Tag Archives: engagement

Do you provide props for engagement photo shoots?

Although staged props are popular right now, our preference is to create moments with found objects, and make use of our surroundings. For example, if we are photographing in an open field, and there are pinecones on the ground, we will get creative with the pinecones. Maybe we'll try an image of juggling the pinecones, for a fun, whimsical photo. Or we'll shoot from a low angle, so that the pinecones are sharp in the foreground, with the couple blurred off kissing in the background. These "environment props" make for spontaneous moments and stronger images because they force the photographer to be much more creative, and to approach each shoot from a new perspective.

If you are interested in bringing along a couple of props, we suggest items that have a personal meaning, and are representative of the two of you. This will ensure that your shoot is centered on your personality as a couple, and that your your images remain timeless over the years.

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When Christina and Anthony came to us to photograph their engagement shoot, they knew they wanted to incorporate the beach and also have a little fun in the city. Because Encinitas has a good mix of beautiful beaches and an eclectic downtown area, we decided to drive up the coast!

We started at Moonlight Beach, where the happy couple popped open some champagne to let loose. Christina and Anthony seemed natural in front of the camera, just being silly and enjoying every minute of it. After the beach, we walked along the train tracks and headed up a few blocks from the water to Highway 101.

Next, we stopped in front of the unique Nixon headquarters building, which looks like a big brown barn. There, we met a laid-back couple coming from the Birkenstock store across the street, and they willingly acted as living props in our shoot. They were great sports!

Eventually, we made our way to Charlie’s Foreign Car shop for some neat photos with an old classic car. Then we made a final pit stop at Angelo’s Burgers, where Christina and Anthony’s goofy side came out as they drove an invisible car through the drive-thru!

We all had a blast, and captured so many unique scenes during this engagement shoot. We can’t wait for Christina and Anthony’s amazing wedding at The Grand Del Mar this September.  We hope you enjoy a few of our favorite finished images from our shoot!

Visit our main site for more amazing images and new wedding photos: True Photography Weddings

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Do you have any tips for an engaged couple before taking engagement photos?

An engagement shoot is the best way to really build a comfort with you're wedding photographer before the wedding day. You get to see how they direct you and how comfortable it feels. As well it is a great way for us to discover how the two of you interact as a couple and what type of images you connect with. To avoid spending all you're shooting time traveling, we suggest choosing a location that has lots of great environments to work with.   Sometimes it can be fun to think of something you like to do together as a couple and create more of a scene for your engagement shoot. Having fun within your environment can really let the viewers feel just really how in love with you are with each other. We have a lot of great locations if you are wanting some inspiration.

We suggest keeping the engagement shoot short and sweet. More time on an engagement doesn't mean it is a better shoot. Its better to shoot for less time and be more efficient. We find that after an hour and a half, couples tend to look tired, and you see that in the photographs. We use the time well, and can produce amazing results from a shoot that lasts an hour or so.

As for clothing attire, we suggest that you bring two changes of clothes. The first one can be a little more dressy, and the second can be a bit more casual. The key is to NOT match. Matching is not cool. Dress like you are going out on a date together. One suggested outfit is a dress and heels for the bride to be, and denim jeans and a nice collared shirt for the guy. The second outfit could be the bride wearing blue jeans, and the groom just changing his shirt to a favorite tee or something more comfortable.

All of your engagement  pictures are guaranteed ready within 2 weeks. If you find that you are using them for save the dates or need them sooner, we should be able to turn it around quicker for you. All of the engagement images are provided full resolution on a disk.

Visit our main site for more amazing images and new wedding photos: True Photography Weddings

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Photography By: True Photography Weddings

David and I met in college at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Within the first year of dating we were already talking about the day we would marry. But, as I was only 19 at the time, we both knew we wanted to wait. So, it was quite a shock that David was actually able to surprise me with a proposal 11 years later. In typical David style, it was unique and very thought out. He proposed on the beach at the Santa Monica pier using a photo booth strip where in each picture he held signs reading “will”, “you”, “marry”, “me?”!

To be as thorough as possible we researched over 200 photographers’ websites, blogs, and reviews from Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. True Photography was a clear front runner based on their artistry, quality, and consistency. After meeting Aaron in person, we were sold.

For our engagement photos, we wanted to go back to the site of the proposal at the Santa Monica pier. We were paired with Michael as our shooter who was very accommodating to make the trek from San Diego to Santa Monica on a week night. Though I was very nervous, Michael was great to work with and put us right at ease. He gave us great direction while allowing our own personalities to show through. We’ve been thrilled by the response from family and friends regarding our engagement pictures and can’t wait for Michael to shoot our wedding come April!

-Trisha (Our Bride)

Visit our main site for more amazing images and new wedding photos: True Photography Weddings

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  • On 03-08-11, Jessica Hofmann said:

    Love Santa Monica pier! What a great place to have a fun shoot! You guys are so cute! Congratulations!