1. Engagement Photography Unique to Each Individual

Lin and Jirsa Wedding Photography uses three different formats to approach the engagement photography shoot. The three formats are used to help couples figure out which format they are most comfortable with. Each format, pure photojournalistic, assisted, and combination are discussed below in further detail.

To every format of photography regardless of it being assisted or not, Lin and Jirsa Photography adds our own “in-between philosophy” to make sure that we capture gorgeous candid moments during the shoot. We believe that the best shots are not necessary the actual posed shots, but are the shots right before and after. Moments where the couple laughs at each other for being so silly; or that special moment where the groom-to-be whispers sweet words to his fiancé. These are the in-between moments that our engagement photographers are looking for. So, regardless of the format you choose, rest assured that you will also get beautiful candid imagery.

2. Pure Photojournalistic Engagement Photography

Pure photojournalism engagement shoots are completely unassisted by the engagement photographer. This format works well for the couple that has a sentimental activity or location in mind and can act natural while ignoring the photographer.

This format works by the engagement photographer going out to the location along with the couple. Once the engagement photographer helps the couple find and setup their scene, he/she will simply pop on a telephoto (long range) lens, stand 25-50 feet away, and let the couple have their moment all alone. This format of photography produces beautiful candid imagery. For example, for one of our couples, the perfect location was Manhattan Beach in the Los Angeles Area. This was the location of their first date, and we basically just stood back and captured them playing on the Manhattan Beach Pier and down on the beach.

3. Assisted Engagement Photography

Assisted engagement photography is more of a traditional engagement photography style and involves the engagement photographer assisting the couple in their scene selections, posing and interactions. This format of photography works well for the couple that may not know exactly what they want, where they want to shoot; and doesn’t feel comfortable acting natural in front of a camera.

For this format, the engagement photographer will get an understanding of the couples style and personality. A few different locations will be recommended and once agreed upon; the engagement photographer will head out to the location with the couple. Once the engagement photographer and couple finds the scene, the engagement photographer will talk the couple through several different photojournalistic and traditional poses in order to help the couple find a pose that they feel is fitting and comfortable. This format primarily produces lovely photojournalistic and traditional posed imagery.

4. Combined Photojournalistic and Assisted Engagement Photography

Combination engagement photography is probably our favorite format. This format of engagement photography is just as it sounds, a combination of assisted and pure photojournalism. This format of engagement photography works well for the couple who wants both photojournalism and assisted imagery, and chooses to have a longer engagement photography outing. An example is a shoot we did in Laguna Beach in the Orange County Area. We spent the first part of the day posing our couple for some traditional and fine-art images. For the second half, we asked them to be themselves and enjoy their time at the beach while we stayed at a distance and shot away.

We love this format of engagement photography because it allows us to spend a half or full day with our clients prior to the wedding. This time not only allows us to develop a close relationship with our couple, but also allows us to get to know each other’s personality. This allows us to produce more personalized imagery, not only during the engagement shoot, but also on the wedding day.

About Lin & Jirsa

Creative. Clean. Different. We are a group of creatives in Orange County with a passion for storytelling. Founded in 2007, our studio has been recognized as the best wedding photographers in Los Angeles and Orange County by various publications, websites, and groups. We’d love to show you our studio in Orange County, California and walk you through our albums, canvases and other print photography products. We can also provide more information on our Wedding Videography and introduce you to our team!