I offer a complimentary engagement session with my full wedding experience, and it’s because I love them that much!! There are so many good reasons to have engagement photos done, but I know that it can be quite daunting too. Especially if it’s your first time in front of the camera! My couples don’t have to worry about a thing though. Not only do they get familiar with me and my shooting style, but they already know what to do when it comes time for their wedding portraits.

The Basics + What To Bring

• Keep Your Pockets Empty
  • A good idea is to take a small bag or tote to keep your phone and keys in. Just don’t keep these things in your pockets. I always ask my couples to empty them if I see something in them, (so that their pants don’t bulge in the photos!) and I’m more than happy to carry the tote around in order to keep their pockets empty.
• Lint Roll Your Darker Colors
  • If you’ve got some furry loved ones, then your dark colors probably have some stray hairs on them like mine do. Be sure to take a lint roller with you so that you can do a quick roll over when you arrive to the session location.
• Jewelry
  • Don’t forget that engagement ring! If you’ve already got a ring box for it, be sure to bring that too. I always love to capture that detail, and take my macro lens to every engagement session. Also make sure your wrists are clear of anything you don’t want photographed, like an Apple Watch or extra ponytail.
• Outfit Style
  • Keep in mind that whatever outfits you choose to wear will determine what style your engagement photos will be. Are you going for bold or neutral? Dressy or casual? Classic or Trendy? Whatever you decide, your clothing choices play a major role in the final look of your photos. I always offer my opinions to my couples should they ask. I’m no fashion designer, but I know what colors match which styles, and I’m happy to help guide them in this.

Location

There are so many different locations you can do your engagement session at, and each location helps determine that style I just mentioned. The beach is a beautiful backdrop for a neutral and casual session, and can be very romantic. Downtown in a bigger city with a dress and heels can be classy and fun. If you’re wanting more of a laid back session, go casual at the park. If your wedding venue includes the grounds for your engagement session, that’s a great spot too. It’s always fun to recreate engagement session photos in your wedding attire.

Camera Shy

If you’re awkward in front of the camera, or just nervous because you’ve never had photos done before, you don’t have to worry about a thing! Professional photographers are pros at making camera shy people feel comfortable. I personally always start my engagement sessions off with some natural posing, (like snuggling up and just soaking up each other) allowing my couples to get used to me and my camera. Only once they are comfortable do I move on to posing them differently, and I will never do anything they aren’t comfortable with. If there’s something they don’t like, we don’t do it.

I believe everyone is beautiful, but I also understand what it means to not like something about yourself. If my couples prefer not to sit, we won’t sit. If they aren’t too hot about their smile, I won’t ask them to show their teeth. I want them to be happy and comfortable, so that they can treasure these photos for the rest of their lives.

Hair And Makeup

I definitely recommend getting your hair and makeup done for your engagement shoot. It’s so worth it! Not only do you get pampered for a bit, but your photos will thank you for it. That professional quality makes a huge difference on camera— and remember: these are your engagement photos! Like your wedding photos, you want to be able to treasure these memories for the rest of your lives. Don’t skip out on a detail like this. Make the investment.

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I hope some of these tips were helpful to you! Engagement sessions can be a little daunting, but they don’t have to be. They help build trust with you and your photographer, and they build your confidence in front of the camera. They’re never a bad idea.