to Amazing Engagement Photos

Photos from Aman & Priyanka’s engagement shoot

Congratulations on your engagement! You got the dream proposal, a gorgeous ring on your finger, from the man of your dreams. It’s time to celebrate!

Now the next step is to plan and prepare for your wedding (and a lifetime of togetherness). While the stress of wedding planning is real, this is one of those times that you should enjoy together as much as you can!

While a lot of couples like to capture their proposal moments, some of them are shy and like to keep it private. Whether you choose to get a proposal photographer or not, having a professional portrait of you two, other than from your wedding photos, is an amazing sentimental keepsake.

Photos from Andrew’s engagement shoot

Engagement shoots are a beautiful way to celebrate an important milestone in your life, while also spending time together with your partner. They’re also a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and learn how to relax and pose for your big day. Plus, you get professional photos that you can use for your save-the-date cards, wedding website, holiday cards, social media announcements, and future anniversary celebrations, besides having memorable, printed portraits for your home.

As an expert portrait photographer with 20+ years of experience, I’ve enjoyed capturing the love stories of the to-be weds for their engagement shoots. But it’s not always easy. Many couples aren’t familiar with what an engagement shoot is or how they can hire the right photographer for it. After doing many engagement shoots, and answering questions of to-be weds about them, I thought I would sit down and write a blog about it. This will help so many of you in your journey of getting the best engagement photos of you and your partner. Read on for answers to any questions you have about engagement shoots, but haven’t asked anyone yet!

Gorgeous diamond ring from Raj & Ruby’s proposal

What is an engagement photoshoot?

College sweethearts Sophia and Ryan (names changed) were recently engaged. The two are avid hikers, and Ryan proposed at Valley Forge, where they first met. Since they hadn’t hired a proposal photographer, they were looking for someone to take portraits of them as an engaged couple, to use in their wedding invites and holiday cards. They were recommended to me by a mutual friend, and wanted to meet me.

I invited them to my studio, where we got to talk. I got to know them as a couple, and also learnt that they wanted to do a shoot that showed their unique love story. I could sense their excitement, but also noticed that they were a bit uncertain on how their love story would translate to a photoshoot. Neither one of them had ever been professionally photographed before. That’s when I suggested, “Hey, why don’t you do an engagement photoshoot instead of the usual portrait session?”

Intrigued, they asked, “What is an engagement photoshoot?”

“It’s a fun, relaxed photoshoot where you two get to dress up, show off your love, and capture this special moment in your lives. You get to practise being in front of the camera, and share some beautiful memories together. And, it’s the perfect excuse to steal some kisses and let your love story be the star of the show!” I smiled as I explained it to them.

After a few more queries, both of them looked happy, and booked an engagement shoot session for a week later. Their final photos turned out so beautiful, they even got a couple of wall portraits as a keepsake!

Photo from Kiran & Ariel’s engagement shoot

Why and when should you hire an engagement photographer?

Your engagement is one of the most memorable chapters in your story—it’s a moment that’s filled with joy, excitement, and dreams of your future together. When you hire a professional engagement photographer, you get to capture this beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime moment with photos that you will cherish forever. These aren’t just pictures; they’re physical memories of your journey together as a couple.

When you hire Vikrant as your engagement photographer, you get more than what you expect; you get stunning pictures of you together, and an expert who will hold your hand and guide you through the entire experience. Whether you’re wondering about what poses work for you, or just camera-shy, I am there to make you feel comfortable and confident, so that your love shines through in each photograph. Plus, with professional lighting and equipment, we’ll make sure that every detail comes out amazing, as it felt in the moment.

Many couples that book their engagement sessions with me also ask, “When is the right time to book a session?” I always advise them to book it as early as possible after the proposal has happened. The reason? If you’re planning to use these photos on your save-the-dates or wedding invites, then these are typically sent out 6 months in advance, so your engagement session needs to be done before you have to send them out.

I encourage couples to make their engagement shoot a celebration, a special occasion—take the day off, keep work on the back burner, and simply be in the moment. When you commit fully to this experience, the photos that come out will be magical—they will reflect the pure joy that you shared in the moment.

Photos from Rickpaul & Arti’s engagement shoot

Why should you do an engagement shoot?

Your engagement is one of the most exciting journeys of life that you’ll get to experience, and an engagement shoot is the best way to celebrate it. It offers you the chance to step away from the hustle and chaos of wedding planning for a brief moment, and simply enjoy each other’s company. It allows you time to pause and reflect on your love story, reconnect with your partner, and create beautiful memories that will last you a lifetime.

