So you’ve scheduled a date of your engagement session… NOW WHAT?!
First things first, let’s chat all the details. Engagement sessions range about 1.5 hrs on average, including 2 outfits total — most couples choose to pick a “casual” look & then a “formal” look for diversity!
This is a wonderful opportunity to capture some candid and casual shots together as a couple, something we rarely find time to do – it’s also a great time to get to know your photographer a little better and learn how to get comfortable in front of the camera.
As to what to do during an engagement shoot, that’s completely up to you! While I’m happy to give suggestions, your shoot can be anything you want it to be. Trust me, engagement sessions are one of my favorite things to photograph, and although most of my couples feel the nerves at first, they always disappear within minutes. Once you get your photos back you’ll be asking yourself, “How is that us?”
Here’s my top 3 planning tips to get you started, and all you might need to best prepare:
- DO AN ACTIVITY – Engagement Sessions are supposed to be all about you. This sounds obvious, I know; however, I know how easy it is to scroll on social media looking at photos and thinking that your engagement pictures should look a certain way. Social Media and Pinterest are filled with inspiration which is all good and well, but don’t forget about what makes you two special. Think outside of the box. If photos are kind of nerve-racking for you, do an activity together that you love. We can, of course, throw in some formal photos for “mom and dad” shots but we are going to find the perfect poses to bring out your personalities and capture your love in the most authentic way. What do I mean by doing an activity? Do you like to skateboard? Canoe? Or even just eat ice cream together? You can incorporate that into your engagement session! And heck, it doesn’t even have to be an activity, but also a location. Where was the proposal? Do you guys have a special place you always go? Ask yourself questions like these and you will have a session to remember.
- NERVES ARE NORMAL – Please know it’s totally normal to feel a little (or a lot!) nervous at your first photo shoot, but I’ll be there to help – and make you laugh – every step of the way. If you didn’t feel nervous, that would be more out of the norm. Give yourself a few minutes for me to loosen you up and you will be a pro in no time. Think of it like having fun with your best friend like always, while someone happens to be taking photos. No sweat. And to top it all off, we can play some music and pretend we are in our own little music video. Soon you will forget the camera is there and it’ll just be fun from there on out.
- WHAT TO WEAR – Figuring out what to wear can be kind of stressful, we get it! Outfits really can make or break your photos. Don’t be afraid to send your photographer (hi, me) a whole fashion show to find the perfect outfits. I will always be honest! Even if an outfit is super cute, it may not photograph the best with my editing style. Neutrals are always the way to go for me as they photograph beautifully no matter what. Patterns aren’t always bad; however, they can be a distraction. Overall, wear what you feel best in. If you don’t feel confident, that is a big no, no. So let’s swap out for something you do feel confident in!
Feeling better already? Let the wedding celebrations begin 🍾
