This is a quick guide to how to improve your engagement photography. With just a few simple tips you should be able to improve your photography skills and end up with photographs that the couple will be proud of!

The focus of engagement photographs is obviously the couple. Not only should they be the subjects of your photographs, but they should also be in control of the other aspects of the shoot. An engagement photograph should be as meaningful to the couple as their wedding photographs, but can afford to be less formal. This is a chance for the couple to express their personality in the photographs, so let them choose aspects such as their outfits and location, but bear in mind a few key points.

• Dark outfits are most flattering. They avoid casting shadows across the body and are more slimming. Solid colors are the best choice in photography, as prints and patterns can easily distract from the subjects of the photograph.

• Make sure that the location has meaning for the couple. Get them to think of places such as where they met, locations of early dates or where they finally popped the big question! Landscape backgrounds, especially water or lush green fields or forests work especially well.

• Use soft lighting. On location this is easiest when the day is slightly overcast, or in the time when the sun has set but it is not quite dark. If working indoors, avoid direct lights, and instead bounce the light off of a light surface such as a wall or large sheet of white card.

Other engagement photography tips are to make the ring the object of a couple of your photographs, and consider the poses of the couple. When photographing couples, place their faces close together to create an intimate relationship, and draw the focus of the eye to one area of the photograph. The benefit of digital photography is that you can review your shots and get the couple to correct their poses until the required shot is achieved.

By following these tips your photography should improve and you will end up with stunning engagement photographs.