Whether you’re enjoying this milestone in life, planning your Christmas cards, or considering annual family beach portraits, here are a few tips to help ensure that these are your best photos yet!

Tip #1: Scout your locations

Think about the kind of photos you’re looking for and who’s going to be in them. You’ll want to choose an environment that you feel comfortable in and that’s photogenic, naturally. Make sure that you have multiple locations in mind and be aware of parking availability and travel time to and from locations. Have backups in case your first choice doesn’t pan out.

Being in Washington, D.C., we had our hearts set on having engagement portraits shot by the cherry blossoms on the Potomac. If you’re familiar with the National Cherry Blossom Festival that takes place at our nation’s capital every year, you’ll understand when I say…so did everyone else. Luckily, we knew of a few cherry blossom trees near the U.S. Capitol grounds that were all but guaranteed to be crowd-free, so our backup ended up being just perfect.

Be aware of what may be in the background of your photos. If you’re shooting on a picnic blanket or somewhere on ground level, chances are good that you’ll want the backdrop behind you to be lush trees and not bare spots of grass or a parking lot. If you’re shooting with a professional photographer, chances are good that they’ll have a few spots in mind depending on the look and feel you’ve decided on.

Tip #2: Test your look

Make sure that what you’re wearing matches with the environment in which you’re shooting and with the colors your friend or partner may be wearing. It’s the same as when you’re picking out a wedding dress or a dress as a guest at a wedding. Chances are that what you’d wear to a wedding in a ballroom is different than what you’d wear to an outdoor wedding by the water. Make sure that your attire is appropriate for the locations.

Test your makeup and hair, too. Whether it’s your first time shooting or you’re a pro, you’ll want to have these things ironed out and feel confident in them so that the only thing you have to worry about at your shoot is smiling at the camera.

Tip #3: Consider lighting

This is very important, especially if you’re shooting outside. Most professional photographers will check the lighting with a few test shots to make sure the lighting looks okay first. Think about the time of day when you’re shooting.  Try to avoid direct sun as it can overpower easily, not to mention any squinting. Try standing with your back against the sunlight to create a glow and a little backlighting, or let the sun hit you from an angle or on the side. Remember to look for shadows. A leafy tree might look like the perfect backdrop, but leaves can cast shadows on faces if they’re not corralled in the right place.

Tip #4: Get comfortable

I wrote about how important it is not to get discouraged during the beginning of a shoot in this post earlier. If you’re enjoying yourself, it will show through your photos and you’ll have smiles that are much more genuine and less forced.

Remember that it may take a few frames to get comfortable and in the groove. It’s always okay to ask whoever is taking your photos to see a few frames to make sure that your angle is good and that your smile is coming through. I like to laugh during mine. My Hubby thinks it’s hilarious, but I swear it works!

If you’re comfortable, your partner will be comfortable, and this will make your photos really spark.

Tip #5: Practice

Most people have their favorite “side” when it comes to a group shot. Know yours and your angles. Take a few photos with your phone at different sides and angles until you find a few that look fabulous. Those are yours!

Do a little bit of research. Are there bloggers or fashion models whose poses you like? Copy them and practice until you get the poses down without relying on a mirror – this is trickier than it sounds.

Most importantly: have fun! Your pictures will be wonderful, and they will get even better with practice. Engagement portraits are a great way to dip your feet in without the pressure of it being your bridal portraits or your wedding day. Relax and enjoy!