6 TIPS FOR A GORGEOUS
ENGAGEMENT SESSION
Oh me, oh my! Your left hand has been getting in a workout ever since your fiance put that beautiful rock on it and you are oozing with excitement at the thought of wedding planning! Sound at all like you? If it does, congrats girlfriend! I am so happy you are here! Now let's take some pretty pictures to celebrate! Your engagement photos are a celebration of your love for each other. Taken in a safe place without lots of pressure. I think these sessions are such an important part of wedding photography and I've written this article to ensure you have the perfect engagement session with your love!
1. Vision When you think of your engagement session, what do you visualize? An open field? A ocean breeze? A weeping willow tree? What is it that you feel suits the two of you and are there any special locations that might be ideal for your engagement shoot? If not, don’t worry, darling! It’s not about where you are but who you are with. A lot of my brides leave the location up to me which means I get to scope out spots ahead of time! I like to focus on the two of you and your beautiful faces, the background is just a cherry on top. Click here to see some of my favorite locations.
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2. FashionDon’t feel like you need to go on a mega shopping spree for your session (but if you can, more power to ya, girlfriend!) I want you to be comfortable, I want you to connect with your images. My couples bring an outfit change to their session so most choose for a dressier option (a formal gown or flowy maxi dress) and a casual option (a short fun dress or romper) I made a little Pinterest board for inspiration for you two, but I am always open to chat wardrobe (hello, I am a girl who loves to shop!) This is to remember this special time in your lives, so don’t limit yourself!
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3. Hair & MakeupI can not stress this enough girls, professional hair and make up makes a world of a difference. As a photographer, it excites me to know my gals are spending a day getting pampered before her session. It allows you to relax, feel beautiful, and confident! Nothing like a set of lashes to bring out your inner model. Consider using this time as a test run with your make up artist and use your session as a time to evaluate your wedding day look and how it photographs. And don't forget those manicures. Of course we will be showing off that gorgeous ring of yours, you don't want it to be paired with chipped nails, now do we?
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4. TimingTiming is everything for your session. As a natural light photographer, I plan my engagement sessions around the lighting of the day. I usually begin them an hour and a half prior to sunset which will allow for an outfit change and a location change thats within walking distance, while shooting during the golden hour. Being on time ensures that we do not cut into your session time, so showing up on time and ready will help yield great results and the best images. Once the sun goes down, there isn’t much we can do, so staying on track with timing and lighting is the best way to ensure gorgeous images. This also means that at times we may have to reschedule due to rainy weather. You only get to do this once, so ensuring the environment is perfect will give you beautifully lit images!
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5. Trust MeThis is the whole reason why you chose your photographer, right! Because they know the best lighting, the natural poses, and the best techniques to make you feel like a supermodel! I don't expect you two to be models or to gracefully fall into poses that are straight from the movies -these things don't just happen. At the beginning of the session I will sit down with the two of you and talk, I will tell you that I know it feels uncomfortable at first and as the session goes on, you will loosen up and forget I’m there. I will let you know that I will help direct you into flattering poses and will help fix a flyaway on your hair. I will show you how to interact with one another in a way that is so natural you will forget about me and focus on flirting. I will compliment your guy as we go along so that he knows he is a stud and I will make you promise to take him out for a beer after he softly kisses your forehead. Just don’t stress, my job is to make these things happen!
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6. Have fun This is such an exciting time in your lives. I know that engagement sessions can seem nerve wrecking but it’s important to go in with an open mind and the ability to laugh. I want you two to flirt your brains out, love one another, and just have fun. We will laugh a lot, I will help pose you, and your job is to snuggle in close, bat your eye lashes, and laugh until your belly aches. It’s going to be fun, we might finish the session with a bottle of wine, and I promise you that you will love seeing these beautiful images of the two of you for years to come. Engagement sessions are the perfect time to hang out with your photographer, get comfortable in front of the camera, and flirt with your soon to be spouse! What more could a girl ask for?
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ENGAGEMENTS GALLERIES
"I love you in ways you've never been loved, for reasons you've never been told, for longer than you think you deserved and with more than you will ever know existed inside me." -Tyler Knott Gregson
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