Not your Basic Bit@h Engagement Guide

W W W.w e d d i n g s b y b l u e s k y. C O M WHEN TO BOOK YOUR SESSION?

704.448.0075 based in nc / clients world wide INSIDER TIPS AND FAQ

WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?

AKA HOW TO NOT HAVE A BASIC BIT@H ENGAGEMENT SESSION

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HELLO

OUR GIFT TO YOU

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W H AT ’ S I N C LUDE D

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S O YOUR FIANCE IS E XC I T E D, RIGHT?

YOU ’ VE G OT T HI S !

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W H E N TO B O OK YOUR SESSION

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W H E R E WI L L WE S HO OT OUR SESSION?

W H AT S H O U L D WE WEAR?

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ST Y L I NG TIPS

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I N S I DE R TIPS

W H AT T O B R I NG WI T H YOU

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CLIFF NOT E S

Hello!

BLUESKY PHOTO ARTISTS ENGAGEMENT SESSION GUIDE WE B E L I E VE E NG AG E ME NT S E SS I ON S CA N B E J U S T VA L U A B L E A S Y O U R W E D D I N G P H O T O G R A P H Y A N D S H O U L D B E C E L E B R AT E D C O M P L E T E LY I N D E P E N D E N T LY - - N O T J U S T A N O T H E R T O D O ’ T O R U S H T H R O U G H O N Y O U R W E D D I N G L I S T.

H O W W I L L Y O U C E L E B R AT E ?

-Cass

OUR GIFT TO YOU YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION GUIDE Your session should be unique to who you are as couple and much more than ‘pretty’ -highlighting the ‘every day magic’ of your connection and story, independent from the wedding day.

To us, an engagement photography session should be a celebration of the in-between moments that create your life. And, as photographers, it is our unique job to help our clients notice and protect those moments.

We have one goal: to create an experience that allows meaningful moments to transpire, and in turn result in photographs that you will treasure forever.

We look forward to planning a session with you that shows exactly who you are and what you love…most especially what you love about each other.

Please take a few minutes to read through these valuable tips.

WHAT YOUR SESSION INCLUDES: 01.

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PLAN.

S H O O T.

DE S I G N .

ONL OF A

We got you covered before, during and after your engagement sessi

Worrying about the details like location, attire and ensuring your pho you as a couple? We dig a bit deeper into knowing you and your fian of the not-so-little details.

When the big day arrives we will have made a plan that highlights al other and the session itself will celebrate exactly that! Later that sam magic we made and design your art that will serve as a reminder of y

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L I NE VI E WI NG A L L I MAG E S .

ion!

otographs accurately represent nce—we assist in taking care of

ll that you love about each me day you will get to see the your connection.

YOUR FINANCE IS SUPER EXCITED,

RIGHT;-)

O K , L E T ’ S B E H O N E S T.

Many

people do not look forward to the engagement session with giddy anticipation. (Words ‘dread’ ‘dislike’ and ‘avoidance’ come to mind for many men (a some women too.:) when considering being in front of the camera for an hour or so.)

Now imagine this: instead of vaguely frolicking through a field that you have exactly any connection to: You are spending time in your home with just of the two of you on your favorite sofa or making a meal together in your own kitchen like you do every Sunday. You are photographed while hiking your favorite trail—together with your sweet rescued pup. Walking around the streets of the neighborhood where you live and spend evening strolling together.

Since we spend a considerable amount of time getting to know the two you, what makes you great together, and the things and people you adore—your session is designed around who you really are. (Not the imaginary couple you saw embracing in The Knot magazine;-)) So please-- reassure your guy (or gal) this will be just as much fun for them as it will be for you. We promise to make the session feel pain-free, and authentic-not-awkward. (and if we meet at the studio prior— there may or may not be a craft beer/ glass of wine involved.)

DON’T WORRY! Y

Most

everyone is nervous about having their photo taken. But, we are all friends here...we promise your time with us is very laid back and relaxed!

Don’t worry, the nerves will slip quickly away once we are underway and you begin to see how the experience has been designed just for you.

We will help you relax and have fun by acting as your guide.

Don’t worry—‘we got you.’

You don’t need to show up with a list of ideas and poses. No need to stress.

