After our consultation to answer all of your questions and decide which package is best for your wedding it’s time to book your engagement session. This is a great way for you to see how I work and for me to get to know how you interact as a couple and which poses and lighting work best for you. There are many things we will go over during your booking like locations, times, and outfits. Below I put together a list of some of the most asked questions to get you started with your engagement session planning.
1. What should we wear?
This might be the most asked question of any session. Rightfully so! These photos may be used for your wedding guestbook, website, or save-the-dates. When thinking of your outfit choices it’s best to first choose looks that compliment each other as if you are going to the same event. They don’t have to be exactly matching, but having similar colors or styles is very flattering. Some couples choose to have a change of clothes and I allow up to two outfits as long as we can fit the change into the hour session. If you are considering changing, then try choosing one casual outfit and one that is a bit more dressed up.
2. What location is best?
This is very specific to the style that you are going for. If you’d like to stay on the theme of your wedding then a beach, park, or urban space could be best. If you have an activity you love doing together then that could easily answer this question. Some couples choose to have a nice cozy session in their home with their pets if your fur babies can’t be there for the big day. Or, if your venue is open to it, a nice way to get the layout before your wedding is to have your engagement session at your venue. There is no wrong answer!
3. What should we do during our session?
I love when couples make their engagement session into a mini-date! This takes away a lot of the anxiety that can come with being in front of the camera and helps me see you both interact. I’ve had couples meet me at their favorite brewery, have a picnic in the park, walk their dog through a famers market, have a coffee a their go-to cafe, etc. Your session can even be a mix of formal and something a little more fun – like taking your boat out for a champagne toast during sunset.
4. What do we do with our hands?
The camera comes out and your arms all of the sudden turn into weights lifeless by your side. It happens to everyone including me! This is actually a very understandable question and as you photographer part of my job is to help you feel comfortable. One way to avoid the dreaded “where do me hands go?” thought is to bring a prop. Now a prop can be almost anything. You could bring your dog to play with, have a cocktail, bring an instrument to play, sporting equipment… this all fits with the tip above “to make it a date and have fun.” The more fun you’re having and engaging with each other the less you are thinking about me, or your hands. If none of those ideas fit and you just want a simple photo session, no problem! I am an expert in posing and positioning couples in a way that is still natural.
