For the next submission in Matrimony Monday’s we will continue to chat about engagement shoots.

You want your engagement photos of you to look like (you guessed it) you. So you don’t want to bust out make-up that looks totally different from the way you look on a daily basis (or when you get dulled up). Nor do you want to look like you are going clubbing—unless you always do!

You do need to remember that if you are doing a studio session the lights will wash you out. Even if you are doing an environmental engagement shoot and dealing with natural light the colours will look muted in the prints. So everything you apply needs to be a little more exaggerated. Do your make-up and turn it up a couple notches, (Think volume 11.)

Use a slightly heavier hand when you apply your blush and lipstick. If you don’t already use lip liner, consider it, but remember to keep it subtle and most importantly blended. Stick with your usual foundation, though. Keep the shine under control. This is true on a warm day, but even the coolest among us may get a little glisteny when faced with the lens of a camera. I do personally love Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. (Get no kick-backs, I wish! Just really love the product.)

This said having your make-up professionally done may be optimal. In fact, you may want to use the engagement shoot as a practice run for the make-up artist you will be using on your wedding day. Just a thought.

And your hair? The groom should have his cut about one week before the session while the bride should be photographed whenever they are happiest with their hair in relation to the time it is styled/cut. This means if you like your hair the day after you wash it (which might be the case for those of you with curly or wavy hair) then don’t feel compelled to wash it the day of the shoot. If you want straight hair, consider having a blow out for that super-smooth look.

Just remember you want to look like…you!

Happy planning,
Dani