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    Tips for taking fall and winter engagement photos

    With fall upon us and winter right around the corner, many newly engaged couples are getting set to take their engagement photos and use the lovely natural scenery as a backdrop. If you're one of the aforementioned couples, you undoubtedly want your pictures to reflect the love that the two of you share for each other. These photos are going to stay with you the rest of your lives and they're going to be shown to all of your loved ones, so it's no surprise you want them to be as fabulous as possible. There are several tips for taking fall and winter engagement photos that can help you produce the perfect pictures.

    Check the color changing schedule

    Don't be one of those soon-to-be brides who wants a gorgeous brightly-hued leafy fall backdrop and complains when the leaves are already on the ground or haven't turned yet when you're ready to take your pictures. Check out a Fall Foliage map for your specific area so you can plan exactly when to take your photos and capture the changing leaves in the background.

    Don't wear too many layers of clothing

    I've seen some fall and engagement photos where the women were completely bundled in a multitude of layers. They looked boxy, way too covered up and awkward with so many layers on. Skip the heavy and huge coats and instead, opt for wearing a peacoat. It's stylish, classy and can complement any backdrop. It also has a good shape, can flatter any figure and will still keep you warm. Another option is to just wear a sweater without a coat over it. To help you stay warm without adding bulk, wear a tight fitting camisole or a long-sleeve thermal shirt underneath and throw on a scarf as an accessory.

    Have fun with natural seasonal props

    Fall leaves and snow don't have to stay just part of the backdrop. Instead, use them as props as well. Throw leaves up in the air, throw snowballs at each other, hold pumpkins with carved messages and have snow falling down on you. Incorporate the seasonal beauty into the forefront.

    Get down on the ground

    There's nothing wrong with standing up during your fall or winter engagement photos, but don't be afraid to get down on the ground for some of your pictures. The shots may end up being some of your favorites. Make a snow or leaf heart around the both of you, sit down in a pumpkin field, make snow angels, wrap yourselves up in a blanket while sitting in a field of leaves or sit on a blanket in snow. Take these photos last just in case your pants get a little damp from the snow or leaves.

    Wear color complementary clothing

    Don't be too matchy-matchy in your engagement photos. Avoid wearing the same colors otherwise it won't photograph well and try not to wear colors that will clash. Neutrals, reds and pinks look great for fall photos and for winter, consider going bright. If you have a red, fuchsia or other brightly colored coat, don't be afraid to wear it! The colors will stand out beautifully against a white, snowy background.

    Whether you have a loved one take the photos or you hire a professional, you're probably going to try to plan everything out from where you're taking the pictures to what you're wearing. However, don't hesitate to be spontaneous! As with many pictures, a random moment captured in a photo can turn out to be one of the best.

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