By Charlotte Elizabeth GraingerIf you've just said "Yes" over the holiday season, you're likely raring to tell the world about your life-changing news. One of the most romantic ways to share your bliss is to create some stunning engagement photos to show your friends and family. These will also serve as beautiful mementos of this truly magical time. Luckily for you, winter is a great time for gorgeous photography.
Watch Your Lighting
If you follow the popular trend of setting your engagement photos outside, take the lighting into consideration. Daylight is scarce in the winter months, so choosing the right time for your shoot is essential. For example, just an hour before sunset, you'll find the light is at its softest, often combining rich amber tones that make for some pretty awe-inspiring pictures. In the lead-up to the shoot, pay close attention to when this hour is and schedule your photography session accordingly.
Work with the Weather
Of course, another factor you have to consider is the weather. The prime setting will always be a snow-covered scene, but you can't always predict when that will happen. If you've hired a photographer for a certain date, be sure to have a backup setting. Should the weather be miserable, you will need an indoor setting for your engagement photos instead.
Let Your Ring Take Center Stage
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but there's just one simple message you're trying to convey with these pictures: the fact that you're engaged to be married to your true love. That's why your dazzling new ring must take center stage in each scene. When positioning yourselves, make sure the ring is always in a prominent position. If you keep this in mind, your engagement pictures are certain to speak volumes.
Wear Something Stylish, Yet Warm
With a little luck, you'll look back on these photos for years to come with a sense of nostalgia. With that in mind, the outfit you choose for your shoot has to be something rather spectacular. Seasonal style is an absolute must, but it doesn't need to come at the cost of your own comfort. If you're chilly or uncomfortable during the shoot, that will definitely come across in your pictures. Choose an outfit that incorporates cozy winter styles, such as pieces including faux fur, wool, and layers.
Light a Cozy Fire and Get Comfortable
Should the weather be against you, you may have to take things indoors. Never fear, though—you can still create a wonderfully alluring scene in the comfort of your own home. There's nothing more intimate than curling up beside a flickering fireplace. Starting up a roaring fire for the background of your engagement photos is truly a stroke of genius. Aside from ramping up the romance, firelight is also particularly flattering, which means you will both look great in every single shot.
Include a Few Seasonal Props
Finally, if you want to add something special to your engagement pictures, you might want to include some seasonal props in the shoot. Indoor photography sessions will benefit from cozy blankets, cups of hot cocoa, and plush cushions. When setting the scene for your shoot, consider including these little extra touches.
Remember, your photo shoot is an opportunity to have fun and share your love story. By following these tips, you'll be able to make your winter engagement photos as magical as freshly fallen snow.