It is our job as a professional to evaluate each couple and determine which

YOU’VE GOT THIS!

individual locations, set-ups and gentle/natural ‘poses’/directions that work for the two of you.

This is our chance to celebrate your engagement and have a little fun before the wedding day. Our goal is to deliver to you the most meaningful photographs to create art that showcases you, your personality, and what makes your relationship unique.

If you approach your session with an up-for-anything and ready–to-have-fun attitude, it will show on camera. Couples who are “game” for anything allow us to be our creative best and make the most magic possible while staying close to locations/poses/attire/mood that reflect the two of you…authentically.

EVERY YOU NE KNOW PLANNIN ENGAGE SESS

YTHING EED TO ABOUT NG YOUR EMENT SION

WHEN TO BOOK YOUR SESSION HOW WILL YOU USE YOUR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS? This helps us plan our shoot time. Some couples prefer a certain time of year/ season or some just want to get underway as soon as possible. Much depends on what you will be doing with the images. Important things to keep in mind when deciding on your session date: Depending on your selections, Art can take between 7 days and 6 weeks to produce.

May and October are our busiest months of the year and session times fill very quickly.

Save the Dates are typically sent 4-6 months before your wedding date.

Engagement guest books take 4-6 weeks to produce.

Reprints take 2-3 weeks to print.

Please note it is your responsibility to email/call to schedule your engagement session.

D AY S A N D T I M E S FOR YOUR SESSION

PLEASE ARRIVE A F E W M I N U T E S E A R LY

Because of our wedding schedule, we offer engagement sessions Tuesday through Thursday exclusively as we are shooting most weekends. If you can’t scoot out of work early for your session, No worries! Depending on the time of year, we can start our session after 5 pm.

Please note: June, July and August, our sessions are in the mornings unless you have an inside location booked. (it just too hot and you will not be comfortable which means it will be difficult to love your (sweaty;-) photoraphs.)

The most important request I can make is to please be on time. I’m saying please as a nicety…but seriously, be on time:) I love you, be on time! In fact, please arrive a few minutes early so we can start right on schedule. If your scheduled time is 6pm this means we start shooting at 6pm. You will need to be there and ready to shoot exactly at your scheduled time. If you’re late, your session will likely be shorter, and you’ll receive fewer photos. Help me help you by being on time.

Another fun option: a night shoot! So many people see our beautiful night photos but never think to schedule their own shoot for at night. Check out our blog for examples and consider if you want a day or evening shoot. Reminder: You could always add extra time and do both by scheduling 1 hour before sunset!

Sometimes things happen. If you are going to be late, please call me at 704-941-9391. If you’re more than 15 minutes late, we will assume you are a “no show” and we will be really sad. If you are 30 minutes late, your session will be rescheduled at an additional charge of $150

If you absolutely cannot make a TuesThurs work…we may have a few Sunday options available for a fee of $450.

WHERE WILL WE SHOOT OUR SESSION?

The

go-to question always seems location is best for our engagement

First—deep breath. We have you co with our Pinterest boards and blog p everything from a client’s kitchen, th mountains, Uptown Charlotte rooftop the streets of Plaza Midwood—there amazing Charlotte locations for your photos.

During your pre-session calls-we w with you to find the perfect place that vision and your personal style. We to get to you and the things that are your life because those are what mat you will feel most ‘you.’

**If your selected location requi fee, please make arrangements in your session directly with the venu appropriate fees.

D E S T I N AT I O N ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS

We love destination engagement por If you have a location that’s close to y more than 20 miles outside of Charlo us know! We are happy to work up for you.

s to be ‘What session?’

overed. Along posts featuring he amazing NC ps, or prowling e are so many r engagement

will brainstorm t matches your take the time e important to tter and where

ires a venue n advance of ue and pay all

ortrait sessions! your heart, but otte, please let a travel quote

WHAT SHO

GOA L : TO CAPTURE YOUR P E R SONAL I T I E S/CONNE CTI ON ( A ND WHAT YOU WE AR P L AYS A PART I N T HI S.) .

Though your story/your personalities/your connection is what we focus on during our engagement session planning. We have also learned after a decade of photographing—clothing that you feel yourself in, that you love and feel comfortable to move/connect with your spouse-to-be in…matters too.

