Officially, you cannot do a professional photography session with a non-Disney photographer inside of a Disney park. However, this rule does not apply to Downtown Disney or any of the Disney resorts, so many couples are choosing these locations for their engagement photos.
If you'll be using a Disney resort as a backdrop for your engagement photos, here are ten tips to keep in mind:
1. Pack a bag. It might sound like a pain, but there are things you're going to be happy you have, including a change of clothes if you'd like some variety, concealer/lipstick/etc. for touchups, hairbrush and hairspray, bottle of water (you'll be nervous AND kissing for about an hour straight), and any props that you want to bring. This might include a cute umbrella (if the weather is sketchy), Disney bride and groom ears, or a "Thank You" sign for your thank you cards.
2. Schedule your photo session so it begins about 45 minutes before sunset, if you can. Evening sunsets offer amazing (and flattering!) light and the resort will probably be fairy empty. You don't want to go in the morning, when everyone is walking around in their PJ pants getting ready to go to the parks, unless you schedule a shoot for REALLY early in the morning. The plus of doing it really early in the morning is that it won't be too hot and you can open your day up for other things, but you need to make sure that you have time to get ready before the shoot, without getting up at 4AM. The last thing you want to hear about your engagement pics is "Wow...you guys look really tired..."
3. Have your hair/makeup done professionally. This might sound crazy, but in my opinion it's totally worth it. If you're having your wedding down at Disney as well, use this opportunity to schedule a hair/makeup trial with the person you're considering for your wedding day. Just make sure to let them know that you'll be doing your engagement photos, so they can alter your super-formal hairstyle a little bit before they go.
4. Get to know your photographer beforehand. This might seem impossible, especially if you're not from the Orlando area, but many photographers are really great about returning email and phone calls so don't be afraid to contact them. It will be easier on them they get to know you as well! Of course, I'm not saying that you should call your photographer and tell them all about that 4th grade dance recital you starred in. Just ask them questions about how engagement sessions usually go, explain what else you'll be doing that day (or on the trip), and start to build a connection. The photographer will probably be (and should be) interested in the details of your wedding, what your style is, what you guys do for a living, and all that kind of stuff. It helps them get a sense of who you are, which does translate in the final pictures. Engagement sessions are awkward enough...this makes it a lot more fun!
5. Practice being kissy. You're going to more affectionate during your engagement session than you probably ever will be for any hour of the rest of your life, including your wedding. You're going to kiss and cuddle and nuzzle and do all the things that might seem incredibly inappopriate when you're in public. And being photographed. Unfortunately, this is the stuff that makes for great engagement photos, so you might want to warm up and practice a little PDA before the session. It really does help to get your head in "cuddle mode" before your photographer gets there.
6. Speak up if you have ideas. If you saw a shot from someone else's engagement session and you want to recreate it, definitely tell your photographer ASAP. Not only will this let your photographer know that it's a priorty...it will also tell them what kinds of shots you're looking for in general. It helps to tell them exactly what you like about the shot...the fun, the intimacy, etc. Once they know what you're looking for, they'll probably have some creative ideas of their own.
7. Figure out your outfits beforehand. Unfortunately, there is no fast and true rule about what you should wear for your engagement session. Many couples choose to look slightly dressed up (a dress for her, a button-up for him), but this isn't a necessity. It also isn't necessary for you to be dressed in matching colors, although you should definitely avoid wearing clothes that completely clash with each other. For example, if he's in shorts and a t-shirt, you're probably going to look a little odd in a cocktail dress and heels. If you really can't decide, consider taking at least two outfits...one casual and one a little more dressed up. Your photographer isn't going to mind if you want to switch it up halfway through your session. Whatever you wear, remember not to let your underwear show through your clothes or peek out anywhere in your outfits. That's a major no-no for engagement shots.
8. Consider your location. The one thing that you might want to keep in mind regarding your outfit is the style of the resort you've chosen. If you're planning on taking silly pictures at Pop Century, consider casual clothing in bright colors. Photos at the Polynesian? Keep the bright colors but go with either beach casual or dressy outfits that work with the decor. The Grand Floridian? Definitely wear cocktail clothing at this resort, or you'll just look out of place. You can also get away with more muted colors, since the backgrounds aren't too bright.
9. Give yourself enough time. You and your photographer need to figure out how long the session will be. The average engagement session is between one and two hours, which should be plenty of time for lots of poses and different shots. It's important, however, to not schedule other things too close to your engagement session so nobody is rushing on either side. If you're planning on doing a hair/makup trial beforehand, or visiting the parks, give yourself enough time to get over to where your engagement session will be WITH time to touch-up your makeup, fix your hair, and change your clothes if necessary. Also, if the engagement shoot starts to go a little longer than you thought, you don't want to have to rush from the shoot over to another location to catch a dinner reservation or Cirque du Soleil. Leave a time cushion.
10. Be happy and relaxed. Lots of things might go wrong at your engagement session. Your hair might not be what you thought it would. Your outfits might not look as great as you wanted. It might be raining cats and dogs when you had your heart set on outdoor shots. A group of high schoolers might wander into the frame just when you were posing for the perfect shot. C'est la vie! This stuff happens and the worst thing you can do is be stressed and irritated. Rolling with the punches on this one will not only ensure that you'll end up with the best possible engagement portraits...it will also be good practice for the big day. So don't forget to have fun!
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1 comments:
This is amazing advise for ANY engagement shoot not just a Disney one!!! great article!
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