Let’s do this!
I’m so excited to be working with you on your engagement session! Even if you’re just popping in for the good info in this guide, I hope you’ll find everything you need!
I’m a big fan of the engagement session because it gives us plenty of time to get to know each other! You have the opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera, and
see first hand how I work. I promise you every couple tells me they’re nervous before their session; but by the end, they’re having a blast and can’t wait for their wedding day!
This guide will give you plenty of info to consider, from the season you’ll want your session in to the outfits you’ll want to wear. I cover everything so you don’t have to worry about a single detail!
Hey Guys… This note is for you
I get it. You probably don’t have “stand in front of a camera for 1-2 hours and smile” at the top of your to do list. I’ll be honest, I don’t either. It feels awkward and forced, am I right?
But that’s exactly why you should do it.
By the time your session is finished, you’ll realize it was a lot easier than you thought, and I’m willing to bet you’re a natural model. Men just have this way of doing nothing that makes them look good (I mean for real, your partner said yes right? Obviously, you’re not ugly.)
Engagements are fun with a capital F.
This is your opportunity to show off your mad skills and toss your partner over your shoulder when I ask you to pick her up. We all love a little caveman style. 😉 Or better yet, pull some strings and let’s make part of the engagement center around your favorite activity… especially if it’s air-hockey.
Frequently asked Questions
It’s always a little intimidating to have your picture taken …. even if it’s just an iphone photo taken by a friend. We still want to look nice, make sure nothing is in our teeth and that our hair is behaving! I realize preparing for your engagement session can be a little overwhelming. In this guide, I’ll be providing tips for outfits, handling nerves and recommendations that will make your shoot the best it can possibly be!
Check your pockets
Empty your pockets! Literally. You don’t want to have key chains or phones showing through your pockets. (This is for the guys especially!)
Timing is essential
The sun sets quickly especially if your engagement session takes place in the cooler months. The later you arrive, the less time we have to shoot! Once the sun is set, the shoot will be over.
Clean your ring
Clean the ring! While the majority of the focus won’t be on your rings, be sure to clean them thoroughly so they sparkle and shine in the sunlight. We will likely do a few ring shots while you’re changing outfits.
Changing Clothing
As much as I would like to say that we always have restrooms for outfit changes, more often than not, our clients do quick outfit changes in their car if there are no other options!
Deep Breaths
I’m going to help you along the way and it’s going to be a blast! Enjoy this time together, and make a date out of it! Plan a date night afterwards and celebrate.
Parking Fees
Depending on the location we choose, you’ll want to prepare to have cash on hand or your discover/parks pass for parking. The last thing we want is stress over where to park on the day of your engagement session!
Lip Color + Hairspray
You may need to apply more lip color after one outfit change and a few kisses. (If you have a bold lip color, try to have a matte finish so it won’t transfer to your groom as intensely!). Hairspray and a brush will be helpful if your hair struggles in the humidity!
Comfy Shoes
If you’re wearing shoes that are difficult to walk in but look awesome, bring some comfy shoes to change into while we walk to each shooting location!
OUTFITS + STYLING
Believe it or not, you have so much control over the outcome of your shoot and what it looks and feels like! What you choose to wear is a big decision that often causes some stress for the bride beforehand. However, my hope is that with a little education, you will be able to determine the style and feel you desire for your shoot which will make your outfit selection so much easier and less complicated! Let’s start by debunking some very common outfit myths that a lot of people believe about what they should wear to their session!
Whoever started this myth couldn’t have been further from the truth. There are some colors that don’t work for some people, but for the majority of people, they look amazing in neutrals and those colors shouldn’t be avoided. The truth is, neutrals are the most photogenic color for portraits.
Sure, black is slimming, but it also photographs very heavy in portraits. There is nothing wrong with black, but if you’re only wearing it to look thinner and deep down you’re hoping for light and airy portraits, it may not be the best choice.
Please don’t try to match your significant other. Instead, try to coordinate! Coordinating is a completely different concept than “matching.” Coordination means you are usually choosing different colors that look good together but are not close to being the same. I have some more tips about this concept in the following pages.
False! Your outfit has way more impact than your location. Your location is just a setting in the background but you two will still be the main focus of the images. If you want light, airy and an overall romantic look to your photos, you will need to wear lighter, more neutral colors in your photos to achieve this look!
False! If you know you look awesome in an outfit that you already have and it fits the style you want for your engagement session, that would be a great choice!
Engagement Style Guides + Inspiration