OULD WE WEAR? 01.

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ONE PERSON WEARING JEANS IS OKAY, BUT I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU BOTH NOT WEARING JEANS FOR YOUR SHOOT IF YOU DO NOT WANT RESEMBLE A LEVI AD:-)

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THOUGH I LOVE THEM MYSELF, DON’T WEAR RAINBOWS OR FLIP FLOPS…SORRY, THEY JUST AREN’T THAT CUTE IN PORTRAITS.

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AVOID LARGE LOGOS AND LOUD PATTERNS AS THEY’RE DISTRACTING AND TAKE THE FOCUS FROM YOUR FACES.

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DO IRON YOUR CLOTHES. IF THEY HAVE WRINKLES, YOU WILL HAVE WRINKLES IN THE PHOTOS.

LAYERS AND TEXTURES ARE GREAT! LAYER JEWELRY, SCARVES, SWEATERS TO CREATE DEPTH TO YOUR OUTFIT

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DON’T WEAR SOLID WHITE. I AM TALKING GAP AD CIRCA 1995, AVOID SOLID WHITE BUTTON DOWNS AT ALL COSTS.

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COORDINATE YOUR OUTFITS, BUT DON’T BE MATCHY-MATCHY. SOLID COLORS ARE TIMELESS, AND PATTERNS CAN BE FUN…AS LONG AS THEY DO NOT CLASH.

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YOU CAN FEEL FREE TO CHECK OUT OUR PINTERST BOARD ON STYLING HERE: HTTPS:// WWW.PINTEREST.COM/CASSBRADLEYNC/ CHARLOTTE-ENGAGEMENT-SESSION-STYLING/

HAIR, M STYLING AN GROOMI

MAKE-UP ND OTHER ING TIPS

Wear outfits that reflect also fit your location.

But—don’t be afraid to Dre

The most important things favorite version of you, tha well and are comfortable.

1. Layers, texture and acce the look and create depth

2. If you love jeans-wear jea in jeans…may look like you rodeo.

3. Avoid large company log you photos to remain time

STYLING TIPS

4. Our best advice is to h palette—BUT DO NOT get a Bolds, bright and patterns c add a ton of your persona we just recommend 1-2 bol

5. Reminder: if your clo when you arrive: they wil photographs. ;-) Selectin travel well or are pressed p

6. Don’t stress on lugging Most clients select one o bring a second along just only end up wearing one a so much fun they forget changes.’

you and your personalities. -Outfits that you feel amazing in but

ess to impress…yourself!

s to keep in mind are to choose outfits that make you feel like your at you feel are gorgeous, and to choose outfits that fit impeccably

essories can add to 7. If you are looking to wear something a little ‘special’ in your outfits. for the occasion—consider rental services like Dressed (a locally owned business here in Charlotte) ans. But two people or national companies like Rent-the Runway. These are on the way to a companies allow you to wear something you love while being mindful of budget.

gos if you would like 8. For the ladies: if it fits your style: flowy dresses eless with gauzy fabric add a certain level of magic with just the tiniest bit of movement or wind. Hint. Hint. have a similar color all matchy-matchy;-) 9. For the gents: don’t stress man—just between us— can all work and can clothing really is the icing on the cake and shouldn’t ality to your attire— cause stress in the planning process. BUT—we can’t ld choices at a time. deny we have had one-too-many- dudes show up in flip flops and shorts. And kinda’ wish they didn’t othes are wrinkled at the reveal. That said—you do you, friend. If you ll be wrinkled in the would never wear a fitted suit-don’t. But perhaps ng fabrics that can leave the baseball hat at home. prior help the cause.

10. We have created a Pinterest board that may g your full wardrobe. help with your styling needs. You may also contact outfit they love and us should you wish to work with a stylist or to simply I case. (Truth: most send us a few snapshots if you need a little feedback. as they start to have HTTPS:// WWW.PINTEREST.COM/CASSBRADLEYNC/ all about ‘costume CHARLOTTE-ENGAGEMENT-SESSION-STYLING/

LOOKING YOUR BEST

It’s important that you and your fiancé come to your session looking and feeling your best. (aka: let’s not stress over this;-) We promise—it can be an awesome day to celebrate and connect.)

