WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE SESSION
As a documentary style photographer, I do engagement sessions to get to know you as a couple. I’m drawn to your interactions with each other, and your unique personalities - and this is what I aim to capture. To do this, I work to get you past the awkward camera-in-your-face feeling. The only thing you have to do is hang out with your future spouse and have as much fun as you can.
practical questions
- RAIN - If it looks like rain, we’ll reschedule to our "rain date." I check the weather the day before our session and be in touch.
- POSING - I will give you some gentle posing direction and will also keep you moving and interacting with each other.
- PETS - Are always welcome to join us for some photos. Let me know if you’d like to incorporate your pet.
- LOCATION - We’ll visit a few different spots within a short walking distance.
- PROPS - Are not necessary! But if you have a specific idea in mind (vintage/fancy car = yes), let me know.
- TIMING - Our shoot will last about 1-2hrs.
- IMAGES - I will send a sneak peek a week after our session, and your full image gallery will be delivered in 3-4 weeks.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE PHOTOS
Since the session is primarily an opportunity for me to get to know you guys as a couple, the majority of the photos will be of you two interacting and connecting with each other. Of course, I will also include a few of you both smiling and looking at the camera. Ideally, the engagement session process builds both your comfort with & trust in me and sets the tone for me to create genuine & honest wedding photos for you.
- Because I am a "true-to-life" photographer, the weather, time of year and time of day, will impact how your photos look. A foggy fall engagement session will look different than a summer beach wedding, for example.
- On your wedding day your hair, makeup, and attire will be more professional and buttoned up.
- Although I don’t generally retouch photos, when it comes to weddings, I shoot with an eye towards eliminating distractions and making sure you both look polished.
- Check out my wedding and engagement portfolios to compare.
ENGAGEMENT VS WEDDING PHOTOS
FEEDBACK
- If you like your engagement photos, let me know!
- FACT: It's common to find fault with your appearance when you first receive your photos. Take a few weeks, and then revisit them.
- If you notice something about yourself that you don’t like, that I can be aware of - please let me know!
- On the off chance that - overall - the photos are not what you were expecting, we should have a chat about it - as soon as possible!
HOW TO PREPARE + WHAT TO WEAR
- Wear clothes that feel like you, rather than something out of your comfort zone.
- Semi-comfortable shoes are a must - we'll be walking.
- Please don’t wear matching outfits (unless you are being ironic, then go for it).
- Think solid, neutral colors instead of busy prints. (But if you have a fabulous print you want to wear, just do it, because rules are made to be broken.)
- Make sure your outfits work for the season, the location, and each other (i.e. no stilettos on the beach or bare arms in the snow, and if one of you has a coat on, the other shouldn’t wear shorts).
- Accessories are awesome, but only if they are your thing, and best to stick to one or two.
- When in doubt, opt for classic, rather than trendy.
- Most of the locations I shoot lack a convenient way to change clothes. So if you want to bring more than one outfit please be prepared to change in your car.
- WIND - Outdoor locations, especially on the coast, get very windy. Consider this when thinking about your hair. My suggestion: embrace it and have fun.
- Make sure your nails are clean and clipped.
- If you have a ring, clean it prior to our shoot.
- For winter/fall: layer cozy knits, don’t be afraid to wear a coat, and make use of winter accessories.
This is not a rule book - just a few pointers to help guide you.
When it gets down to it, this is your session, so feel free to make it personal and about you - and let's have some fun!
reasons to do an engagement session (THAT YOU PROBABLY HADN'T THOUGHT OF)
An engagement shoot helps you trust me. You will probably be nervous on your wedding day, and knowing that I will help you feel calm and comfortable will ease some of your nerves.
The session will help you get comfortable being photographed. When your wedding day arrives and you're in the spotlight, it’ll be easier to relax and enjoy yourself.
You’ll have fun - I promise. My approach is part poses and part prompts to get you interacting with one another, which leads me to #4:
The engagement session will help me zero-in on expressions and interactions that show your unique love and personalities.
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