77 Days

Many couples now-a-days like to get what is know as an 'Engagement Shoot' done by their wedding photographer. Since Rob and I had not found our wedding photographer until recently, but still wanted photos for our Save the Dates, we decided to take them with my camera and we had Rob's brother take them.

While we have fabulous photos of our actual engagement, we still wanted something different for our save the date. (We used our actual engagement photos for our engagement announcements). So we decided to go, where else, but back to Lancaster for our engagement photos.

Want to see some of our favorites? (All photos in this post are personal photos)

We where having so much fun!

One we seriously considered using for our STDs.

The picture we did use on our Save the Dates.

Now, I am very happy that we where able to take these photos, and we had a lot of fun taking them. I am also glad that I have such a nice camera, (thanks, Rob!) and that Rob's brother, Tim was willing to take them for us.

However, let me just offer some tips for those couples out there trying to do your own Engagement Shoot:

 Tip 1: Make sure the person taking the photos is used to and knows how to change settings on the camera to be used. We have some pictures that are really cute, but can not be salvaged due to being taken in the wrong setting. (i.e to blurry, dark, saturated, etc)

Tip 2: If the person taking the pictures is not a professional, be ready with plenty of poses! Rob and I pulled out all different kinds of poses, some worked, and some didn't work. If you are in need of inspiration, search photographer's blogs.

Tip 3: Try a variety of settings, we did almost all inside shots but moved around since light was better in some areas, or angles where better in another. Don't be afraid to take lots of pictures!!

Finally, I will leave you with this last photo and tip... not all photos come out exactly like you think they will, but sometimes those imperfections make the photo all the more perfect:

This photo was taken at night in front of the chapel where we will be married in 78 short days, and those little white dots are just the little blobs that sometimes happen when you use a flash at night, however, many people tell us they think it's snow!

What do you think?

Did you have a professional take your engagement photos, or did you take them yourselves?