Check out these 7 Tips, then fill out the form at the bottom so that we're all on the same page about the details of your session. If you're not 100% sure how to answer each question, simply write down any ideas you have (or lack thereof) so we can help guide you in the right direction.
1. LOCATION
What location speaks to you as a couple?
Is there a place nearby that holds meaning for you? Maybe it's where you met, where you proposed, your favorite hiking trail, a downtown neighborhood you spend a lot of time in, or even your home! When choosing a location, it's important to consider the beauty of that location to make for great images, but remember that these photos are meant to capture who you are as a couple, not the backdrop.
Alex & Rebecca chose a youthful, quirky downtown session.
Gaby & JC chose an old downtown square for a romantic vibe.
Not sure what type of location suits you?
Mountains = expansive, majestic, nature lovers, peaceful, unchanging, steady
Artistic neighborhood = art lovers, music lovers, unique, indie, youthful, fun
Old town square/architecture = rustic, classic, everlasting, romantic, picturesque
Home = introverted, cozy, relaxed, romantic, sweet, in your own world as a couple
Park = simple, playful, fun, casual
2. ACTIVITIES
What activities/hobbies do you share?
Creating an activity to do during your engagement session provides fun and natural images that capture your personality. Do you love biking? Climbing? Taking road trips in your car? Walking your dog? Painting? Playing musical instruments? Cooking? The possibilities are endless! Consider the time of year as well. Summer lends itself to fun, upbeat activities, while winter tends to feel more cozy and sentimental.
If you don't have a particular activity you do together, we can also create an activity surrounding an emotion you'd like to convey. For example:
A picnic = romantic & relaxed
Apple picking = cute & sweet
Hiking or climbing = adventurous
Dancing = fun & energized
3. PROPS
What items suit your location, activities, or relationship?
When choosing props, think about what would capture the feeling of the shoot and of your relationship. If there's something particular that you enjoy doing together like drinking beer, eating ice cream, or riding motorcycles, that's a great place to start. If not, think about what items can capture the feeling you want to convey: blankets, letters, picture frames, balloons, chalkboards and signs, pets, cars, bikes, confetti, picnic baskets, musical instruments, sparklers, the list is endless! If you're at a loss, ask us for suggestions!
Kristy & Jeremy used a picture frame for a rustic look.
Gaby & JC added an element of fun to their engagement shoot with balloons.
Sean & Andrea got on a school bus for some cute and nostalgic images.
Not sure what props suit your style?
Rustic: plaid blanket, rustic picture frame, rustic lettering, burlap banner, chalkboard sign, boots, horses, old truck, twine, bonfire, wooden signs, vintage bike, picnic
Fun: balloons, bubbles, confetti, body paint, a themed shoot based on your careers/interests, "nerdy" passions like video games, Harry Potter, etc.
Romantic: blanket, river boat, picnic, tandem bike, sparklers, hammock, boho linens & pillows, candles, flowers
Vintage: vintage books, bikes, motorcycles, cars, chairs, candy/sodas, hats, crates, magazines
Classic: picture frames, scrabble letters, signs, flowers, pets
4. WARDROBE
What style suits your location and personalities?
We recommend wearing something that you already have in your closet that you feel comfortable in; just be yourself! Choose complimentary colors to wear with your partner. For example, wear various blues and greens or wear all neutrals with one pop of color. Rather than matching exactly, create a look that matches your location. Dress up for a downtown shoot, stay casual for the park, or even don your hiking gear for the mountains! If you can't decide on one look, we can also shoot you in two different outfits (as long as your session is 90-minutes or longer).
A few things to avoid:
Large logos on your clothing
Colors that are unflattering to your skin tone or hair color (from my own personal experience, I can say that my pale skin does not look very good with neon green...)
Clothing that isn't appropriate for the weather (there's nothing worse than being cold during your session!)
A style that's too "stylish." You want to look back on these photos in 40 years and still love them!
Wearing all black or grays (make sure to include a pop of color)
Sean & Andrea both wore blue jeans and brown shoes to bring the outfits together, but then chose different color tops that compliment one another. Their casual look matches the look and feel of their environment.
Glory & Isaac matched the style of their clothing. Isaac wore a neutral suit (notice, no red tie to match her dress). And Glory got to be the pop of color!
A few extra grooming tips:
Some brides like to use the engagement shoot as a hair and makeup trail, but we recommend only doing this if your wardrobe, location, and theme match the style of the hair and makeup. It's best to wear a little bit more makeup than usual, but maintain a natural look.
Consider getting a haircut 1-2 weeks before the shoot so it has time to grow in a little and look natural.
Grooms, we recommend shaving the day before, rather than the day-of to avoid razor burn.
Start wearing sunscreen daily at least 7 days before the shoot to avoid burnt skin and tan lines.
5. HAVE FUN
Make it an all day affair.
Plan some fun activities to do as a couple on the day of your engagement shoot. Forget wedding planning exists for the day and go on a day-date! By the time your engagement photo shoot comes around, you'll already be laughing, smiling, and feeling romantic, which will offer natural photos that capture the real you at your very best.
6. FORGET YOU'RE AT A PHOTO SHOOT
How do you typically interact?
When you hang out together, are you usually silly and playful? Serious? Romantic? Intimate? Adventurous? What defines you as a couple? Whatever that is, be ready to bring it out! We'll place you in good lighting and give you all the guidance you need, but it's up to you to relax and just enjoy your time together.
Get lost in the environment. When you look back at these images, you'll remember how you felt on this special day.
7. LET GO OF PERFECTION
It won't be perfect. And that's actually... perfect.
People are not without flaws; relationships are not without flaws; and that's what makes them interesting and beautiful. It might rain, your dress might get dirty, you might even be late to your session and end up taking all your photos after dark. Whatever the day brings, we will find beauty in the imperfections. Do your due diligence and plan as much as you can, but then just let it go!
A little bit of snowfall made for GORGEOUS photos in this session.
Engagement Session Questionnaire
please fill out this form and submit at least 14 days before your engagement session