Your engagement photos are a celebration of your love for each other, taken in a safe place without a lot of pressure. I think engagement sessions are such an important part of wedding photography, and I’ve written this guide to ensure you have the perfect engagement session with the love of your life!
1.Session Vision
When you think of your engagement session, what do you see? An open field? Urban brick? Beside a lake? What is it that you feel suits the two of you? Are there any special locations that might be ideal for your session? If not, don’t worry! It’s not about where you are, but who you’re with. A lot of my couples leave the location up to me- which means I get to scope out beautiful spots ahead of time. The focus is on the two of you and not the background. However, if there is a place that it uniquely special to you both, or you’d like to include a family heirloom, a pet, or something else that is meaningful, I am here to help incorporate it into your images.
2. Fashion
Don’t feel like you need to go on a major shopping trip for your session, but if you do, more power to ya! I want you to be comfortable in the moment and to be able to connect with your images. If you are a jeans and tee kind of gal, like me, then rock it with a fun color! My couples usually bring an outfit change to their session. Most choose a dressier option and a casual option. Don’t feel like you have to go for plain classics the entire time. Have fun with color, texture, and prints. This is to remember the special time in your lives, so don’t limit yourself!
3. Pro Hair and Makeup
I cannot stress this enough. Professional hair and makeup make a world of difference! As a photographer, it excites me to know my brides are spending a day getting pampered before their session. It allows you to relax and feel beautiful and confident! Consider using this time as a test run with your makeup artist and use your session to evaluate your wedding day look and how it photographs.
4. All About Timing
Timing is everything for your session. As a natural light photographer, I plan my sessions around the lighting of the day. Sessions usually begin an hour prior to sunset- the golden hour. Being on time ensures that we do not cut into your session time. Once the sun goes down, there isn’t much we can do, so staying on track with timing and lighting is the best way to guarantee gorgeous images. This also means that at times we may have to reschedule due to the weather. You only get to do this once, so ensuring the environment is perfect will give you beautifully lit images!
5. Trust Me
This is the whole reason you chose me as your photographer! Because I know the best lighting, the best poses, and the best techniques to make you look and feel your best. The more you trust me, the freer I can be to create the types of images that you’ll love. You may feel uncomfortable, awkward, and shy at times, but in-between those little moments of awkwardness come total gems of authentic interactions!
6. Just Have Fun
This is such an exciting time in your lives. I know that an engagement session can seem nerve-racking but it’s important to go in with an open mind. I want you to flirt your brains out, love on each other, and just have fun! We will laugh a lot while finding the best poses for you two. Your only job is to snuggle in close and laugh until your belly aches!
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