how to get great engagement pictures

Colorado Engagement Photographer | For Damian and Ashley Combinations. The day of this engagement shoot was cold enough to enjoy a hand-warmer in your pocket yet warm enough to be comfortable outside for hours. The yellow aspen trees and light snowfall gave us a perfect mixture between the fall and winter colors. Damian and Ashley showed a genuine juxtaposition between the fun and romantic side of their personalities. Best of all, we documented a captivating mixture of artistic engagement portraits and natural engagement photographs ready to hang on this couple's walls. We so often are looking for things to match and fit perfectly but this session highlights the beauty that occurs when contrast combines.

Tips on how you can get great engagement photos

It's obvious that these are some great engagement photos. Many people wonder how they can set themselves up in the same scenario. It's easy to be really concerned about when, where and how your engagement photos will look, rightfully so. This is a once and a lifetime thing and it's a big investment. How can a couple ensure that their engagement photos turn out as well as they can? Ashley and Damian's photos answer this question well.

1. Choose a location that is special to you, but don't fret. From day one, Damian and Ashley had their hearts set on a Colorado engagement shoot and Vail Village has always been a special place to them. Yes, this background is stunning but if you don't have a special place or a specific taste notice that there are many beautiful photos taken that really could have been done anywhere. The photos emote a strong feeling because of the subjects, not the background. The location will not make or break your photos. Hire a photographer you love and don't fret about the location, if you show up willing and in love, you'll get great photos regardless.

2. Only reschedule if the conditions are intolerable. Some of my best engagement sessions have been taken in shady weather. When there is a chance of snow, rain or wind there also is a chance of incredible light and excitement. Most photographers will be glad to try out the session and reschedule if the conditions are really not favorable.

3. Be prepared to be you. Don't worry about your hair being out of place. Don't feel the need to replace your wardrobe or lose ten pounds. For my couples, the best engagement photos happen when I can see that you love the person you are with. The beauty is found in your love not the color of your wardrobe.

4. Trust your photographer. It's impossible to see the way that another person sees. Some of the best custom artwork can be created when the photographer feels trusted and comfortable. If they spend the whole session trying to see what you're seeing or thinking, they likely won't be able to do their best. Find the photographer you love, make sure you are on the same page then let them drive.

5. Hire the photographer you love. You may see a theme here. An apple tree can't grow oranges. A vegan chef probably wouldn't do so well at a steakhouse. An artistic photographer probably does not feel confident with traditional portraiture. You will likely be frustrated with the outcome if you ask your photographer to photograph in a way that they do not see. Find the photographer who's vision you love and trust that they will document you in their best light.

denver urban engagement photographers

Downtown Denver Engagement Photos | Urban engagement pictures | for Max and Courtney Ugh. Every once in a while I take a set of photographs that make me jealous that they aren't of my husband and I. These photos are some of the best engagement pictures. They encompass everything that I think is important to document when photographing couples. Most importantly, they perfectly highlight the beauty, joy, connection, love and personality of the two. Secondly, the photos are ready to hang on the wall as art pieces yet also ready to share 20 years down the road. This is a set of meaningful artwork at it's best.

I don't think I'll have to explain anything about the couple for you to feel like you know them. The images are such a genuine documentation of their personalities that I believe my writing will take away from the story these image tell.

I could photograph Downtown Denver all day and with a couple as wonderful and Max and Courtney - the day wasn't enough - we had to photograph in to the night too. Enjoy.

Engagement photographer in Denver

Matt & Rebecca's | Denver engagement session I should have recorded myself as I was editing these images. I was saying all different types of "ahhs" while tilting my head and continuously taking my hand from my keyboard to my heart. These photos so genuinely represent the radiance, joy, tenderness and intelligence (I can go on) of this couple.

You probably have one major question for me after looking through these images so I'll just answer it right away. Yes, they really are that cute in person.

Matt and Rebecca were telling me about one of their first dates which was a few years ago at a Halloween party. They were in a low-lit room and because of that, the lipstick all over Matt's face was only noticeable in the photos that popped up after the party. The two were adorably affectionate and perfectly fit from the beginning.

These two New Yorkers will exchange vows next summer in one of my favorite venues, the Kevin Taylor Opera House and I'm sure the wedding will be every bit as classy and joy-filled as this set of engagement photos show them to be.

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urban engagement denver

Urban , Artistic Engagement Photographer in Denver | for Paul and Sarah Now that we have their album cover finished, Paul and Sarah will need to start recording some music. It wasn't our direct intent to make these two look like rockstars, but it didn't take much to photograph their personalities in a way that develops a set of engagement photos to hang on your walls or glue to the cover of your favorite CD case.

These two will wed at the end of December in Colorado Springs. From the first e-mail exchange with Sarah I knew that I would love to photograph them. It may have been a bit biased as they came from a trusty referral who happens to be one of my favorite couples, Jeff and Angie. Their unique, Colorado mountain wedding is worth checking out if you've not already.

Here they are, Paul and Sarah. A passionate, kind, intelligent, laid back couple who we are honored to photograph.

