Engagement Photo Anxiety

I’ve never had an eating DO but I think most of us can relate to being self conscious! You are your own worst critic & I’m sure you already know that. Unfortunately there isn’t much that we can do to help you. Have you ever seen a therapist or counselor to help you get over the eating disorder?

I think most of us feel like we worried for no reason. I, for example, know I’m overweight. I worried and worried, but in the end, my photos were beautiful. And even though there were some I didn’t like, there were way more of the ones I did like. Some I love.

The only advice I can give you is to try to do things that are relaxing prior to your shoot. Exercising, reading, a bubble bath, mani pedi. Whatever makes you feel good and relaxed. See if it helps. Otherwise, if the anxiety is truly that bad and your day-to-day life is difficult. I’d seek professional help.

Good luck, darling. I’m sure you will look beautiful 💋

I definitely understand being insecure and wanting to look/feel beautiful. I just took engagements photos with my FH and I am so awkward with taking photos in general but our photographer was soo amazing and made us feel so comfortable and always told us what to do/what poses to make. I would choose an outfit that makes you feel beautiful and something that you feel 100% comfortable in. Also, I have bad acne and had a really bad breakout before the engagement photos and yes, there’s some photos where it’s definitely noticeable even with makeup but overall, I loved the photos because they were special and memorable. I know in the future I’m not going to look back at the photos and dislike them because of my acne.
Also, I used to struggle with an eating disorder for years and I know it’s not easy but try to think what really is most important and valuable to you. I had to learn a lot of self love and realize my self worth isn’t grounded in what size I am or what I look like. Everyone wants to feel and look beautiful on their wedding day and this is definitely important but know that your FH I am sure loves you just the way you are—right now and that more importantly you are going to be married to the love of your life.

I used to have an ED, I’m recovered but I still struggle with body image and low self esteem. I opted out of an engagement session and thank goodness our package did not include one. What has helped me is keeping pics private and only allowing close friends and family to see them or have a copy.

Okay, so I don't have an eating disorder background. But, the way I chose to look at my engagement photos was as a practice for the wedding. I was nervous as well. I do not take photos. I am not one of those people. Some pictures turned out hilarious. Some were amazing. Do your best to keep in mind that these are for FUN. You're going to look great. You're probably going to look into your FH's eyes more than you have in your whole relationship haha. You will feel comfortable because you will feel loved.

I felt the same exact way with out engagement photos. W spent a bunch of money on outfits, hair, and makeup. The day of we were in such a rush to look perfect. I ended up stopping and just saying to FH (who was also stressing out) that wait. this is for us. sure we don't want to be late because that is rude, but if we have to stop and adjust or only get a few pictures then oh well. even if none turn out perfect, we don't have to show them to anyone. these are ours. we are paying for them. Just remind yourself you do not need to meet anyone else's standards. Think of it as a date with your SO to wherever you are going rather than a business appointment that has to go perfectly.

Thanks for all the input, everyone! I am working with a therapist on this, I just can't kick the self-esteem stuff. I can't even think about dress shopping yet, that's a whole other ordeal lol Thankfully we have plenty of time before the wedding (12/31/20), but because of the date I know I need to send STDs way in advance AND I'll be in my last year of grad school and interning in 2020 so I want to get as far ahead as possible.

It's very helpful to be reminded that yes this is about us and we really don't even have to share any of them anyway. I hadn't really thought about that aspect. I'll just have to trust that they know what they're doing and hopefully won't make us look terrible or at least be able to edit the photos well lol