An engagement shoot is also a great practice for what’s to come on wedding day. Most of us have not posed for a professional camera, so an engagement shoot allows you to pose naturally and practice, so that you are ready and confident on your wedding day. Plus, like I mentioned earlier, these photos can be used in save-the-date cards to wedding websites, social media announcements, and even home décor, to tell your love story in a unique way.

But most importantly, an engagement shoot is about celebrating you—the love that brought you together, and the exciting future that’s ahead of you. It’s an opportunity to capture this special moment with all that you felt—happy, excited, in love, and ready to take on the world together.

At Vikrant Photography, we offer both in-studio and on-location engagement sessions for couples who like to capture their beautiful love stories forever. With over 20 years of expertise in portrait photography, I’m proud to be one of Philadelphia’s top engagement photographers. My photography style leans towards editorial, meaning you will get ethereal-looking photos that look like they’re straight out of a magazine cover!

Photo from Ted & Angela’s engagement shoot

How can you prepare for your engagement photoshoot?

Facing a camera for the first time or having your photos taken professionally for the first time can be a lot for some people, which may make them nervous. I totally understand how that feels! This is why I like to start my photo sessions by playing the couples’ favorite music, popping a bottle of bubbly, and engaging in a bit of lighthearted conversation to make them feel relaxed and comfortable.

At Vikrant Photography, I offer fully guided sessions, so that you can focus on enjoying the moment together, and not have to worry about a thing. My goal for my couples is to have fun, and ask any questions about the process beforehand. This way, you know exactly what to expect for shoot day—and by the time your wedding photography comes around, you’ll feel even more confident in front of the camera.

Most importantly, I encourage my couples to take a moment and enjoy this exciting time. Your engagement is an amazing chapter in your life—full of love, joy, and anticipation—and the right photographer can capture this confident love in a way that’s truly reflective of your journey together.

Bonus: If you’re one of those couples that like to be well-prepared before a shoot, you can try practising some fun, easy, and relaxed poses before the shoot! It’ll give you confidence and will help ease you into the session.

Walk & Talk: Take a stroll together, holding hands. Lean into each other and just chat or laugh as you walk. This pose is perfect for capturing your natural connection as a couple.
Forehead-to-Forehead: For this pose, you need to stand close, and gently lean your foreheads together, and close your eyes. This pose is perfect for showing intimacy and your bond in a soft way.
The Piggyback Ride: This is a fun, lighthearted pose that brings out cute, genuine smiles. You can give each other a piggyback ride if you’re feeling playful.
The Back Hug: This is another pose that is intimate and cozy. In this pose, one of you can stand behind the other, and wrap your arms around your partner’s waist or shoulders.

The Dip: A romantic pose that is fun and flirty, this is the one where one of you gently dips the other one backward. It adds a bit of drama and flair to your photos.

Photo from Andrew & Summer’s engagement shoot

What can you wear for an engagement photoshoot?

Whatever you like! For engagement sessions at Vikrant Photography, I offer my clients the services of a professional wardrobe stylist (at a nominal additional cost), or the option to bring their own clothes. If you choose the stylist, they will consult and source the right outfits for you that also complement the studio lighting, so that you get the best photos.

However, if you choose to bring your own outfits, I’d suggest wearing something that’s casual or formal outfits in solid colors, or outfits that match the style of the kind of images you want. Solid colors photograph really well and bring out your best features, which is why I advise wearing them for your shoot.

Photo from Rohan & Rupali’s engagement shoot

Why should you choose Vikrant for your engagement photography?

Many couples wonder whether they should choose in-studio photography or outdoor/on-location photography services for their engagement shoot. For me, that answer would depend a lot on your preferences as a couple, and what feels more authentic to your love story.

At Vikrant Photography, my goal is to capture your unique love story and your connection, whether it’s in the comfort of my photography studio in Philadelphia, or a place that’s important for you both.

What differentiates me from others is my background as a fashion photographer. It allows me to bring a level of creativity and expertise that goes beyond the traditional styles. My process centers around creating an unforgettable experience for you as a couple. Whether it’s your first time in front of the camera or the nth time, I’ll guide you through every step, ensuring that you feel relaxed, confident, and have fun!

I specialize in editorial-style engagement photography, which means your photos won’t be some standard candid shots—they’ll be polished and high-end, like something straight out of the cover of a glossy magazine. I take pride in offering a fully guided session that’s unlike any other; I love creating artful, elevated images that capture the beauty of emotions you’re feeling for this exciting time in your life. The end result of this is stunning photos of the two of you that you will be able to cherish for years to come!

Book your engagement session with Vikrant Photography today and get a celebrity-style engagement photoshoot with photos you’ll enjoy for a lifetime!

Inspired by:

– The Knot 1 & 2