Artistic engagement photographers

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Artistic engagement photographers

 for Hai and Nhu

We often wait for the best things. I am reminded of that as an infant miraculously grows inside of me and to another degree was reminded of this as we sat in the car during Hai and Nhu's engagement session awaiting a break in the rain. It seems to be without fail that the sky and light provides a brilliant piece of art every time a storm ceases and this session proved that. Natures beauty did a wonderful job highlighting the joy of this couple as we walked around Sloan's Lake and Cheesman park documenting their natural, fine art engagement photos. We couldn't have planned a more beautiful setting and I definitely couldn't have asked for a better couple to be in it. These two will wed on the East coast in just a few months.

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colorado engagement photographer

Colorado Engagement Photographers | Jeff . Gretchen It's hard to say whether Colorado draws great people or creates them, but it is undoubtedly full of great people; people who enjoy nature, physical activity, and a good time. Jeff and Gretchen are two of these people, which is why is was definitely a good time doing their engagement shoot at the beautiful neighbor of Denver, Evergreen Lake. It makes for some captivating photos with dogs in warm weather, and for amazing ice-skating in cold weather.

It's always fun to photograph people with style and good taste like Jeff and Gretchen because you know it will be enjoyable. Thanks to the help of a 7 am sunrise light, these natural engagement photographs show the best of Colorado but also highlight the best of this couple, their joy and busy dog family... who you can't help but fall in love with upon first interaction.

We're definitely looking forward to spending more time with these guys shooting their wedding, and hopefully getting together and returning to Evergreen for some reminiscing on ice later this year.

boulder engagement photographers

Boulder engagement photographers

Tim and Katie

Within a couple mile radius we were able run into many of Tim and Katie's favorite things. Starting on Pearl Street in Boulder, Colorado we documented their first favorite thing, each other, alongside of nature, culture, chocolate, and sentimental spaces.

Often when couples are trying to decide the when's and where's of their engagement session I recommend that they focus the session around things that they love. Coming from someone who does this for a living I ask the question...really, why engagement photos? What makes this important to you? Is this something that will be in the bottom of a box in a few years or do you want it to be more? For my clients, I can hand them a photo where they look like they are straight off of a magazine cover yet, if it doesn't mean something or doesn't feel real to them, it's not worth it. The type of documentation I specialize in shows you, you. It remembers more than just what you look like.

Tim and Katie's engagement photographs so accurately represent why I believe engagement photos are important and timeless. I think that a stranger could look at these and make a pretty accurate guess about how genuine and happy these two are. After spending some time with these natural engagement photos you will get what I mean.

Thank you Tim and Katie for sharing your story and being so great.

contemporary engagement photographer

Contemporary Artistic Photography | Downtown Denver | Chris . Gisela

You may need to take a deep breath before looking through this unique gallery of photographs. The modern, life-full environment provided a perfect match for this wonderful and freshly engaged couple. Every adjective I love to use in conjunction with my art is highlighted in this set of photographs. From fresh, modern engagement photographs to real and meaningful photojournalistic moments.

When a couple asks me to focus on imagery for wall art, like Chris and Gisela did it gives such an opportunity to fly...to document in ways that will create a unique lasting heirloom. Downtown Denver was the perfect setting for this. Cheers to the newly engaged couple and their willingness to share their story.

ments.

...are you thinking something? We would love to know. Comment below.

Natural engagement photos | Denver, CO | Jeff . Sarah

Natural Engagement Session | Denver, CO | Sarah . Jeff Sweet, strong interactions. Immediately best friends. Bike riding passioneers. Gentle spirits. Christmas-like smiles. Fit for forever.

Jeff, Sarah and I met at Wash Park and South Pearl Street to document their engagement. This natural themed shoot capitalized on the couple's beautiful personal resources. I really don't like to waste anything. I don't like to waste creativity, ideas, time or interactions to name a few. I likely landed in the portrait photography business because I really believe that realistic, personality filled photography is purposeful. When photographing couples, I think about what the images will mean ten years down the road or what these journalistic photographs will mean to the the couple's offspring, to the ones who they will meet down the road or to a family when celebrating 50 year of marriage.

These photos of Jeff and Sarah show great beauty and meaning inside and out. Two of the things I hope they remember and understand even better in 50 years.

downtown denver engagement photographer | a&n

Natural Engagement Photos | Denver, CO | Andrew . Nicole "We want photos that show happiness," Andrew told me as they described what their ideal engagement photos would be like. I think we nailed it...happiness.

This lovely couple will be getting married next summer at the Brown Palace, a unique, classic downtown wedding venue. Many more happy photos to come. Stay tuned.