Your engagement session can great excuse to get pampered, too. We fully believe in the magic of professional hair and makeup styling for you to feel like a amazing and cared for. If you need a referral for a great hair and makeup artist, please check out my sister company, Charlotte Wedding Bosses at www.charlotteweddingbosses. com for a full list of hair and makeup artists at the top of their field and that will also ensure you arrive to your session on time.

You may also want to schedule a night out after your reveal and design to make this a full day of celebration.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR YOU BOTH: Get a trim before your session.

If you color your hair, make sure it’s freshly done.

Guys--shave or trim his beard beforehand. (Nose and ear cleanup is also a good idea. Also, the back of the neck is a great place for a touchup for guys before the session if these sorts of things will bother you later.)

Consider brow waxing and a mani-pedi (for both of you!)

A NOTE ABOUT RETOUCHING:

These days, everyone says, “Oh,

they will retouch that.” It sounds good in theory, but it is not really true. Basic retouching is included standard, but extensive retouching is not. For example, covering up your roots if you color your hair is considered extensive retouching and will be assessed an extra fee. So is digital tailoring of your clothes to make them fit better and removing tan lines.

Please note: Extensive retouching will be sent to a pro-retoucher and will add additional charges.

We are doing our absolute best to achieve the look we want in camera and not in post production. Keep this in mind…if you have to say to yourself “oh she can Photoshop that” then let’s try and remedy it before moving forward.

WHAT TO BRING? SINCE THE REAL PURPOSE OF AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION IS TO C E L E B R AT E A N D C O N N E C T W I T H E AC H O T H E R .

S O, L E T ’ S F I R S T C H AT A B O U T W H AT T O L E AV E B E H I N D :

Please leave personal items that won’t be in the photos in the trunk of your car or at home...including your pocketbook, sunglasses, coats, phones and other items. (let’s just say a misplaced phone in a pocket—isn’t doing anyone any favors.) We are on the move during your session, and carrying items can be a hindrance to connection at best—or lost and left behind at worst. **Remember time is limited and you do not want to spend any of it fetching/ setting down/picking back up items we don’t need on our shoot.

CAN WE BRING OUR PET?

W H AT A B O U T PROPS?

We love pets, and would love to incorporate your pet in your session like we did with our clients here, Furry little babies are always a treat to photograph!

While some photographers believe props are great and can add some fun to your session--we are more believers in the notion the two of your together—is enough. (unless of course your fur baby wants to pop in for a few photographs.

See Above. ) props can be a lot to handle. And, through in a styled magazine shoot can add drama— in our opinion—without real context or meaning, things like parasols, signs, balloons…detract from your photographs. However, if you do plan to bring props, bring small things that can be used and put away easily.

However, if you bring them. We recommend having someone meet you after the first 20-30 minutes of your session to pick them up as most likely, you will not want 100% of your photographs with your pet—leaving them to have to be handed off or sometimes, be a distraction to the wo of you just simply connecting. After years of engagement sessions—we have learned it is easier on everyone (including your pet) to not have your pet stay for the whole session .

Personally—unless a fully styled/ editorial shoo or the item is just incredibly meaningful to you...we say: leave props at home

CLIFF NOTES 1.

Portrait sessions are scheduled 5. Plan to be at your shoot for approx.

Tuesday through Thursday. (with a few one hour. weekend dates available, if needed for an 6. Please be on time (i.e., a few minutes additional fee of $150) early) 2. It is your responsibility to email/call to schedule a time for your session. (Though 7. Wear comfy shoes for all of the walking we help with a series of email reminders we’ll do. But feel free to bring the ‘cute’ pair too. along the way.)

3. July and August sessions are scheduled 8. If it won’t be in your photos, leave it in the early mornings based on the at home or in the car. This is especially southern heat and helping you look/feel important for purses. your best.

9. Ideally, your Design Consultation will 4. September through May we offer take place on the same day as your evening sessions in addition to morning Photographic Experience. times.

N O W L E T ’ S G E T R E A DY T O H AV E S O M E F U N A N D C R E AT E A RT W O RT H Y H E I R LO O M S T O R E M I N D YO U O F T H I S E XC I T I N G T I M E I N YO U R L I V E S . . . E V E RY D AY !