Engagement Session Tips
Engagement sessions are perfect for us to work together before your wedding day. I love being able to capture the two of you during this exciting season of your relationship. Remember that engagement sessions are supposed to be fun and relaxed. You don't have to be a model to take great photos. I will help you every step of the way and together we will create beautiful images! Please read the following tips to ensure a perfect engagement session!
Outfits
Make sure you wear something comfortable and something that you feel awesome in! I typically suggest two options—one a little more dressy, one a bit more casual—just to add some variety to your session. One thing you’ll definitely want to take into consideration is the flavor/atmosphere of where we’re shooting! Girls can never go wrong with outfits that flow well when moving (think dresses/skirts).
As far as the nitty gritty guidelines, here’s just a bit of advice:
Avoid small prints—they can be both distracting and hard to photograph. You can’t go wrong with solid colors!
Avoid pure white (ivories/creams are totally fine), any intense reds/pinks/oranges, as well as super skinny stripes.
Earth/Jewel tones are also always a good option!
Most of all, make sure you guys are both wearing something that makes you feel AWESOME. That confidence will definitely come across in your images!
See Travis and Jessica’s Engagement session where they brought two separate outfits.
2- Preparing the guys
Most guys don't realize what all an engagement shoot entails. It's best to prepare him ahead of time. I will be guiding the two of you during the session but remind him to stay relaxed (maybe pack him some snacks/drinks—especially if your session is in the summer when we shoot late in the afternoon). I promise I keep things simple and fun! My goal is always to shoot candidly as possible but engagement sessions need a tad more guiding and posing. Maybe even show him a blog post of one of my engagement sessions so he can get a glimpse of what it will look like
3-Trust Your Photographer
Like I said at the beginning of this page, you don't have to be a model to take beautiful photos. Just remember to be yourselves! The first 10-20 minutes you will be really nervous and that is totally normal! Let me be creative and you will have nothing to worry about! If you ever have any photo request please let me know and we will always get what you want too!
The photo of Niles and MaryGray was a spur of the moment photo. We were getting ready to end the session and I decided last minute to try taking photos at the top of a parking garage. They totally trusted me and we ended up with a set of beautiful images—from the top of a parking garage!!
4- Be on Time
I'm a natural light photographer (other than using flash at wedding receptions) and I'm always cautious of the time and sun. It's very important that we start on time as the sun dictates how long I can photograph you. An average shoot lasts 1-1.5 hours. If you show up 30 minutes late, the session is not extended, but, rather, ends at the regularly scheduled time.
5- Location and Time
The best time to shoot any portraits is normally right at sunrise or 2 hours before sunset. This rule of thumb can be applied to any time of the year. When it comes to picking the location for your portraits, I love shooting engagements in locations that mean something to you! I understand that this isn’t always possible but I like to throw it out there just in case!
6- Hair & Make-up
Some brides opt to get their hair and make-up professionally done, it’s a great way to make a day of your engagement session and to get pampered. If you prefer to do your own make up then remember to apply it like you normally would. Don't try any new make-up styles that might make you regret that decision later on. Don't worry if your hair blows in the wind during photos, this is a sure way to make your photos 10x more romantic!
Please let me know if you have any questions!
View more on the blog!
Follow along on Instagram!
