Why do I give a complimentary engagement session to all my wedding couples? Because
IT. IS. IMPORTANT.
IT. IS. IMPORTANT.
For me, I don’t want to just be another vendor that shows up on the wedding and just be introduced to my couples. It’s important to me to get to know my clients as an individual and as a couple.
The engagement session is also the point in time that you get to really get to interact with your photographer, without the stress of it being your wedding day. I know I’m in my element when I’m behind the lens and I want my couples to feel comfortable with me. I love getting to watch my couples unfold and become confident in front of the camera. This time is like no other, you’re engaged, planning your wedding, and hopefully enjoying all that life has to offer.
The engagement session is also the point in time that you get to really get to interact with your photographer, without the stress of it being your wedding day. I know I’m in my element when I’m behind the lens and I want my couples to feel comfortable with me. I love getting to watch my couples unfold and become confident in front of the camera. This time is like no other, you’re engaged, planning your wedding, and hopefully enjoying all that life has to offer.
A few tips on preparing your engagement session:
1) OUTFITS: I suggest two outfits. A professional/dressy look and one causal outfit. This gives you variety in your photos. But with this tip, BE COMFORTABLE in what you wear. Not comfortable in 4 inch stilettoes? Then don’t them. In most cases we are going to be walking around quite a bit to find different shooting locations. When choosing your outfits, don't think "matching outfits...we should be twins"...NO! You don't want this to be your awkward family portrait from the 90's. Coordinate your outfits and find color schemes that work well together. For one outfit at least, think about the color scheme of your wedding. These images can be used for Save-the-Dates, guest sign in books or to display at the wedding itself. Therefore think about coordinate your engagement picture outfits with your wedding theme or colors so that it has a cohesive feel.
More Outfit tips:
- Wear layers. This way if you get hot, you can take off your sweater or if there is a chill in the air you can slip something on.
- Accessorize! A cute scarf or piece of statement jewelry look great in images and can give it a nice pop. Especially if you use this as your "pop" of color.
2) LOCATION: Choose a location that means something to you. Pick a place that is significant to you as a couple. Where did you first meet or have your first date? Do you always find yourselves walking through the woods together exploring? If you don't have a "special place" in mind, that's okay too. But when looking at locations think about the "feel" that you want your images to portray. Do you want a country scene or are you interested in a more "urban" look?
(This couple loved watching movies, plus they had their first "date" as kids in a theater. What better way to celebrate their engagement than the Radford Theater. )
(This couple loved watching movies, plus they had their first "date" as kids in a theater. What better way to celebrate their engagement than the Radford Theater. )
(Justin and Sara would go to a park in Radford together to sit and talk or explore, so we decided that Wildwood Park would be the perfect place since they used to spend time here as a couple)
3) HAVE FUN: This is an supposed to be a fun time for you and your future husband. A time to relax and hang out. If you have a fur-baby, bring them along! Also, if you want something different for your engagement session, think about have a stylized shoot. What's that? Well, instead of having the just the two of you, bring along some fun props. Make you engagement session into a scene. Have a picnic and bring a blanket, some wine and cheese and some fun throw pillows to complete the look.
 |  |
Other tips and tricks to an awesome engagement session:
-Get that new bling cleaned! When I am photographing your engagement ring, we want to be nice a sparkly so think about taking it to a jeweler for a good cleaning the day before your session.
-Get that new bling cleaned! When I am photographing your engagement ring, we want to be nice a sparkly so think about taking it to a jeweler for a good cleaning the day before your session.
-Pamper yourself. Go out with the girls and get your nails done. In most cases I shoot couples up close at some point to show off the ring a little.
-Hair and Makeup: This goes into "pamper yourself" but I thought it deserved its own bullet point. Let someone else take the reins while you sit back and relax. Have a professional do your hair and makeup. They know how to "work the camera"!
I hope this post was helpful! If you have any other tips that really helped you or have questions, be sure to comment below.
-Hair and Makeup: This goes into "pamper yourself" but I thought it deserved its own bullet point. Let someone else take the reins while you sit back and relax. Have a professional do your hair and makeup. They know how to "work the camera"!
I hope this post was helpful! If you have any other tips that really helped you or have questions, be sure to comment below.
