Thread: Engagement photos

A friend of mine is getting married soon and can't afford to get a pro photographer to take engagement photos. So I accepted his offer to have me take them. But I'm slightly nervous because I've never done any portraits or pictures of this kind. Any suggestions or tips for this type of photo? It's in April so I have time to prepare/practice...

For me I like to look at a lot of galleries to get inspired. Looking at artwork totally inspires ideas for me.

Im sure u already know this, but make sure when taking portrait pictures to use prime lenses if you have one, and make sure to get enough light on the people u take pics off... other than that... what the person over me said is a pretty good tip too.. better than mine

Yeah I suggest looking at as many photos as you can right now to get some good ideas.

What is your lighting situation? Do you own anything in terms of studio lights or flashes?
What are you planning on shooting with? What kind of feeling is your buddy looking for and where did they want them shot (outside/inside)?

You doing this in Vegas or Chicago?

Thanks for the responses everyone. I do have a few prime portrait lenses that I will use as well as an SB400 flash. I'll be using my D5000.

I've been wanting to purchase some studio lighting/external flashes so now might be the time to do it. Any suggestions?

Also, great suggestion for looking at galleries - I was on flickr all last night looking at engagement galleries to get ideas.

Udub - this will be an outdoor shoot. Haven't talked to them about the feeling they want, etc. It will be done in the Chicago burbs (Evanston area).

Originally Posted by rimkinator

Thanks for the responses everyone. I do have a few prime portrait lenses that I will use as well as an SB400 flash. I'll be using my D5000.

I've been wanting to purchase some studio lighting/external flashes so now might be the time to do it. Any suggestions?

Also, great suggestion for looking at galleries - I was on flickr all last night looking at engagement galleries to get ideas.

Udub - this will be an outdoor shoot. Haven't talked to them about the feeling they want, etc. It will be done in the Chicago burbs (Evanston area).

Shoot me a PM, I'm in Glenview so we can talk more about what you're trying to accomplish. Hell I wouldn't even mind helping ya out with the lighting and stuff, its what I'm doing in school right now (photography major). I have an Alien Bee's 2 strobe set up and HOPEFULLY a vagabond power source on the way in a week or two.

Originally Posted by UdubBadger

Shoot me a PM, I'm in Glenview so we can talk more about what you're trying to accomplish. Hell I wouldn't even mind helping ya out with the lighting and stuff, its what I'm doing in school right now (photography major). I have an Alien Bee's 2 strobe set up and HOPEFULLY a vagabond power source on the way in a week or two.

Thanks a lot! I'll shoot you a PM later this week - I have a pretty hectic schedule in the next few days. I'll be in touch.

^^^That right there is why I love L4P. Good looking out guys!

Originally Posted by blairtolar

^^^That right there is why I love L4P. Good looking out guys!

+1 for sure!!

Originally Posted by rimkinator

Thanks a lot! I'll shoot you a PM later this week - I have a pretty hectic schedule in the next few days. I'll be in touch.

For sure man, I'm in finals next week so I know how that goes.

Originally Posted by blairtolar

^^^That right there is why I love L4P. Good looking out guys!

Originally Posted by red baron

+1 for sure!!

always nice to help a fellow photog out... plus good practice for me.