editorial photo shoot

As a photographer, you might not have a squad of full-time assistants, designers, stylists, and directors at your disposal, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create an editorial engagement shoot that rivals those of big fashion photographers. Engagement photography is often seen as an add-on to the wedding package, but now they’ve taken on a life of their own. They’ve evolved into full-day extravaganzas, complete with multiple wardrobe changes, expert hair and makeup artists, picturesque paid locations, and an array of props and details. It’s like a mini-wedding, and yes, maybe not for everyone. Crafting this editorial-style engagement session demands dedication, hours of phone calls with clients to grasp their vision and style, vendor connections, meticulous preparation, and thorough research to unearth the perfect locations. But if you’re passionate about making this your forte, fret not because we’ve got you covered with the best editorial engagement shoot tips and inspiration to master this captivating photography genre!

Editorial-Style Engagement Shoot Ideas: Inspiration By ShootDotEdit Customers

Here are some editorial engagement shoot ideas by ShootDotEdit customers that you can use as inspirations to craft unique and beautiful photo sessions for your couples:

1. Apollo Fields

2. Lovers of Love

3. Jorge Santiago Photography

4. Stephanie Heymann Photography

5. Photography by Orlando

Tips On How To Plan And Execute The Perfect Editorial Engagement Shoot

1. Choose A Venue That Fits Your Couple’s Style

When choosing the perfect venue for an editorial engagement shoot, a little creativity can go a long way. Think beyond the ordinary and consider unique locations and backdrops that can infuse that editorial engagement look and feel into your photos. 

It’s not uncommon for an engaged couple to draw a blank when deciding on a location, and that’s where your expertise as a photographer comes into play. Begin by understanding their vision. Are they quirky, elegant, adventurous, or romantic? Once you have a clear idea, put your knowledge and experience to work. Sift through all those hidden gems you’ve discovered over the years and suggest the ones that align with their style.

Interestingly, many wedding venues allow engagement sessions too. Just be sure to check permit requirements; the last thing you want is to be asked to pack up and leave mid-shoot. And who knows, your quest for the perfect location might even help the couple discover their dream wedding venue in the process. 

Read More: 12 Engagement Photo Themes To Fit Every Mood And Budget

2. Harness The Magic Of Natural Light

Using natural light can be the secret ingredient in crafting captivating editorial engagement photos. Many photographers naturally gravitate towards this style, and for a good reason – it effortlessly complements the romantic essence of editorial-style photography and often proves simpler than working with artificial lighting. The coveted “golden hour” stands as a prime example, with the last hour of daylight offering a soft, warm, and ethereal glow that can transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary ones. However, being a natural light photographer doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the status quo; you can still shape and mold the light to suit your vision. One invaluable tool in a photographer’s arsenal is the trusty 5-in-1 Reflector, known for its versatility in modifying natural light. This allows you to direct, soften, or enhance the available light, adding that majestic touch to your editorial photo shoot. 

3. Pose And Direct With Confidence

Couples often enter their engagement photo session with a mix of excitement and nervousness, and as their photographer, it’s your role to guide them and capture their genuine, relaxed moments. To achieve the perfect photo, put on your director hat and master how to pose your couples with these tips:

1. V-Up: Encourage the couple to envision their bodies as hinged together, forming a “V” shape as they face each other. This popular red carpet pose exudes elegance and intimacy.

2. Closed Pose: In the closed pose, have the couple face each other with their chest, hips, and feet squared up. This pose creates a sense of closeness and connection.

3. Open Pose: For a more relaxed and inviting look, instruct the couple to face the camera with their chest, feet, and hips aligned. This pose is perfect for capturing their charisma and engagement energy.

4. Stacked Pose: In the stacked pose, position the taller person behind the other, aligning their shoulders, hips, and feet in the same direction. Ensure it doesn’t resemble a classic prom portrait to maintain authenticity.

5. Reversed Pose: For a unique twist, ask one person to face away from the camera while the other directly engages with it, adding an intriguing dimension to your shots.

Before diving into your couple’s editorial engagement shoot, introduce these engagement photo ideas to them. By practicing them during the photo shoot, you prepare the couple for their wedding day, making the process smoother and more efficient.

Related Read: Engagement Session Posing 

4. Add Movement

It’s a common misconception that photography is all about static poses; in reality, adding movement infuses a sense of candid authenticity into your shots. One of the most effective techniques for achieving this is to set your couple in motion. Have them link arms or hold hands and invite them to take a stroll toward you. As they walk, encourage them to interact naturally, striking up conversations, laughing, and even indulging in sweet, unscripted kisses if the mood strikes them. This results in captivating, candid images and allows the couple’s unique connection to shine through, making your editorial-style photos come to life with a vibrant and authentic energy.

5. Think Outside The Box

Engagement editorials offer an exciting canvas for innovation, allowing you to experiment with techniques that not only charm your clients but also provide you with standout material for marketing. Here are some ways that you might want to test your creativity: 

1. Composition: Playing with negative space, experimenting with unique perspectives or angles, adjusting depth of field, incorporating foreground elements, and using framing can all add a distinct touch to your images. 

2. Lighting And SFX Tools:  Different lighting conditions can alter the mood and tone of your photos from high key to low key, high contrast to the use of GOBOs and color gels.

3. Reflections: They can be your best friend when it comes to creating engaging, artistic photos. Prisms, windows, water puddles, and even smartphone surfaces can all be used to introduce interesting and often unexpected reflections into your shots.

Further Read: Planning An Engagement Session

Transforming Engagement Photography With Editorial Shoots

An editorial engagement shoot provides the perfect opportunity to express individuality and creativity. Remember, your clients have chosen you because they resonate with your artistry. So, have confidence in your vision. Guide your clients, provide direction, and don’t be afraid to push boundaries. Your ability to create stunning, personalized imagery will result in an unforgettable engagement session for your clients and reinforce your distinctive style in the industry. Embrace it, own it, and let your style shine through in every frame.

At ShootDotEdit, we are passionate about helping you grow your wedding photography business. A part of how we do that is by lessening your post-production workload with our professional photo editing services. To learn more about how we can help your wedding photography business, check out our pricing plans.