Engagement photos are anything but ordinary, everyday snapshots. They’re the memory markers to the beginning of your life-long love story. And that’s why snagging the best engagement photographer in Hilton Head, SC will prove to be a genius move, IMHO. (side eying the crew @LisaStaffPhoto
And that’s not fancy marketing sleight-of-hand talk, it’s 100% real life. Here’s why: When it comes to photography, you never really know how the pictures will turn out, until the very end. So, if you were waiting for a sign to make sure you’ve got the real McCoy to preserve these fleeting moments for you and not Chippy the Clown, well uh … this is it. In twinkle lights, written in sharpie on neon pink poster board!
We get it. It’s not easy finding the perfect fit for you since there are several things to look out for. For instance, you’d want to hire someone creative, flexible, and experienced. Someone who fully grasps your style and works well with deadlines—a wild heart who’ll pull off all the stops to give you a momentous experience.
And that’s where your personal inquiry comes in. It’s absolutely worth it since you’d also want to put out these lovely photos on your wedding invitations, souvenirs, etc. That said, here’re a few insights that’ll guide you on the path to choosing that perfect photographer! But first, let’s square in on why couples flunk the hiring part.
Why You Should Hire an Engagement Photographer
Hiring an engagement photographer in Hilton Head, SC, Bluffton, SC, Savannah, GA or Charleston, SC, is your best bet for creating beautiful memories on your special day. Here are several reasons why you should give it a shot:
Confidence Boost
Photophobia is a real thing. If this is your first time taking engagement shots or you’re just camera shy, it might be hard for you to loosen up and just be yourself as you pose. If you don’t want to end up with cringe-worthy, rigid-looking shots, it’s best that you hire a professional photographer to ease off the tension.
Since you’re sure they know what they’re doing, it’ll be easier for you to trust them to get the work done. That way, you can release the breath you’ve been holding and just BE YOU. Be(you)tiful, huh?
Quality Output
There’s nothing like having the perfect quality pictures for your guest books, save-the-date pictures, wedding invites, and souvenirs. I can guarantee that only a professional photographer will give you the best photos for one of the best moments in your life. Tempting, right? If yes, pick up your phone and make that call today!
Create Your Wedding Expectation
Hiring an engagement photographer early enough makes room for you to bond with them on a deep level. As you get to spend time together, they get to understand your preferences, personality, and style. You’ll also get to rub minds and birth creative concepts and ideas for both the location or destination and wedding photography sessions.
In the end, you’ll not need to look for a different photographer for your wedding, since you’ll have one who knows just what you like. That way, you can expect to have wedding photos that’ll be just as you ever imagined. Isn’t that everyone’s dream? : )
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring Engagement Photographers
Everyone wants the perfect picture. You want engagement photos that fully capture the love and joy your soul beams forth on your special day. Giving a wrong professional the full gig can rob you of your shot at photorgasmic glory. Here are four common mistakes people make:
1. Settling for Just Any Photographer
Photography is a vast field with different areas of specialization. You’d be making a grave mistake if you thought every photographer can function in engagement photography. I mean, what’s a wildlife shutterbug looking for at an engagement shoot? You’re wildin’ if you think you’d get the picture of your dreams.
Some even go as far as asking a family or friend who happens to own a camera to do the honors of being their photographer. Forget that this is not their first rodeo—if you do, you’re on course for a bummer.
2. Choosing Quantity over Quality
It’s better to have a few beautiful, high-quality pictures than a gazillion mediocre snapshots. It doesn’t matter what your budget is, you can always find ways to go around it.
For one, you can find skilled photographers that can work with what you have (google, you little beauty, or just give me a ding). Ask the photographer to capture sweet, relevant moments instead of random, meaningless shots.
3. Poor Time Management
When planning, it’s super easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of trying to make it all perfect. Don’t be one of those couples that fix their engagement shoots wayyyy too close to their wedding day! It can be mentally and physically draining, and your photos might come out looking hurried or downright bad.
Pro tip: Settle for dates that are convenient for you and your partner, so you can get the best out of your shoot. That way, nothing is left out. You’ll create magic!
4. Thinning that Budget
I’ve interacted with many couples and several of them believe it’s not necessary to place huge budgets on engagement shoots. Some say: “since it’s ‘just an engagement shoot’, what’s the point in spending so much?,” “Aren’t wedding photos the most important?”
Well, I can tell you that these photos will last you a lifetime, so why settle for anything short of the best photos? If you do, that’s being penny wise pound foolish.
Prepping for Engagement Shoots: All You Need to Know
Engagement photoshoots can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re camera shy. Also, this might be your first engagement shoot, so I’ll understand the cluelessness that comes with it. You may be stuck figuring out what to wear, the best locations, or how to behave in front of the camera.
Whether you’re a newbie, or you get sweaty palms in front of the camera, I’ve got a few tips that can help take off the stress from your shoulders! Trust me, I’ve been doing this for years, so relaxxxxx.
#Tip 1: Nothing Like a Little Skincare!
Give your face a good scrub a day or two before your shoot to clear out all the skin clutter. Not only will your skin glow like the sun, but it’ll also be easier to apply some makeup onto the clean, smooth surface.
#Tip 2: Go for Lighter Makeup
I’ll suggest that you go with moderate makeup and shimmers like bronzer, contour, and a lip gloss that will accentuate your facial features. Also, make sure to blend your foundation to the edges of your face and down to your neck so you don’t end up looking like you’re wearing a mask!
#Tip 3: Simple and Classy
Except you have a whole costume planned, it’s always better to go for a simpler look. Wear comfortable clothes that’ll make it easier for you to express yourself during the shoot. Also, if you’re wearing matching clothes with your partner, make sure the colors complement each other and the props used. Simple, beautiful, and comfortable shoes will always be the way forward so you don’t end up posing a distraction for your viewers.
#Tip 4: Early Bird
Be early!
I’ll tell you this, it’s better to get to the location about an hour before the session starts, so you don’t end up having to rush through your wardrobe.
You really don’t want to be the one everyone’s frantically peeping at their watches because of. So, if you have those last-minute instincts and are the last one to show up at the party, I mean, this might not be your red carpet moment. 😉
#Tip 5: Be yourself
If this doesn’t say enough, then I don’t know what else would. The best thing you can do for yourself is to be you because that’s the best version you can ever be.
Wrap Up
Looking to snag the best engagement photographer in Hilton Head, SC or anywhere in the Lowcountry? There is a time and place, and you’ve got both bang on this time! Here, at Lisa Staff Photo we have spent years perfecting our craft and putting smiles on many couples’ faces with the quality of our engagement photoshoots.
So, does a destination engagement photo shoot any time soon (or in the future) slot right in your ballpark? Why don’t you book your next engagement photoshoot with us today? And take a peek at another client’s engagement shoot for more tips right here.
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