Howdy! First and foremost I just want to say that I’m so excited you two decided to move forward with an engagement session. These sessions are super fun and beneficial to the entire photography process. Not only do we get to hang out for a few hours (lucky me!) but it really enhances the photographer - couple relationship and builds comfortability in front of the camera. In my opinion, at its core, engagement sessions are meant to highlight your unique relationship, showcasing as many qualities and traits that are specific to you both. I want to capture you two as you normally are. Taking engagement photos is not a “normal” thing to do though, and can be weird and unnatural at first; these following tips are meant to mitigate those feelings, and bring forth a more efficient session as a whole.
For the ~2 hours we’ll be spending with each other, we’ll explore a predetermined location or two, taking photos all along the way. These sessions are meant to be relaxed and enjoyable as we work together towards the same goal: to create awesome, authentic photos of the two of you. I encourage you to trust me when it comes to poses, but also feel free to let me know if something feels uncomfortable or strange. Usually I can easily gauge this right off the bat, but it’s important we keep an honest & transparent approach. While I will be setting you in “poses,” these are more gentle guides and adjustments and you do not have to be frozen stiff in them. I know it’s easier said than done, but please don’t worry about being “bad” in front of the camera. It’s natural to feel uncomfortable while getting your photo taken….I honestly hate being in front of the camera. During our session, the awkwardness and discomfort will fade shortly into the shoot, and the more trust in the session, the quicker that will fade. Concentrate on how you love hanging out with your future spouse, and the rest will fall into place. Now here are some more practical tips!
LOCATIONS
When selecting locations, I believe it's important to choose a place that has special meaning to your relationship. Engagement sessions should complement your story, and the location can help enhance the narrative. Whether it's a favorite spot or a first-date location, take some time to think about one or two locations that would be meaningful to you. Also, it’s important to think about what kind of vibe you’re looking for in your session. Are you looking for something woodsy, rustic, urban, seaside, themed, lifestyle/in-home? The possibilities are endless, but if you're unsure where to start, I'm happy to provide a list of recommended spots.
When selecting locations, I believe it's important to choose a place that has special meaning to your relationship. Engagement sessions should complement your story, and the location can help enhance the narrative. Whether it's a favorite spot or a first-date location, take some time to think about one or two locations that would be meaningful to you. Also, it’s important to think about what kind of vibe you’re looking for in your session. Are you looking for something woodsy, rustic, urban, seaside, themed, lifestyle/in-home? The possibilities are endless, but if you're unsure where to start, I'm happy to provide a list of recommended spots.
CLOTHING
Super important here….is to wear clothes. More specifically, are the type & color of clothes you’ll choose for the session. I recommend two outfits, which we’ll be swapping through halfway during the session and in-between locations. Most couples will opt for one casual outfit, and one a little more formal. This is all entirely up to you. We should think about location when planning outfits. Are we on the beach? Maybe a suit isn’t the right choice. We will be moving quite a lot, so semi-comfortable footwear is recommended. Ideally the clothing….shouldn't be an issue, same goes for jewelry. If something is prone to slipping or getting tangled or bunched up, I’d recommend a different option.
Colors are tremendously important here. Your clothing shouldn’t match the environment, or each other. Coordinating with each other is totally fine, but matching...not as much. Subtle colors and pastels work great, while oversaturated reds, blues, and reflective colors should be avoided. Whites and blacks work in almost every situation, but too much white can wash you out, and too much black can cause a silhouette effect. The best tip I can give about clothing colors is to choose complementary colors that go well with the environment or with each other. If you need more information about complementary colors, check here.
Super important here….is to wear clothes. More specifically, are the type & color of clothes you’ll choose for the session. I recommend two outfits, which we’ll be swapping through halfway during the session and in-between locations. Most couples will opt for one casual outfit, and one a little more formal. This is all entirely up to you. We should think about location when planning outfits. Are we on the beach? Maybe a suit isn’t the right choice. We will be moving quite a lot, so semi-comfortable footwear is recommended. Ideally the clothing….shouldn't be an issue, same goes for jewelry. If something is prone to slipping or getting tangled or bunched up, I’d recommend a different option.
Colors are tremendously important here. Your clothing shouldn’t match the environment, or each other. Coordinating with each other is totally fine, but matching...not as much. Subtle colors and pastels work great, while oversaturated reds, blues, and reflective colors should be avoided. Whites and blacks work in almost every situation, but too much white can wash you out, and too much black can cause a silhouette effect. The best tip I can give about clothing colors is to choose complementary colors that go well with the environment or with each other. If you need more information about complementary colors, check here.
PROPS
From time to time, couples may want to incorporate props into their engagement session, which can range from save-the-date signs to their beloved pets. Props are a double edged sword, on one hand they provide great variety to the engagement images, and on the other they sometimes get in the way of the natural flow of the session, and can become cumbersome to carry around. I don’t recommend one way or the other, this is entirely up to you both! If you're thinking of bringing your dog, it’s imperative that we include the pup for only a portion of the session, and also have somebody else there to wrangle and distract them. As much as I love every dog I meet (especially my own!), dogs for engagement sessions really tend to work for only a portion of the session. They make for amazing photos, and help tell the story of that specific couple...but they think they’re on a walk...and not taking engagement photos. Engagement sessions move at about a turtle's pace when a dog is included (they never want to look at the camera!), which is why I recommend they only be present for a portion of the session.
From time to time, couples may want to incorporate props into their engagement session, which can range from save-the-date signs to their beloved pets. Props are a double edged sword, on one hand they provide great variety to the engagement images, and on the other they sometimes get in the way of the natural flow of the session, and can become cumbersome to carry around. I don’t recommend one way or the other, this is entirely up to you both! If you're thinking of bringing your dog, it’s imperative that we include the pup for only a portion of the session, and also have somebody else there to wrangle and distract them. As much as I love every dog I meet (especially my own!), dogs for engagement sessions really tend to work for only a portion of the session. They make for amazing photos, and help tell the story of that specific couple...but they think they’re on a walk...and not taking engagement photos. Engagement sessions move at about a turtle's pace when a dog is included (they never want to look at the camera!), which is why I recommend they only be present for a portion of the session.
OTHER GENERAL TIPS
Before I end this way too long of an engagement guide, I’m going to leave you with a few more general tips for an even smoother session.
Can’t wait!!
Before I end this way too long of an engagement guide, I’m going to leave you with a few more general tips for an even smoother session.
- Leave as much as you can in the car. If you’re bringing anything, try and consolidate everything to one bag. I also will have my camera bag with me that I can place small items in.
- Have you seen any engagement session photos that you love? Whether it’s from Instagram, Pinterest, or if you have any general ideas or photos that you love and would want to try for your session….send them over!
- Relax and have fun! I know it’s easier said than done, but this session is also all about celebrating your engagement and upcoming wedding! If it helps, take a shot of tequila while getting ready for your session, and if you’re feeling generous….save one for me. :)