Engagement session guide

photography

E X P E R I E N C E G U I D E

Engagement sessions

Wombs to weddings

What to Expect

About 1 week prior, you will receive an email with location details. It will include directions, where to park and where I will meet you for the shoot If the session needs to be rescheduled due to rain or bad weather, that will be communicated also The cost of the engagement session is wrapped up in the scheduling of your wedding balance so you of course don't need to worry about paying anything, just come prepared to have an awesome date night

During our photo session, the first 20 minutes will probably feel a little awkward and it's so normal, don't worry If you are worried about how to pose, what to do with your hands, etc., don't worry, I've got you covered! I'll be prompting you the whole time so you don't have to worry about that I take LOTS of photos during the short time that we're together, including a lot of candids.

You can expect to receive an email with your fully edited gallery link 2 weeks after your session. You'll be able to share and download them right to your phone and computer The gallery will also include a print release so you can make any prints you would like locally, but I definitely encourage buying prints through the gallery because that will ensure the most correct skin tone color and quality

Styling tips

DRESS IT UP!

I encourage bringing two sets of outfits, one that's casual and one on the dressier side! Guy's can wear the same pants and add diversity with a different shirt Side note for the ladies, flowy fabrics look great in photos and add fun movement!

FIRST, CHOOSE A PRINT

Once you pick which print you would like and who is wearing it, pull the other's complimentary colors and textures from that. You'll find that things will just start flowing and making sense together.

NEUTRALS

If you're ever not sure what color scheme to go with, neutrals and earthy colors never fail. They photograph very well, you can use the photos for different occasions and they're timeless and classic

LIGHT OVER DARK

I can not stress this enough I will ALWAYS suggest lighter colors over darker colors. Darker colors can tend to wash you out in photos and direct the i f d on

Styling tips

NO NEON

Neon and very bright colors (especially a lot of them), can be very distracting in a photograph One because it's very unnatural and two, the light from outside will bounce off of that color and directly on to your skin causing a lot of nasty color casts.

AVOID MATCHING

As cute as it may seem to have on the same plaid, try choosing outfit colors that compliment each other instead of copy each other There could always be exceptions if it means something to you. ex: team jersey's

LOUD PATTERNS

Loud patterns and graphic tees I advise that you stay away from Like these other tips, it takes the focus off of you and draws your eye to the crazy pattern or graphics instead

MOIRÉ EFFECT

This is a complicated subject that you might want to google, but to put it simply it's the way very small patterns do not play well with camera lenses and light The result is a weird looking pattern all over your shirt Avoid any kind if teeny tiny repeating patterns smaller than a dime.

Styling tips

SAY YES TO THE DRESS!

If you have a long, full length, flowy dress or skirt, say YES! Extra plus if it's in a neutral or pastel color. These photograph so well! Consider chiffon of tulle!

FLATTER FAVE FEATURES

When you're choosing what to wear, think about the features that you love the most and choose something that flatters those features Also during our session I'll ask you to do a lot of walking, sitting and possibly lifting. Wear something you feel comfortable moving in.

TREAT YOURSELF

This is a great reason to pamper yourself Get your nails done, hair done, make-up done I know a few hair and make up stylists and can set all that up for you!! Get dolled up! It makes you look good as well as feel good and confident for your photos.

Styling tips

F O R H I M

FIND THE BEST FIT

For men, if you're looking for a sophisticated look, closed toed shoes and fitted pants always do the trick It places the attention on your face where you want it! If you have nice dress shorts that's ok for the beach, but let the sandals sit this one out.

USE LAYERS

Layers always look great on men It's worth the end result to sweat it out for a few minutes if you have to. Plus, you can take off layers for different looks. It will give your photos more dimension.

REMEMBER DETAILS

If you have a classy watch that you love, a special tie or bowtie, pocket square, hat, belt bring it along! It adds a pop of class and personalization to your session.

As a natural light photographer, finding beautiful light for your session is a PRIORITY. The ideal scenario on a sunny bright day is finding a place with nice, diffused back lighting and access to the sky. This creates that gorgeous, golden rim lighting behind you and beautiful, bright skin tones. Usually shooting within 2 hours before/after sunrise and sunset is the perfect time to find this

EVEN OVERCAST LIGHT

The day of your session comes and it's not raining but it's not bright and sunny either - Trust me, this is still a beautiful day to take pictures but this means I need to look in the opposite direction for them When it's overcast and the sun is deep behind clouds I need to you to stand facing it This is will brighten up those under eye shadows and make your skintone pop Overcast light, also deepens colors and makes everything even and soft.

AVOID DARK/DISTRCTING BACKGROUNDS

Lastly, but importantly, I look for a place that will be providing a lot of beautiful light behind you. If there are thick tree trunks or dark walls behind you, I will most likely pull you away I'll also be watching out for people, cars and trash cans in the background We don't want anything too dark or distracting taking the focus away from you in your photos!

Some other little things

FOCUS ON EACHOTHER

We want the most genuine smiles and laughs in your session! So as hard as it is to not look at the girl with the camera, be all about each other almost all of the time. It's the connection I love to capture for you

ODDS AND ENDS

Clean your ring

Wear (or bring) a comfy pair of shoes

*Not necessary but if you have any Pinterest inspiration feel free to bring it

Any save the date props you want included/Champagne

UNIQUE IDEAS

If you have absolutely no idea where you want to go for your pictures, rest assured I know and frequent many locations and we will find the perfect place for you. However if you have a preconceived idea, do not hesitate to tell me about it! Want to do them at the coffee shop you met at? YES Or in the comfort of your home? YES. I am down to make art wherever feels right for you

Final note

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Thank you so much for booking with me. I can't wait to meet you and learn more of your story. Hopefully you have found this guide helpful to you If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to me and I'll be more than happy to help. This is going to be a FUN session, so don't stress! Relax and we'll make some wonderful memories that you and your family will treasure forever, CONTACT email: