Planning Your Engagement Session
Engagement Sessions are the perfect way to get to know each other better and for me to get inspired by who you both are. :) It’s also a great opportunity for you guys to get more comfortable in front of the camera and become familiar with the way I like to photograph before the wedding day arrives.
Here are some tips for making the most of your shoot…
Location
Comfort
It's so important to choose a place that not only represents the two of you and your relationship, but also somewhere you feel comfortable expressing a little pda. :) If the privacy of your living room or the middle of a quiet forest is best for the two of you, then that's where we'll shoot! If there's a favorite bar on the corner where you grab a drink together every Friday night, then sounds like that's a winning choice. Maybe you have a place that feels really sentimental to the two of you and if so, let’s photograph there! It can be anywhere, as long as you both feel free to just relax and be yourselves together.
Diversity
Choosing somewhere with a few different backgrounds, textures, angles, and even activities is a great idea. Not only does it inspire creativity for me while the two of you enjoy each other's company, but it gives a fun variance and and artistic feel, not just in your final gallery, but the session itself. Try and look for a place with 3 "sub-locations" within it's vicinity. Perhaps your favorite brewery is on a super cool city street with cobblestones (spot 1), with an awesome window with a couple high-top tables to grab a beer together (spot 2), and an outdoor terrace or patio that overlooks the city skyline (spot 3). Say you want to pick something a little more nature-inspired like a local park. Look for a fun feature like a boat house or dock, an especially distinct row of trees or wooded area that's easy to walk through or around, and maybe a pretty wheat field or wildflower meadow. We will move throughout the shoot, spending about 15 to 20 minutes at each of these locations. This will add variety to your gallery and move the session along smoothly.
Activities
Think of a location that offers something for you both to do to keep you interacting. A museum, restaurant or bar, or even a carnival are all great ideas. This way, we can tell a little story together and keep the shoot feeling authentic and organic. If you decide on a location that's a bit more down-to-earth, bring a little cheese and wine to enjoy or maybe a few of your favorite books with a blanket. Think about an activity that really represents you both, and is something you actually spend time doing together so that it all feels natural. :)
LOCATION IDEAS
Museums (some have fees and conditions)
Botanical Conservatories/Gardens
Downtown cities or small towns
Greenhouse/Flower farm
State Park or hiking trail
Taking a Class together like cooking or pottery
Carnival or State Fair
Farmer’s Market
Coffee Shop
Brewery/Winery
Favorite Restaurant or bar
Significantly meaningful location
Your Home
Note: Some locations require a permit + corresponding fee. I will look into these specifics ahead of time to verify their rules and regulations. As a reminder, you will be responsible for any fees associated with their photography guidelines.
Outfits
STYLE
Choose an outfit that you'd normally wear! If you go out and buy something fresh for the shoot, that's great, but don't overthink it. And make sure to break in new shoes, in case you get blisters and end up feeling miserable while walking during the session! You want to be comfortable, relaxed, and cute, showing off each of your own signature style and flair. Dress as “yourselves” while also complimenting each other. Wear something appropriate for your location too, especially if we’ll be hiking or just kickin’ back at a local brewery. Feel free to bring a second outfit for each of you along too if you want to switch things up mid-session!
Colors + patterns
Think about the location you've decided on, and what colors would compliment the background of the location you've picked. I can help with this too if you'd like - I love helping with the outfit planning! Say we'll be photographing part of your shoot in a forest of tall old pines. You wouldn't want to wear green or brown because you'd blend right in with the background. Instead, something neutral or warm-toned would “pop” against the color of the trees.
Choose outfits with complimentary colors, tones, and prints. Make sure aren't both wearing the same color shirts or same color pants. You want to visually switch it up! Pick colors you feel good in that work well with the temperature of your skin tone. Again - I'm here to help if you need me to!
Vibes
It's easy to get caught up in your nerves prior to the shoot, but try your best to relax and let loose. If you want to, we can meet up for a drink beforehand! It really helps to take the edge off. The vibes should be fun, happy, authentic, super chill, and natural, with you both simply enjoying each others’ company. The shoots have a pretty strong documentary-style flair, but I do offer guidance throughout the shoot a bit, so if there's a direction I give that seems unreflective of you two - please don’t hesitate to tell me! I'm usually pretty good at picking up on those things, but communication is key in this relationship we have. I want you guys to love your images and to do everything possible to ensure that. So let's keep it cool and if we need to, let’s share some feedback along the way. :)
Expressions
It can be hard to ignore the camera, forgetting your picture's being taken and just go with the flow. And the first few minutes are usually spent warming up and getting used to things anyway, but soon after that, you’ll be able to just tune everything else out and focus on each other. Feel free to laugh, reminisce and tell stories, be playful and sweet, and just have fun.