your love story is my favorite
Engagement photos
THE START OF YOUR JOURNEY
With all the excitement surrounding your wedding, and your wedding photography, I think it is easy to overlook how special your engagement is. This is such a short time in your life, and with all that happens between getting engaged and getting married, it tends to pass by in a blur. That's why engagement sessions are so much more than checking another item off your wedding to-do list—it's an opportunity to celebrate your relationship, how far it has come, and all that lay ahead.
The added bonus is you will get some practice in front of the camera. Nervous to have your photo taken? I get it, and you are not alone. The vast majority of my couples tell me they are anxious about the process and unsure how they will feel in front of the camera. If that is you I highly recommend you do an engagement session. Getting in front of the camera, learning how I guide you through the process, what to expect from my direction and how it will actually feel to have your photo taken is an invaluable experience. My favorite thing to hear after an engagement session is “that was so much more fun than I expected!” It is also so helpful for me as your photographer. Getting to know you, how you interact with one another, how you communicate, what makes you smile…these are all tidbits that I gather along the way to taylor your experience and your photos specifically to you.
My approach to engagement photos is going to be the same as your wedding photos, using gentle guidance to walk you through interactions that feel natural and not overly posed or stiff. Just you and your love enjoying some time together while I document this special season of your life. By the time the wedding arrives you will feel like pros, comfortable and confident that you will know exactly what to expect. A fun little test run- one that will create it’s own beautiful set of memories you will cherish forever.
One of my favorite parts of engagement sessions is exploring beautiful locations that are special to you. Where did you go on your first date? What are your favorite outdoor activities? Where did you propose? If you don’t have anywhere in mind, don’t fret! Whether you love golden fields, oak trees, scenic overlooks, riverside trails, or charming downtown streets, I can give you suggestions for locations that feel just perfect for you. This is also a fun time to work in something that is unique or personal to you.
If you would like to chat about how to make your engagement session a special memory all its own, reach out!
Engagement Session Photography Guide
How to plan and enjoy your session
When:
While sessions can be scheduled anytime, Spring or Fall are the recommended seasons for their superior weather and light. We start about two hours before sunset and continue until the light is gone. If inclement weather prevents a session we will reschedule at the earliest convenience for all parties
Where:
I love sentimental locations. If you have a special spot where you would like to have your session let me know and we can chat about how to make that happen. I also have lots of locations I can suggest if you don't have a spot in mind. I also love to travel for a session so reach out if you're thinking of doing something out of the area. Let’s plan it together!
How:
Once you’re booked you can schedule your session anytime. Reach out via e-mail or phone and let me know what dates you’re looking at. Dates are reserved on a first come first served basis, usually 4-6 weeks in advance. Cancellations and reschedules must be made via email or phone at least 24 hours in advance.
Why:
An engagement session is the perfect opportunity for us to get to know each other and for the two of you to get comfortable in front of the camera. Having your photo taken can be overwhelming and intimidating and having an engagement session does wonders to put your nerves at ease so you can be present and in the moment on your wedding day. Bonus, you get some beautiful photos of the two of you.
What do we wear?
Great question! Here are my top recommendations:
Pick something that you have worn and LOVE. You want to be sure you are comfortable and not self conscious in any way, and the only way to be sure of this is to take your outfits out for a test run. Then on the day of the shoot you can be confident you won’t be pulling at or adjusting anything or worried about the way you look. If you are uncomfortable when you look in the mirror or find yourself only liking your reflection from one specific angle only, then that probably isn’t the outfit for you. I want you to be really confident in your decision because then you will be able to truly enjoy our shoot and will treasure the images SO much more as a result.
A maximum of two outfits is recommended (but not required, one is just fine) to ensure that we have plenty of time to capture both looks before sunset. Check out the blog for inspiration! If you do opt for two outfits, I suggest one casual and one slightly formal to give a nice variety to your session images.
The overall idea is to be coordinating rather than watching. Pick a color palate and build both your outfits from there. Neutrals such as blush, tan, light pinks, faint blues and greens, cream, and grays will give a nice light look to your images that won’t compete with your surroundings. Flowy maxi length dresses and skirts give great movement to your images and photograph beautifully.
Things to avoid would be patterns smaller than a dime (they tend to cause strange visual effects when photographed), open toed shoes or sandals for the guys (girls tend to have cute pedicures that photograph a little more nicely, no offense guys), graphic tees or tennis shoes. If these are your style that is totally fine, but graphic tees tend to compete visually in a photo and tennis shoes (unless brand new) are almost always a little worse for wear.
No matter what you wear I hope you pick something that makes you feel fabulous and truly reflects who you are. I am sure you will look amazing!
Want to see more real engagement sessions?
