A lot of brides have been asking me what to expect, what to wear, how to do your hair/makeup, location of .. for their engagement shoots. I have yet to take my engagement shoot but here are a few pointers I have picked up from all the brides we’ve met thus far.

ENGAGEMENT SHOOT 101:

(Photo by Chris Chen of my most recent beautiful bride to be Miss S)

First thing is first:

WHERE TO SHOOT THE PHOTOS: Most couples choose locations that are significant to them. Like a first date restaurant. Others choose specific landmarks. Like Meatpacking District <<which is the NYC trend right now>>

Yug & I love fishing so we plan to shoot around water. Where we feel captures us.

WHAT TO WEAR: Most of my brides so far choose 2 outfits. 1 casual and 1 dressed up.

Susan + David :: Wedding Engagement Photos (Central Park + Flatiron District, New York) from Chris Chen on Vimeo.

WHICH BRINGS ME TO …. HOW TO DO YOUR HAIR & MAKEUP: C & I recommend for our brides to make the most of the hair & makeup trial. So to kill 2 birds with 1 stone, take your engagement shoot after the trial. Always remember that as much as you want to look like yourself, a lot of it gets washed out in photos. So wearing a lot of makeup won’t make you look like a different person. Miss S is sporting a brown smokey eye with big false lashes (3 layers). But in these photos, you would never be able to tell. She just looks a bit made up.

J’s tips:

- Bring a bag holder friend. Someone who will watch your bags while you are shooting.

- Have a designated driver. Especially if you plan on shooting around the city where parking is not readily available. This driver can literally just circle the block while you are shooting that location and be ready to drive you to the next on call.

- Map out  your different locations. Think about where you will change your multiple outfits.

- Be hydrated & well fed! There is nothing fun about a HANGRY (Angry cuz your Hungry) bride to be.

Is there anything else I should add to this list for all our future brides?~