All of my fall brides are currently in the works of planning or shooting their engagement sessions. (Some of you we have had to reschedule because of the torrential rain that’s been hitting us these past couple of weeks, but the sun will shine soon!) With a busy season of engagement and weddings ahead I think this is the perfect time to share tips on how to make the most out of you engagement session. With every wedding package we include these sessions as a way to get to know each other, become comfortable in each others presence (could you imagine feeling that you’re wedding photographer is the most awkward person during your whole wedding day?) and practice posing and my overall style of shooting. Once you’re wedding day arrives, you will be an expert in front of the camera.
These are a few of my secretes to make your engagement the best representation of you as a couple and ultimately fun!
- The big planner in me wants you to plan ahead as much as you can before the day of your engagement session. Sometimes it will be a couple of days before and my couples haven’t figured out their outfits and are still deciding what to do. Somehow it all works out in the end 😉 but I definitely wouldn’t want you to stress this occasion. You’re engagement session is a time to celebrate your love and anticipation for the wedding day.
- Think about what means the most to you as a couple. Having the right mindset coming to this session will help you focus less on being in front of the camera and more on each other. Spending this morning or afternoon together kissing, hugging and laughing at one another is the foundation of a great engagement session.
- Talk to me about your likes and hobbies. Perhaps there is a way to incorporate something you both really enjoy as part of the session. These pictures I am showing you in particular are the perfect example of just that. The bride loved the idea of getting dressed up and going on a date and also watching the sunrise on the beach. But what about the groom? He loves taking rides on his bike. We brought it along to the session and had a couple of transition shots to document this time in their lives. He may not always have this bike… maybe in a couple of years he will switch to one like his dad’s, a cruiser I believe is what he has, and still a simple suggestion has preserved the memory of something special for them.
- Outfits. Some of the best advice I can ever share has to do with this option – be yourself. Engagement sessions are not the time to feel as if you are out of place or in a costume. I had a groom tell me once that he felt like a dress up doll… totally killed his confidence. Wear clothes that will enhance your overall experience of the shoot. Clothes that will make say, “Damn, I look good!” That being said, picking out a dressy outfit and then a more casual one will give you a wide range of images.
- When planning a dressier outfit, think about how all the details will fit together. For example… for guys, your socks will show if you are sitting for a shot.. 🙂 Little things like that matter. Ladies, accessorize and don’t feel bad about bringing those beautiful uncomfortable shoes… you can take them on and off as we walk during our session. Formal sessions have quickly become a favorite since seeing a bride all dressed up feeling fabulous makes me happy that she’s happy.
- Coordinate your colors and save the urge to match the same. Gone are the days of family portraits all in white and jeans, we’re talking about your engagement session here. A session meant to capture romantic love and make you the focus of the image.
- Right along with the idea of dressing up… men in suits… Guys look so sharp all dressed up. Make this your once in a while, once in a lifetime (hey, not so fast, there’s still the wedding) to bring your inner James Bond out. If a suit and tie is not for you, a nice button down can still elevate any look.
- Hair and makeup for the girls… a perfect occasion to schedule your hair and makeup trial for the wedding.
To see more of Lily & Josh’s engagement session click here.
I look forward to getting you all in front of my lens on our group date together. If there is ever a doubt that I am here to help you every step of the way, feel free to send me a message and I will do my best to help you out!
