A Few Engagement Session Tips!
Hey All!
It’s not a secret that I include engagement photos in my wedding packages. I do this for a million reasons including I want you to get and be comfortable in front of my lens, I love doing them. The biggest reason is that it’s important for me to build a relationship with you! I’m going to be one of those folks by your side your whole wedding day…. I really don’t want your special day to be one of the first few times we interact. I want to know you, I want you to know me so I can capture what’s most important to you. The engagement session helps me get better, more candid, more authentic wedding photos of the two of you….because you had that time to work with me and get comfortable in front of my camera.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare!!!
(1) Take Time to Communicate and Prepare: This is the first opportunity we’ll be able to collaborate and create something together. I want to make these engagement images something you’re going to love and treasure for the rest of your life. I want to work with you on a location, time of day, and other factors that ensure your photos will become exactly what you envisioned. It is a process and it does take some time and communication (and Pinterest Board Exchanges, hehe). The fun part is, we REALLY get to start knowing one another.
(2) Plan what you’re going to wear! You’re going to want to coordinate what you’re wearing with your location, season, and one another.
You’ll want to fit in with the elements of the location with suitable textures, colors, and fabrics. If you choose a place you know is heavy on the greenery, you have the choice of wearing some pretty blue and grey hues…or you can REALLY stand out and wear something bold and red.
BUT, with your pretty blue and grey hues or bold and red…. you’re going to want to compliment your fiance/fiancee. I’m not saying go super matchy, but coordinated.
I know it’s SUPER tempting, but don’t wear anything BRAND new. It’s not broken in yet, it’s not comfortable yet, and you’re not sure how you’re going to be photographed in it yet. Instead, wear something you KNOW you can rock! Something broken in, something comfortable, something you feel like a MILLION bucks in, and something you KNOW your fiance loves to see you in. :-)
Also, don’t wear something SUPER tight and binding, unless you’re super comfy in it! You’re going to be moving around A LOT during your engagement session…. you don’t want to be in something that hinders your ability to raise your arms, sit comfortably, or bend at your waist in.
This doesn’t mean you can’t ROCK your leggings during your session….. but you’ll definitely want to wear something that flows as you move. It adds texture and movement to your photos. :-)
Don’t forget the DETAILS! I am going to be getting close to grab a few pics of the two of you smiling, kissing, close ups of your ring and your hands. Please don’t forget this as your preparing :-) You may want to consider getting your nails done, makeup setting spray (I use Makeup Revolution Calming Setting Spray with Cannabis Sativa. Grab yours here), or even getting a makeup tutorial from a professional Makeup Artist (My favorite, MakeupATX offers tutorials!)…. and you absolutely want to make sure everything is clean and pressed Pre-Shoot!
(3) Location and time of day are KEY! Your engagement session is totally, 100% about you… so before you head out to one of MY favorite places, think of some of yours. Do you two have a favorite brewery you go to or were you SUPER into the Alamo Drafthouse before COVID? Are you super outdoorsy and love doing things like biking, paddle boarding, or hiking?? Tell me! Lets brainstorm some ideas on how we can include this in your session.
Schedule your session around one of two times of day; the early morning, or the late afternoon: EVERYONE knows about Golden hour, but have your ever heard of Blue Hour? I love love love Blue Hour. That time in the early morning when everything is still misty and soft makes for some phenomenal photos…. plus, during these Texas summers, it avoids both the HEAT and crowds!
I totally get there can be some scheduling issues with work and attire. Plus Golden hour is SO glorious, it’s hard to NOT want to photograph in the evening.
(4) Make it FUN! There is NO limit to what we can do with these photos. I’m going to be posing you and guiding you through micro-cues (look this way, look that way, smile, kiss, etc.), but this session is YOUR session.
Bring Props! Pics of you snuggling and flirting are AWESOME, but props can put a fun twist on your images that makes it totally your own. If you’re wanting something like Champagne with glasses or your fur baby… we can totally work it into your session!
ITS NOT ABOUT ME! This session is all about you and your partner and what makes your life together unique and fun! So, I want the two of you to flirt and interact with one another as if I’m not there. Natural impulses and spontaneity make the BEST engagement photos!
Ready for a SUPER fun Hour? Seriously, these sessions only take one hour, maybe 90 minutes at the most. During which time, we’ll be building an awesome rapport, sharing stories, and making sure you get comfy in front of my lens. Plus, once you’re done, you look fancy, you feel AWESOME…. go, have a nice Lunch or Dinner, and spend the rest of the day knowing you’ll be getting sneak peeks within the next couple of days. ;-)
Ready to book that engagement session? Let’s chat! I have time in the next few weeks to meet face to face or for a phone call. I’m SO excited to hear your wedding details! Don’t forget, I’m now offering 20% off my remaining 2020 dates!
‘Til Next time!
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Update: For more tips and tricks, cruise on over to the link below; brought to you by @Shootproof!
https://www.shootproof.com/blog/easy-engagement-photo-poses/
