THRILLED TO HAVE YOU HERE!

Are you ready to capture your own engagement magic right from your iPhone? With today’s technology, creating memorable engagement photos without a professional photographer is more accessible than ever.


Let's dive into how you can DIY your engagement shoot with just an iPhone and a tripod, ensuring those special moments are snapped in the most magical settings of Wilmington, NC!

 

STEP 1

 

BUY A CAMERA OR USE YOUR SMARTPHONE

 

Your Toolkit:

  • Smartphone: Most smartphone from 2016 till now are good enough to take high quality photos.
  • Tripod: Definitely get a tripod and a clamp for your smartphone
  • Remote Shutter: Buy a Bluetooth remote shutter for iPhones. This will let you snap pictures without touching your phone, avoiding shakes and enabling more natural poses.
Phone tripod stand with adjustable height and Bluetooth remote control for mobile photography and video recording.
Black iPhone 13 Pro with triple camera setup held against gray couch background.
Black wireless camera remote shutter with spiral lanyard attachment for smartphone photography.

STEP 2

 

find a location

 

  • Greenfield Lake is beautiful in spring and fall with Spanish moss and swans around. Rent a canoe for an intimate shoot on the water!
  • Downtown Wilmington has a ton of historic buildings to pose in front of if you dont care about
  • The Beach has beautiful sunset and is likely people walking around
  • Click here for 15 best locations to get engaged in Wilmington, NC

 

STEP 3

 

What to wear

 

  • Opt for contrasting colors against green backgrounds or neutral tones if you're shooting in urban areas.
  • Comfort is key! Choose outfits that not only look good but also allow you to move freely.
Romantic sunset engagement photo of couple embracing on beach in golden hour light.

STEP 4

 

Set up your shoot

 

Timing is Everything:

  • Aim for the golden hour, the hour after sunrise or before sunset, for the most flattering natural light.
  • Use your iPhone’s portrait mode to blur the background and focus sharply on you and your partner, creating a professional depth-of-field effect.

Composition Tips:

  • Experiment with different angles and heights. Place your tripod at varying levels to see what looks best.
  • Include elements of the environment in your shots. Frame yourselves under arches, between trees, or against textured walls for added depth.
Romantic couple portrait in front of Gothic revival church with arched windows and manicured shrubs.

STEP 5

 

CAPTURE A VARIETY OF SHOTS

 

  • Start with Posed Photos: Use classic poses as well as candid moments of laughter or affection.
  • Switch Roles: Take turns with the remote shutter to capture each other’s natural reactions and expressions.
  • Include Props: Bring along items that mean something to both of you — perhaps a book you both love or a keepsake from your first date.


Playful beach photoshoot with couple dancing in wind at sunset.

STEP 6

 

Edit your photos

 

Utilize apps like Lightroom Mobile or VSCO for professional-level photo editing right from your phone. Play with filters, adjust lighting, and enhance colors to bring out the best in your shots.