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The engagement session is one of my favorite parts of our time together because it gives you both a chance to be in front of my camera before you get married, which is going to make your wedding day experience feel so smooth, seamless and comfortable.
About Your Engagement Session
everything you need to know
Adventure
Attire
The Moment
Sometimes the best location is your daily Saturday stroll, your back yard, or the neighborhood you met in. Photos become more meaningful when the background reflects a part of your story or something you love. A first date location, a go-to local spot or just your favorite activity (like tennis), can be a great way to show not just you two as a couple but a chapter in your story at the same time.
Engagement sessions can also be a great excuse to take an adventure. Road tripping to a nearby family home, nearby town, or special places is a way to find a backdrop that is inspiring and meaningful to you.
Keep in mind crowds and privacy when picking a location. There are ways to avoid a crowd, such as a sunrise session, but there are some locations that lend themselves to being more comfortable with PDA. You know yourself best!
Choosing Your Location
I'm here to help you think through options and sometimes I have clients who have enjoyed hiring a stylist to help plan their outfits. While it is a great excuse to dress up or buy that outfit you've had saved, the best thing to wear is whatever you feel confident and comfortable in. For ladies, solids or simple patterns are best as bold patterns can distract from you and your location. I encourage partners to dress accordingly to your fiance making sure that colors not only compliment but your dress level is appropriately matched as well. For example, you don't want one person in jeans and the other dressed to the nines. If your partner chooses a pastel blue and pink, plaid shirt, then you could wear a soft blue dress, for example. Or you might select outfits in the same color family, such as autumnal hues or jewel tones.
Many couples choose two outfits for their session: a formal outfit and a casual outfit. We recommend saving your favorite outfit for the second half of the session when couples typically feel more relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera.
What to wear
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Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors. We love bright, neon dresses, but we don’t love the neon reflection they add to your skin tone.
Heels always help lengthen legs, but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into between shots. Sunglasses, hats, or a cute purse for a few photos can also add an element of fun to any look.
For the ladies...
Flexitarian pug wolf VHS. Pitchfork bicycle rights synth flexitarian try-hard. Banjo flexitarian raw denim wolf. Skateboard locavore scenester. Forage beard banjo ethical, Etsy before they sold out tattooed High Life. Cardigan locavore paleo, gastropub pickled ennui quinoa 3 wolf moon selvage. Food truck Neutra aesthetic Godard, Portland fap whatever 8-bit squid American Apparel. Blog Shoreditch 3 wolf moon ugh craft beer.
"We are just blown away by your artistry & attention to detail."
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Professionally done hair and makeup tend to last longer and hold up better against the elements – think humidity, wind, and heat. It’s so important that you look and feel your best for your engagement photos - sometimes that means you do it yourself and sometimes that means hiring a pro. If you're able to coordinate, this can be the perfect opportunity for your wedding hair and makeup trial! Bonus: You can see how your hair and makeup look on camera and make tweaks for the big day. Win, win.
With close up shots of your accessories and ring are highly likely, so I recommend being mindful of what your nails look like.
TREAT YOURSELF
It's hard to settle into being 'watched' with the person you love, but the more you focus on each other and losing yourself in the moment the more I can capture your unique love. Don't worry, I'll give plenty of direction to help you feel comfortable. I love to give easy simple directions and allow my couples to get swept away in the moment. Usually after the first few minutes I can sense couple’s getting comfortable and just being in the moment. This is another reason why location can be so important, private spaces can lend to more intimate beautiful imagery.
Lose yourself
The best photos are when you
I am a natural light specialist because I believe that natural light, from the sun and its reflections, creates photographs that feel fresh, timeless and true to you as a couple. I begin all engagement sessions two to three hours before the scheduled sunset during “the golden hour,” when the light is the dreamiest. Remember, the sun sets much earlier during the colder months of the year and much later during the warmer months, so make sure to factor that in when choosing your engagement session date, especially if you’re taking time off work or have evening plans afterward.
CHOOSING A TIME
LIGHT and location
I love when couples choose to incorporate pets into their sessions – our dog holds a special place in our family, too! Here are a few tips to make your shoot with your pet successful:
1. Choose a pet-friendly location.
2. Bring them along for the first half of the session, then have a friend take him home.
3. Exercise them pre-session so they're ready to pose for the camera.
4. Don’t forget a few treats to help get their attention.
5. If needed, consider having them groomed before the shoot.
Pets
Don't forget to plan a dinner date! You’re already going to be all dressed up! Why not take advantage of it? I know the wedding planning process can feel all-consuming, so take some time after the session just for the two of you to relax and have some fun together. You deserve it!
After the session...
