It’s here! Your engagement session! While it may seem a bit overwhelming to try and pull this off in the midst of planning your wedding, take a moment to go over some of our tips for making your session it’s best! We promise it will be fun!
Locations
Just like we talked about in your consult, we firmly believe in personalizing your engagement session to your love story and one of the most important parts of that are the locations you choose. Whether that’s the first place you met or one of your favorite parks that you love to just hang out in, this is your chance to go to some different locations than we will on your wedding day. Give us a heads up when you know in case we need to make special arrangements.
Props
Whether it’s a chalkboard with your date or your favorite Cards jerseys, we LOVE to incorporate whatever meaningful items you have, into your shoot. Bring it with you and we’ll find a way to make it fit!
Pets
We know your fur babies might as well be your actual children so there’s no way we’re not going to have them be a part of your session. The good news is that it doesn’t take long to get some good shots of them. The only thing you need to plan for is that you can have someone bring them to our first location so that after we’re done they can take them back home so you’re not distracted by your pooch that doesn’t understand why he can’t be in EVERY photo.
What to wear
You’re all booked for your session! Woot! But, if you’re anything like us, you are now freaking out over WHAT TO WEAR.
Have no fear, my beautiful people. I have prepared a style guide just for you!
As you’ve seen in most of my photos, I am striving to catch those raw, in-between moments. We want natural, beautiful portraits!
But, if you’re not wearing the right stuff, it will NOT come out natural or beautiful. So, here are some tips!
Location
Think about the location! This can really affect our choice of wardrobe.
If we’re shooting at the beach, wear something more to the casual side. I’m talkin bare feet and flowy dresses. If you’re a guy, roll up those pants or just go for some shorts.
If we’re shooting somewhere more urban like downtown, you can dress it up! But remember to stay true to what you would normally wear
Colors
Ok, this is a big one. The colors you choose to wear for your session can honestly make or break the final result.
I always try and tell my clients to stick to natural, earthy tones. Like white, black, dark green, navy blue and beige. Bright or neon colors tend to reflect on your skin in photos.
Also, it’s always good to stick to versions of colors. For example, instead of blue, look for navy blue or instead of yellow, try mustard.
If you’re doing a couple or family session, COORDINATE! No matching! Stick to three main colors and coordinate your outfits based on those colors.
Another big tip is to take into consideration where the shoot is taking place. You don’t want to choose a color that will blend in with your surroundings. So, if we’re going somewhere with lots of greenery, steer away from green tones.
Patterns
I usually say to try and stick to solids. Patterns can be a bit distracting.
But, if you want to add in some patterns, make sure only one person is wearing it. That way you aren’t clashing with the other person.
Also, try avoiding small patterns and thin lines. These can sometimes distort in photos.
And I know we all love certain brands, but try to steer clear from those huge logos on your chest.
Comfort
OMG this is big! Wear what you’re comfortable in!
This means NO trying on new shoes the day of the shoot. If you’re uncomfortable, it will show in the photos!
Make sure when buying new clothes to sit in them and lift your arms to make sure every part of it is comfortable.
Also, allow room for movement in your clothing. Flowy dresses are always gorgeous in pictures because of the movement they create. And I’ll probably make you dance during your session and those always come out better with flowy dresses and skirts.
Hair + Makeup
So, this one is really up to each person. I say that if you can, get a professional to do these. But, I know that now a days mostly of us ladies know how to get our hair + makeup the way we love. But, if you can get ir done professionally, it will definitely help boost your confidence for the session and it will be one less thing to worry about.
Also, for my engaged peeps, this is a perfect time to do a trial with your hair + makeup artist before the wedding!
If you decide to do in on your own, please make sure you try the look before the day of the session so you know what to expect and how you want it done. instead of panicking the day of is something doesn’t turn out how you envisioned it.
If you do decide you want to get these professionally done, feel free to ask me for recommendations. I’d be more than happy to help!
No matter what you decide though, make sure to keep it true to you and that it brings out your beauty.
Accessories
Feel free to get fun with accessories.
Layers of scarves or a cardigans give depth and uniqueness to your portraits.
Put on a cute hat or show off that new belt. But remember to stick to the color palette you chose so you don’t clash!
And if you’re engaged, get that ring nice + shiny because you already know we’ll be showing it off during your session!