5 Tips To Plan Your Engagement Session
One big reason I include a complimentary Engagement Session with most of my packages is because it really is a wonderful way to get to know my couples better before their wedding. Every photographer is different, but for me, the more I know about you, the more connected I will feel to you and the more information I will have in my mind
to work with on the day of the wedding. What that means
is a better product in the end, and richer, more meaningful imagery.
Wedding photography is a very personal and artistic process for me. I like to have a connection with my clients. Really, I plan on being your friend, and I am happy when my clients stay my friends, before during and after their wedding days! Getting to know you is how I am able to capture the intimate and meaningful moments on your day.
You didn’t come here to hear about me as a wedding photographer, let’s talk about those engagement sessions!
What happens during an engagement session?
How long does it take?
What do I wear?
What else do I need to know?
I got you! Below is a checklist + some advice from me to ensure you get the most out of your session.
1. Location, Location, Location
What scenery do you envision for your session? I’m not asking you to pick a spot, but pick a feel. Beaches, forest, downtown, honestly whatever speaks to you. Make sure you communicate it and I will give you some recommendations on locations. Personally I love the wind and nature, but these photos are for you, so find what is meaningful to you and you cannot go wrong!
Things to Think About:
Places you’ve gone on a date
What you enjoy doing in your spare time
Is this about adventure or comfort?
Do you prefer privacy
Are you more comfortable at home? We can absolutely do a lifestyle session. Picture you and your love, some cozy (cute) clothes and sitting on the counter in the kitchen, rolling around on the bed being adorable, dancing to music in your living room, the sky is the limit.
2. Choosing a Season
This one could come before the location really, the season could change your mind about the where. Or maybe it guides the where. I am always down for an adventure anytime of year. That being said, summer and fall tend to be the most popular season. Beaches and forest are failsafe locations.
Another thing to consider is what you want to use these images for. A memory, art for your wall or Save-the-Dates. If you plan to mail them out, you will have to get those images done ASAP.
3. Choosing a Time
There are a couple factors to consider for this one. Some we can control and some we can’t but here is the general rule of thumb:
Sunrise: Very brief window of bright, energetic, orange/yellow light (personal favourite)
Morning: Bright, relatively even light (I also love this one!)
High-Noon & Mid-day: Very bright light with harsh shadows. This time typically does not give you moody images. (This is the worst one to pick if you have a choice)
Late afternoon: Softer, more even light (Always good)
Sunset/Golden Hour: Very brief window of soft, rich, golden orange light (Another good one)
Blue Hour: Right after sunset and before dark, very brief window of blue-ish, low light (Not great - images can look cold)
Overcast: Duller, softer, more even light (no harsh shadows.) This will give your images a moodier, more dramatic feel. (This one is epic but unpredictable)
Always chat about this with your photographer because they can guide you along the way. The exact time and location do need to work together because your location may not have a great sunset option, so you would either have to switch to sunrise or switch locations. This is something to work out together.
4. What To Wear?
What you wear really depends on your location, time of year and the weather. But all things considered, there are still things you can do with these thoughts in mind.
Things that work well:
Dressed up & romantic.
Casual & trendy/edgy.
Make sure it’s comfortable.
I always suggest muted & natural tones when choosing your outfit. Try to avoid loud prints, brand names, and bright colours. It tends to look very distracting in your images. You want these images to reflect who you are and not look like someone else. So stay true to yourself and do your hair and makeup the same way you would if you were going out to dinner on a date. You want to feel like your best self. Here is a link to my Pinterest board of recommended outfit styles.
5. What to Bring
I have two types of sessions Classic engagements or Adventure sessions so, depending on which one you’ve chosen, it will affect this list.
Here is a list of things to think about/bring:
If you’ve had to purchase a permit to use the location, don’t forget it! If I were you I’d save the web version on your phone & leave a printed version in your car.
Food & water if it’s an adventure session. We can also turn snack time into a cute picnic photo opportunity. So maybe even a blanket to sit on.
Comfortable shoes, the shoes you’ll wear in the photos likely won’t be the ones you should wear walking to the shooting site. You want to be comfortable!
You’ll be dressed up for the photos but you want to be comfortable during the drive and hike to the spot if necessary. Plus if you get wet, you’ll want fresh clothes to change into for the drive home.
An umbrella in case of rain. It can also be super cute in the photos.
Things that are specific to a Winter Session
Ladies, if we’re shooting you in a dress in the middle of winter you’ll want to wear warm leggings & socks underneath, they won’t be seen.
I want you to be able to take breaks and warm up, so even if you’re not being photographed in your coat, hat & gloves, don’t leave them behind!
A pretty blanket or throw is super cute to cozy up with for photos and an extra way to warm up in between.
Hand warmers are super helpful so get few of those hand-warmer packs, they’re a life-saver.
Extra socks just in case for warm, dry feet afterwards. You’re welcome.
A couple of things to keep in mind.
There’s a chance we’re going to get a little dirty.
Depending on the location choice, I am going to ask you to get in the water to get your feet wet, go barefoot or sit on the ground. You are allowed to decline, but I am always hoping you’re game.
I love shooting in the rain.
Unless you are really opposed to it, know that I am not. Unless it’s a monsoon outside, that complicates things for everyone. But sometimes I kinda secretly hope for rain. I love it! It’s so moody and dramatic! And I love the stormy skies.
Pets? 100%
I’m a big animal lover and pets are always welcome. Just keep in mind that it can change the look of the photos and make them more about your pet than each other. So I recommend you bring another person along who can watch over them to give you the best of both worlds.