Your Engagement Session
Your engagement session is about so much more than getting pretty pictures for your save-the-dates. It’s a chance for you to get to know your photographer before your wedding day, for you and your fiance to get comfortable in front of the camera, and for to create images that truly feel like you without the stress of a wedding day.
A little preparation goes a long way, so here are my best tips to help you walk into your session feeling confident and excited!
Dress for the feeling you want
I'd say the biggest things that affects the overall look of your gallery isn’t actually the location…It’s your outfits. If you’ve fallen in love with the light, airy, romantic photos you see on my page, your clothing choices play a HUGE role in creating that look.
Colors That Photograph Beautifully; Think soft, timeless colors like:
- Cream
- Ivory
- White
- Beige
- Tan
- Sage green
- Dusty blue
- Blush pink
- Soft earth tones
These colors reflect light beautifully and keep your images feeling bright, clean, and romantic.
Now disclaimer: ChatGPT did make the overall image warmer as well but I think this is a great example of how outfit color choice can really change the overall look and feel of your images. It is something to keep in mind when you are choosing the right outfits.
Don't stress about posing
One of the most heard things a couple first tells me before their session is, “We’re awkward in front of the camera.” But I have great news: almost everyone feels that way!
You don’t need to know how to pose or what to do with your hands. I’ll guide you through prompts that feel natural and help capture genuine moments between you two.
Your only job:
Relax and enjoy each other.
Laugh when things feel silly.
Focus on your person, not the camera.
The best photos happen when you forget you’re being photographed. When you act silly and make each other laugh, even if you feel silly for doing so, you are creating some of my favorite images! I can asked you to look and smile but no smile beats you belly laughing with your best friend and having fun!
Random Fact: I had one couple google jokes on the way to their session and then whisper in each other's ear during our session! It was one of the most happy, smiley, real sessions I've had!
Plan the details
Just like in marriage, the little things matter! I love when you can tell real thought and planning went into an engagement session. It becomes more personal and unique when the details are curated just for you! Also, little preparation of appearance details allows you to show up feeling confident and stress-free.
Things to can incorporate to make your session more YOU:
- bring your fur baby, along with someone who can handle them when they aren't in the photos.
- have your engagement somewhere that feels personal! This could be where you first met, family land, favorite park, etc.
- meaningful jewelry such as heirloom pieces from family members
- favorite champagne or wine or any beverage of choice honestly!
- your favorite flowers or some inspired by your wedding day
Things you can prepare before hand:
- Schedule hair/makeup if that helps you feel your best. It's the perfect time for a wedding day trial!
- Make sure your nails are camera-ready. Hello ring shots!
- Bring comfortable shoes as back-ups for all the walking.
At the end of the day, the most important thing you can bring to your engagement is your smiles and joy! The belly laughs, the little in-between moments and the way you love each other are what make your images unforgettable.
"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins" - 1 Peter 4:8