How to Prepare for Your Long Island Engagement Photos in the Summer
Long Island's sweeping landscapes, stunning beaches, and charming villages provide the perfect backdrop for your summer engagement photos. As a wedding photographer, I understand the importance of capturing your love story in a way that reflects your personalities and helps you prepare for getting comfortable in front of the camera and with your photographer on the big day. Your engagement photos are another heirloom for your wedding - but there are definitely things to remember when preparing for engagement photos during one of the busiest times of the year here on Long Island.
Here are our pro tips on what you need to know.
Choose the Right Locations
Long Island offers a plethora of breathtaking locations for your engagement photos. Whether you're drawn to the beaches and vineyards of the East End or the architecture of our area’s many museums and historic sites, there’s no shortage of engagement session locales.
The catch? Many of these places require permits, fees, or advance bookings. An experienced local wedding photographer will know the ins and outs of what each venue requires, whether or not they allow professional photos, and the best hidden gem locations that no one else knows about.
A golden hour beach shot with no one else around? I can’t reveal my photographer or my East End local secrets….
Time it Right
It’s summer on Long Island, and if you try to have your engagement session on the beach at Cupsogue or in the vineyards at sunset, get ready for half of the East End to be in the background enjoying the view, too. As a lifelong East End local, I know the best days and times to capture that golden hour light and avoid the summer crowds while still giving you that gorgeous backdrop you’re envisioning.
When it comes to the timing of whether or not to use the engagement photos for your save-the-dates, it’s customary to send save-the-dates 8-12 months before a destination wedding and 6 months before a non-destination wedding. Keep that in mind when booking your engagement session.
Consider Your Outfits
Many brides use their engagement session as the day to test out their trial bridal hair and makeup and wear white in their engagement photos. Others choose to go more casual, wearing an elevated version of their day-to-day style. It’s all up to what you want these to look like.
Kayla and Peter went less wedding-attire and more of their own natural, comfortable style in their engagement photos.
PACK PROVISIONS
Pack a bag with water bottles, some snacks, sunscreen, touch-ups for makeup, a portable charger, walking sneakers, and anything else you think you might need on the day of to feel more comfortable.
Embrace Candid Moments
Candid moments capture the authenticity of your relationship - you’ll have the chance to do plenty of formal portraits on your wedding day. Laugh, dance, and interact naturally (I even endorse opening a bottle of local Long Island wine during your session to relax you, if you want to!). These casual shots often radiate the joy and love you share.
Alyssa and Nick with a bottle of local Macari wine at their engagement session.
Relax and Have Fun
Lastly, remember that your engagement session is a celebration of your love. Relax, have fun, and let your connection shine. The whole purpose of an engagement session is to get used to being in front of the camera with your photographer, so you feel more comfortable on your wedding day!
Dogs strongly welcome at engagement sessions!
By choosing the right locations, coordinating your outfits, timing the photo session perfectly, and embracing candid moments, you're bound to create a collection of photos that not only capture your love story but also the essence of Long Island's charm. As a wedding photographer, I look forward to being a part of your journey to create stunning memories that will last a lifetime.
