To meet your photographer in person if you have not already.
To experience their shooting and directing style.
To learn some posing tips and tricks.
To have practice in front of the camera.
To see how your hair and make-up look in pictures.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
An engagement session lasts for approximately two hours and overlaps “golden hour” which occurs just before sunset or right after sunrise (taking the seasons into consideration). We will meet at least an hour and forty-five minutes before sunset to chat and get warm-up photos. I will photograph your first wardrobe selection for the first thirty to forty minutes, your engagement ring while you change, and then your second wardrobe selection until sunset.
LOCATION
Choosing a location that is special to you both or something you do together as a couple is where we start the process for telling your story. Think about how you spend time together. Do you love hiking, reading, sailing, going to the beach, or just being together at home? These are all great ways to spend time together during the session and make for great photos. It’s the personal and real moments that yield the best images.
CLOTHING
Through the years I have found that wardrobe choices during a session can make or break the session. I always recommend having two wardrobe selections: one formal and one semi-formal or casual (see my Pinterest board for inspiration). Simplicity is the key with perfect balance in tones and colors. It’s the timeless fashion that will be the best in photos. Certain small patterns or designs can be distracting and should be avoided. It’s nice to have statement items such as: a fun necklace, earrings, a unique pair of heels, or a bold colored tie. When choosing attire, I recommend doing a trial run with your outfits. I also welcome my couples to send me images of what they have in their closets or what they are thinking of purchasing.
Ladies: If you are wearing a strapless dress, a tank top, or a thin strapped top, consider a strapless bra. This is also a great opportunity to have your nails done in a subtle color or even a bold red. When having your nails done go simple and classic.
Gentlemen: Your outfit is just as important as that of your bride-to-be, so you may not want to wear a T-shirt and jeans if she is wearing a formal dress and heels. Adding a belt, emptying your pockets, and ironing your shirt can make a huge difference.
JEWELRY
Again, it is best to keep things simple and timeless. A statement necklace or earrings can add interest to your portraits, but make sure not to overdo it.
TRIAL HAIR AND MAKEUP
I recommend scheduling your trial wedding hair and makeup on the day of the engagement session. You will be able to see how your hair and makeup photograph and will be able to make changes, if necessary. This has proven to be a great tip for many clients. So often the hair and makeup can be a huge hangup on a wedding day timeline and this helps iron out any likes and dislikes for your special day.
RING
Before the session, if you have time, have your ring cleaned. I always take a few up close styled shots of your engagement ring and if it is dirty it will not be as shinny in the images.
WAYS TO HELP TELL THE STORY
It’s nice to add in some items here and there during the session. Sometimes the location is a bistro and the couple can interact with each other over a glass of wine. This gives some depth to the images and story while also giving the couple something to do. I have found this helps clients to loosen up and have fun so not every single image is of them just standing in front of the camera. There are also other ways of making this happen with a small bouquet, pets, cars or boats, or even a small picnic.
During an engagement session, this is the time where you become at ease being in front of the camera. I will walk you through posed and organic moments. We usually start the session with some warm up poses and then I give you tips throughout to create the best movement and flattering angles. It’s normal to feel anxious or nervous but after the session, you will feel as though you have just went on a date and you will feel so much more prepared for the big day.
Please be on time for your session. If we start late, it will make the experience rushed and we will be behind trying to fit a lot in before we lose good light. As soon as the sun is down, our session is over. You will also receive a very small gallery. Let this session be fun with no stress. We will work closely together to make the session special and perfect. After we are finished with the session this is a great opportunity to go out to dinner since you are all dressed up.
