Belfountain Conservation Area
This is my first time taking engagement photos at Belfountain Conservation Area, and it is beautiful. It’s a quiet little park trail. My favourite part about engagement shoots is watching couples come out of their shell. For the most part, this is the first time they are ever being professionally photographed. Definitely an upgrade from the usual iPhone selfies for sure.
While some use the experience as a trial run to test out the photographer, it is just as common for photographers to test out the couple. I use it to test out a couple’s angles. Figure out what makes them laugh. And even get a feel for their personality so I know the style of photos they’ll be wanting when the wedding day comes around. Oh man, if this is how beautiful their autumn engagement shoots turn out at Belfountain Conservation Area, I can’t wait for the wedding.
How to Prepare
What to wear?
This is the biggest question I get from couples planning their engagement shoot. What to wear? There is no real rhyme or reason. Wear clothes that make you feel like you. You’ll look like a bride and groom on your wedding day. For the engagement shoot, go for comfort and something that flatters your body type. If you book extra time, include an outfit change to show off a casual and semi-formal look.
You don’t need to match but coordination does help. Choose colors that go with the season you’re working with. Fall/Winter is better with jewel tones. Spring/summer works better with pastels. That doesn’t mean you have to make your man wear pink. Pick something that works for both of you. Play around with accessories. For guys, this could be a tie, pocket square, or a nice watch. For girls, it could be jewelry, shoes, or a nice purse. Opt for classic looks over fashion trends. You’ll look back on these photos for years so the idea is timeless.
Use Pinterest to your advantage. It’s a great inspiration source when selecting outfits and figuring out your style preference with photos. Copying another photographer’s editing style isn’t proper etiquette. However, if there is a pose or concept you’d like to try, this is the time to experiment. It’s a great way to learn about your photographer, and how they shoot. For us, it’s how we learn about your dynamic and what makes you laugh. We learn what angles are flattering and work around your insecurities. If you are self-conscious about your nose and avoid profile shots, tell us.
I normally recommend my couples to time their engagement photos around the same time of day they plan on doing their wedding portraits. While most want sunset photos, the reality is you’ll be doing your wedding portraits earlier in the day. The signature sunset photos are more of a quick escape during cocktail hour.
I also photographed this couple’s family session.
