Engagement Session Guide
I am thrilled to be working with you and looking forward to our engagement session together! It's natural to feel a little anxious about your session, but don't worry, even I get nervous sometimes - and I'm a professional photographer!
Engagement sessions are one of my favorite things to do for a couple of reasons. Firstly, they help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera. It can take time for most couples to get used to being photographed and understand how I pose them. Wedding days can be hectic, and we may only have 30 minutes for portraits, which is why I recommend doing engagement sessions beforehand and have found that wedding day portraits turn out much better as a result.
Secondly, engagement sessions are an excellent opportunity to showcase your personalities in a more relaxed setting that is meaningful to you both (and even include pets!). While they're perfect for save-the-dates, I've taken engagement photos anywhere from 18 months in advance to a few days before the wedding.
There's a lot to consider when planning a session, and since I get asked the same questions repeatedly, I thought it would be helpful if I put together a guide that covers everything you need to know. I'll go over what to wear, whether to bring pets, how to handle them, location ideas, and much more!
A NOTE FOR THE SHY ONES:
I understand that having your photo taken for a couple of hours might not be your favorite thing to do during your free time. Initially, you might feel awkward posing in front of the camera. However, you'll realize that it's not as difficult as you'd thought, and you might even enjoy it by the end of the session. I'm looking forward to it because it's an excellent opportunity for us to spend some time together before the wedding day. When in doubt, a shot or cocktail beforehand always helps!
Lighting
Choosing the right time of day can play a huge part in the end result of your photos. I recommend scheduling your photo shoot an hour or two before sunset or an hour after sunrise.
Shooting during these times allows us to take advantage of the beautiful light that occurs during the golden hour. The light is softer and more diffused, which helps avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches that can be unflattering in photos.
By choosing the right time of day, you can ensure that your photos will look stunning and timeless. It's important to be on time for your photo shoot, especially if it takes place in the evening. Running out of light can be a real issue, so we want to make sure we have plenty of time to capture all the shots we need. If your photo shoot takes place in the morning, keep in mind that the sun gets harsher as it rises, so it's best to schedule the session as early as possible.
Cash, our pup, is an integral part of our family. That's why I appreciate it when couples decide to include their pets in their session. However, keep in mind that if you choose to bring your pet along, we'll need to find a pet-friendly location.
I suggest scheduling your pet to be present at the start of the session and then either taking them home or having a friend pick them up. I won't use the pet in every photo, so it's also beneficial to have someone available to hold them between shots if possible.
If you decide to bring a pet, I recommend exercising them beforehand and bringing their favorite toys or treats. Depending on your pet's fur type, it might also be wise to groom them before the shoot.
PETS
OUTFITS
When choosing what to wear, it's best to focus on complementing rather than matching your clothes. A helpful tip is to select colors that belong to the same family, such as warm hues.
For engagement sessions, couples usually choose two outfits: one formal and one casual. To get the best results, it's recommended to wear your favorite outfit later in the session when you feel more comfortable in front of the camera. Don't forget to accessorize your outfits with statement necklaces, cute shoes, or classic watches to add some extra detail.
OUFIT TIPS
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COLORS
Once you’ve nailed down your location, you can think about color options. If you’re taking pictures outdoors, solid colors are your friend with a few patterns mixed in. Using a combination of deep and neutral undertones, set in lush green woods or on sandy beaches will look the best. We also recommend to use more muted colors. Bright reds, oranges, yellows, blues, can cast color onto the skin making skin tones uneven and not appealing.
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SHOES
It's important to pay attention to your footwear choice as it can have a significant impact on your overall look. Engagement photography sessions often involve a lot of walking, so it's crucial to select comfortable shoes. If you're opting for heels, consider bringing a pair of flats to switch into when moving between locations. It's best to avoid athletic shoes altogether.
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GO CASUAL
We want your personality to shine through in your photos. If dressing up isn't your thing, go for a casual look - a well-fitted t-shirt and jeans can often look great!
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Think movement
We adore flowy dresses and skirts as they always photograph beautifully and create a mesmerizing movement that we absolutely love! Let's capture that enchanting flow in our pictures!
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MAKE IT A DATE NIGHT
If you and your partner don't usually wear formal attire, then the day of your engagement session is the perfect time to do so. You can make it a special date night or have a lovely brunch if your session is scheduled in the morning. It's important to remember that your engagement session is an important part of celebrating your love and relationship. After the session, you can head out to dinner to make the day even more memorable!
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Accessories
The quickest way to take your outfits from average to amazing! Think scarves, blazers, cardigans, belts, jewelry, and hats.
POSING
When it comes to your engagement photo session, you don't have to worry about a thing. I will guide you through the entire process, starting with poses that are super easy and natural. If I ask you to do something that feels a little strange, don't worry, it is probably because I know it will make you laugh, and that is when I can capture some great photos.
During the session, I will keep an eye on your hands, legs, hair, makeup, and outfits to make sure everything stays in place. My goal is for you to feel as comfortable as possible and enjoy your time together!
Giving you a great experience is just as important to us as giving you photos you love!
When to expect your photos?
After your session, we will provide you with a preview of your images called "sneak peeks". This preview will be available within 24-48 hours after your session. The sneak peeks will give you a quick look at some of the images from your session to help you get excited about the final results.
The rest of your images will be available for viewing 2 weeks after your session. During this time, we will carefully select and edit your images to ensure that you receive the highest quality results. We appreciate your patience and we are confident that the final images will be worth the wait.
