In today’s world, pictures are more important than ever. They’re not simply photos we store in a book that gets lost in a drawer, they’re moments we share far and wide, across multiple social media platforms, to hundreds–or even thousands–of eyes. Of those widely-shared pictures, none are quite as sentimental as engagement photos. They’re a chance to commemorate a huge step in a relationship, as well as an opportunity to showcase you and your partner’s personalities. To make sure you get the best shot possible, we’ve enlisted help from Judy Pak, an internationally acclaimed fine art film photographer and owner of Judy Pak Studio. Known for capturing the finest details, Judy shares her tips to taking the best engagement photos possible below. 

  1. Pick your clothes wisely. Wear something that you feel beautiful in but also something you’re comfortable in! Your confidence will shine through if you feel good about yourself. I suggest bringing two outfits to your session so you can have some variety in your images. Maybe you’re spending the day in Brooklyn walking around your favorite neighborhood–try one more formal look (like an off-white jumpsuit with strappy nude heels) and one a bit more casual (a flirty skirt & top or an effortless linen dress). Remember that solid colors are always easy on a lens and big format patterns translate better than small, intricate designs. Use the day as an opportunity to pamper yourself–book a blowout the morning of for an extra confidence boost.
  2. Pick a memorable place. For locations, think about what you really love as a couple and what places reflect that. At-home engagement photo sessions have a special intimacy to them, while a park or outdoor location can highlight a place that is sentimental to you both. Because my studio photographers and I shoot primarily in film, we always enjoy a mid-afternoon engagement session outdoors where we can capture bounds of natural light. Many of our couples have chosen to wander around their favorite corners of the West Village or Soho, but also more iconic places like the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and Central Park. We also love when we shoot in places like a small, quiet beach in East Hampton or an apple orchard upstate. Consider unassuming places, like an art gallery, library vineyard, boat dock, or even your neighborhood walking trail; sometimes the perfect location is right in front of you.
  3. Find the best lighting. Lighting is everything. Do you prefer golden hour? Or maybe the beautiful early morning light? A sunrise session will have bright and cheerful light, whereas photos taken during golden hour, just before sunset, will have a warm and dewy glow to them. If you opt for on an indoor location, like your favorite coffee shop or modern art museum, select a place with lots of windows that invite natural light.
  4. Tell your story. Share your story with your photographer! When you trust your photographer, you can relax and enjoy the day by being completely present with your significant other. Getting to know our couples throughout this process is a true honor–one that we want to translate into your photos in the most authentic way. Understanding how your relationship developed over time and what you both are looking forward to most about your new life together will help the photographer capture those quiet, tender moments of true connection. One of the greatest joys is reminiscing with our couples about their favorite memories together – like the time you both learned to surf during a trip to Bali or how you love to make homemade pasta for dinner as a New Year’s Eve tradition. Giving yourselves the time to linger in those memories will make an engagement or wedding photo one you’ll treasure for years to come.
  5. Clear your mind. On the day of the shoot, forget about everything else, and focus on one another! Your engagement session is a special time to connect with your significant other. Depending on your comfort level in front of the camera, understand that it’s completely normal to feel a bit unsure during the first few shots. But as the session continues, trust that you’ll develop a sense of relaxation if you aim to simply focus on one another–whether you’re at home or taking a long walk barefoot at the beach. Be as playful and loving as you are when it’s truly just the two of you. As photographers, we will step in with direction and help you ‘pose’ more casually in a way that feels instinctual but also looks beautiful on camera.