How to Easily Save Money on Your Engagement Photos

WTF Hubby and I decided not to hire a photographer for our engagement photos. Here’s why:

1.  Technology has done for the point and click, what Elle Woods has done for the bend and snap. We can thank automatic camera settings for taking away the guesswork to gorgeous photos!

2. I cared more about the time spent researching Vancouver wedding photographers, than about the photos themselves. Not a romantic bride-to-be here, sorry!

3. One studio wanted $600/hr for their services. Another place wanted $400/hr in exchange for 70 digital images. If I wanted 20 images, it would cost $280 for 15 minutes. WTF, these were only base rates (doesn’t include travel or edits)!

   I thought the Valentine’s tax was bad, but the wedding tax is worse.

We, the WTF Hubby & Bride Dream Team, came up with a plan for affordable photos! This was what we ended up doing in real life.

How To Get Engagement Photos for Less

1. Ask a friend to take your pictures.

   Your friend may say, “Look, I’m not a photographer”, or “I’m not sure about this...”

   You will reassure this amazing friend that the camera will do most of the work! If you turn into a monster who expects 70 perfect shots, you authorize your friend to walk out.

   Here’s a bonus for already having a relationship with your “photographer”. You and your hubby will appear more relaxed in the photos. Also, cute candid photos will come more easily!

   *For the lucky ducks who have photographer friends, please feel free to stop reading at Step 1.

2. Pick a camera.

   We alternated between a digital camera and the Google Pixel’s camera.

3. Pick a location, preferably an Instagram-ready location.

   We went to the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival (open until Sept.13!). IG-ready places, like this one, are made for pictures! They also provide you with photo props to use. Props give you something to do with your hands so they don’t end up looking awkward…

   Yes keeners, you can also bring props to your location of choice. Just keep it simple.

   4. Go on Pinterest and Instagram for posing inspiration.

   Most of us throw up peace signs and call it a day. Sadly, the cuteness ends after the second photo. Trust me.

   Instead, pick out engagement photos/poses on Pinterest & Instagram and save them. I was inspired by engagement photos from other couples on the sunflower fest’s IG and tagged photos.

   You can also get outfit inspo here too! Don’t forget to send these photos to your friend and fiancé. Everyone needs to be on the same page.

4. Take a lot of photos!

   This is not film photography! Taking more photos will give you more choices later on.

5. Go through and edit

   Before you start to edit, pick out the photos you like from the hundreds you have!

   I made friends with FaceTune2, because it’s easy to use. Remember, editing really comes down to personal preference. As long as you love the way your photos look, that’s all that matters.
   

   Finally, don’t forget to share those photos :)

   Here are our engagement photos! WTF Hubby is big on privacy, so we decided he’ll look like a very moustached Comme des Garçons heart in these photos. Enjoy, haha!

Total cost of our engagement photos

Travel/gas - $10 from Vancouver to Chilliwack

Festival Tickets - $47

Drinks & sunflowers purchased from the shop - $10

FaceTune2 VIP - Free 3 day trial, but I use it so much that I bought it for $69.99

Total - $136.99 engagement photos

I hope our experience empowers you to think outside the box when it comes to wedding planning. Good luck!

xoxo,

WTF Bride