Rainy Urban Couple's Photography | Fine art portraiture

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Rainy Urban Couple's Photography | The kind that you will hang on your wall | Brandon and Cielle

They say the best things in life are free. I have always thought that phrase was referring to refills and furniture found in the alley behind my home and Whole Foods samples and Gmail... but after a serendipitous photo shoot in the rain, I am starting to reconsider. It is sometimes the things we don't plan for by which we are blessed the most. This rang especially true when rain fell on our photo shoot with Brandon and Cielle. We ran. We danced. We spun around downtown documenting this wonderful couple and capturing some some amazing images that the two could hang on their wall as custom, personal art pieces. Little did we know, the combination between rain, urban shapes, a Q-flash and the energy of Cielle and Brandon would create an incredibly unique set of artistic portraits.

This couple with these raindrops... tis' the beauty of the accidental, and I love them even more knowing how fabulous the subjects are. [/flo_one_third] [flo_two_third_last padding="20px 20px 20px 20px" class="" ] [/flo_two_third_last]

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couples photographer | denver art museum photographer

Denver Art Museum | Couples Photographer | Chris and Steph You remember these two young pups? If you have been a Selah follower for life, you may remember Chris and Steph's awesome New York wedding. Their wedding is at the top of my "Let's set this up and do it again" wedding list. They were married as babies, five years ago, and are still living happily ever after. The two moved to Denver a couple of months ago and couldn't resist a photo update.

We LOVE Chris and Steph. Here's to you, your greatness, and fantastic five years of marriage!

engagement photographer denver . downtown denver

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Engagement photographer Denver

 Justin and Stacey

Saturday's daylight joined the last bits of Colorado's fall to showcase these spectacular candid engagement photographs. I always feel that we have completed a successful session when the images clearly define the couples connection and personality. These images so distinctively share their playful and loving interactions with each other. The credit of their realness must be given to Justin and Stacey's trust and willingness to share themselves. I'm sure these engagement photos, marking such newness and excitement, will be a treasure to their family for years.

Stay tuned for Justin and Stacey's wedding in April. Matt and I will be traveling with many of their closest friends to their Mexico destination wedding. Yes, we're so excited.

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Urban Fine Art Engagement | Colorado | Dave . Taylor

Urban Artistic Engagement Photographs | Dave . Taylor All it took was Dave's allure towards the hammock chair in my office for me to develop a quick fondness for this fantastic couple. We walked around some of my favorite photographic spots downtown Denver capturing these artistic urban engagement photos.

Dave and Taylor's Vail wedding is on the top of my "most looking forward to" list of 2013. Be sure to check back for that one.

 

surprise engagement | red rocks

Surprise engagement | Cory . Ciara These two love birds traveled to Colorado last week to catch the Mumford concert at Red Rocks. Cory held the surprise well as he knew the whole time this trip was going to be a to more than just a concert.

I love photographing newly engaged couples but can't say I've ever captured someone so ripely engaged. These images were taken the day after their engagement and it took little prompting to encourage their exuding joy.

Congrats Cory and Ciara!

Broadmoor engagement session | Dominic . Mary

Broadmor engagement session | Dononic . Mary

I had to throw up a quick preview of Dominic and Mary's engagement session photographed yesterday at their wedding venue, the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. We'll be back on Saturday for their wedding as I am certain the imagery will be superb. Check back soon for more engagement photos and their wedding preview.

"I can't imagine how attractive your children are going to be," I told Dominic and Mary.

country engagement | chatfield botanic gardens

Chatfield Botanic Garden | Red, Rustic Barn | Mike and Diane These two are the sweetest. The Nebraska couple is planning their intimate Breckenridge wedding for late September. Be sure to watch for more.

Here we are, the beautiful Mike and Diane!

downtown denver engagement photographer . natural

Downtown Engagement Photographer

Kyle | Alicia

"We're always like this," they told me as the two laughed their way through their engagement session in downtown Denver.

We are so excited to be a part of their wedding. Alicia and Kyle will exchange vows in Northern Montana with a fun and intimate celebration. There will be boats, camping, games and everything unique and fun that group of best friends would do together.

Check back mid-September for more from this awesome couple laughing together.

best engagement ever

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Maybe the best engagement ever

Andy & Crystal | Billings, MT

"I've got to do it." I remember Crystal telling me as she decided to move from Denver to Billings to chase this boy, Andy. It took only a few months of living in the same town, on top of a few months of dating, for this lovely couple to decide that their relationship would last forever. Their romantic story alongside of the obvious love and affection in these photos may make this along the best engagement ever.

There are so many reasons why we are excited about Andy and Crystal. I've been typing and deleting for the last ten minutes attempting to make some of those thoughts concrete. Instead, I'll tell you through the medium which I speak best. In case you have been wondering what the Worlds Best Accountant looks like, allow your eyes to feast.

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artistic engagement photographer

artistic engagement photographer

Reuben | Ali

I think I have just found my new poster children for Selah's website. This "incredibly un-photogenic" couple and I strolled around Denver last weekend for their urban, unique and artistic engagement photographs. We took a break at the Tin Man, the place where their eyes met for the first time. "Ali was sitting over there the first time I saw her," Reuben told me.

I have a feeling that everyone who looks at these images are going to want to befriend these two. I can't wait for their wedding this summer.

Looking for an artistic engagement photographer are you? Check our more engagement photos like these in our gallery.