Now that you’ve picked a date and probably a venue as well, you can let out a giant sigh of relief! Those are some of the toughest decisions in wedding planning and now that you’ve crossed them off your list you can relax a little and focus on the fun stuff for a bit. Like getting ready for your engagement session! As you start to plan for your engagement shoot, you will need to start brainstorming about… location ideas, outfits, if you’d like to include props or an activity. The possibilities are endless. I LOVE when couples pick a location that is sentimental to them in some way, it really adds something special to the images. But If you are wracking your brain and can’t think of anywhere specific that you would like to shoot, I’m more than happy to make some suggestions. As long as the light is great, we can make ANY location look awesome!
Speaking of light, the start time for our session is also very important. I can almost guarantee 9 times out of 10 that all of the images you’ve pinned or are swooning over online are taken during what photographer’s call “the golden hour”. This is typically the hour or two before sunset (or after sunrise if you’re a morning person!)
Approximate start times throughout the year for the best lighting:
WINTER (December-March 3-5pm)
During winter you can plan on your engagement session taking place around 3-5pm. The time changes in Mid-March so that will make the start time one hour later.
SPRING (April-May – varies)
The sunset time drastically changes throughout the course of these two months meaning our shooting times change as well. You can plan on approximately 5:30-7:30 in April and 6:00-8:00 in May.
SUMMER (June-August 6:30-8:30pm)
Summer engagements, just like all engagements, take place two hours before sunset. This will hopefully mean that the shoot will be during the cooler part of the day.
FALL (September-November – varies)
The sunset time changes again during these three months. In September, you can plan on 5:30-7:30 until the third week and then you can plan on 5:00-7:00 until Mid- Oct. After the first week of Nov, 3:00-5:00pm.
Don’t try to be too MATCHY-MATCHY. Pick clothing and accessories that coordinate instead. You don’t want to look like twins, you do want the photo to feel even, and it will be even easier to find light that flatters you both if you’re dressing in the same color family. I find it is more visually interesting when couples compliment each other, not mirror.
Don’t be afraid to be BOLD. Accessorize and make your outfits your own. Scarves, statement necklaces and fun shoes always add to the images. Choose a silhouette and a print that flatters you, but don’t be afraid to bring the brights. Jewel tones are also very flattering on everyone and photograph beautifully.
Most patterns are actually ok… however, graphics are not favorable for portraits. If you’re wearing a pattern, make sure it’s not overwhelming to the overall look. If you or your partner is wearing a pattern, the other might want to consider a solid.
And a little silly. Try to pretend I’m not even there if you can for a few minutes. The genuine interactions that happen when people stop acting like they’re being photographed and just have fun are often my favorites. :p
Please be on time. The sun is only out for so long. I try to time engagement sessions around “the golden hour” so we make use of the best light of the day. The later you arrive, the less time we have to shoot.
Empty your pockets. Literally. Guys tend to be the main offenders with this one. You don’t want to have key chains or phones showing through your pockets.
Have multiple looks. Most often, couples like to have one casual, everyday look and then one outfit that is dressier.
Make sure that your outfit is easy to move around in and fits you well. The better you feel in your clothes, the more relaxed and ‘yourself’ you will be during your shoot, which will result in you looking your best in your pictures.
Clean the ring. I typically snap a few shots while you are changing outfits.
Bring pups. I mean PROPS. (But seriously my favorite props tend to be the furry kind… pets are always welcome and can add an element of fun to the session. Hehe.) Feel free to get creative… I’ve had clients bring little picnic set-ups, books, grab ice cream cones towards the end of the session. Props can be a great way to help ease into the session if you’re nervous. (It’s a lot easier to snap authentic candid photos if you’re actually doing something vs. trying to look candid while in a contrived pose.)
Relax and have fun! You don’t have to be a pro at this. Most people aren’t. I promise to help you along the way and make you look your very best. Enjoy this time together and make a date out of it. You’re already all dressed up, why not plan dinner afterwards and celebrate?!
Now that you’ve picked a date and probably a venue as well, you can let out a giant sigh of relief! Those are some of the toughest decisions in wedding planning and now that you’ve crossed them off your list you can relax a little and focus on the fun stuff for a bit. Like getting ready for your engagement session! As you start to plan for your engagement shoot, you will need to start brainstorming about… location ideas, outfits, if you’d like to include props or an activity. The possibilities are endless. I LOVE when couples pick a location that is sentimental to them in some way, it really adds something special to the images. But If you are wracking your brain and can’t think of anywhere specific that you would like to shoot, I’m more than happy to make some suggestions. As long as the light is great, we can make ANY location look awesome!
Speaking of light, the start time for our session is also very important. I can almost guarantee 9 times out of 10 that all of the images you’ve pinned or are swooning over online are taken during what photographer’s call “the golden hour”. This is typically the hour or two before sunset (or after sunrise if you’re a morning person!)
Approximate start times throughout the year for the best lighting:
WINTER (December-March 3-5pm)
During winter you can plan on your engagement session taking place around 3-5pm. The time changes in Mid-March so that will make the start time one hour later.
SPRING (April-May – varies)
The sunset time drastically changes throughout the course of these two months meaning our shooting times change as well. You can plan on approximately 5:30-7:30 in April and 6:00-8:00 in May.
SUMMER (June-August 6:30-8:30pm)
Summer engagements, just like all engagements, take place two hours before sunset. This will hopefully mean that the shoot will be during the cooler part of the day.
FALL (September-November – varies)
The sunset time changes again during these three months. In September, you can plan on 5:30-7:30 until the third week and then you can plan on 5:00-7:00 until Mid- Oct. After the first week of Nov, 3:00-5:00pm.
Don’t try to be too MATCHY-MATCHY. Pick clothing and accessories that coordinate instead. You don’t want to look like twins, you do want the photo to feel even, and it will be even easier to find light that flatters you both if you’re dressing in the same color family. I find it is more visually interesting when couples compliment each other, not mirror.
Don’t be afraid to be BOLD. Accessorize and make your outfits your own. Scarves, statement necklaces and fun shoes always add to the images. Choose a silhouette and a print that flatters you, but don’t be afraid to bring the brights. Jewel tones are also very flattering on everyone and photograph beautifully.
Most patterns are actually ok… however, graphics are not favorable for portraits. If you’re wearing a pattern, make sure it’s not overwhelming to the overall look. If you or your partner is wearing a pattern, the other might want to consider a solid.
And a little silly. Try to pretend I’m not even there if you can for a few minutes. The genuine interactions that happen when people stop acting like they’re being photographed and just have fun are often my favorites. :p
Please be on time. The sun is only out for so long. I try to time engagement sessions around “the golden hour” so we make use of the best light of the day. The later you arrive, the less time we have to shoot.
Empty your pockets. Literally. Guys tend to be the main offenders with this one. You don’t want to have key chains or phones showing through your pockets.
Have multiple looks. Most often, couples like to have one casual, everyday look and then one outfit that is dressier.
Make sure that your outfit is easy to move around in and fits you well. The better you feel in your clothes, the more relaxed and ‘yourself’ you will be during your shoot, which will result in you looking your best in your pictures.
Clean the ring. I typically snap a few shots while you are changing outfits.
Bring pups. I mean PROPS. (But seriously my favorite props tend to be the furry kind… pets are always welcome and can add an element of fun to the session. Hehe.) Feel free to get creative… I’ve had clients bring little picnic set-ups, books, grab ice cream cones towards the end of the session. Props can be a great way to help ease into the session if you’re nervous. (It’s a lot easier to snap authentic candid photos if you’re actually doing something vs. trying to look candid while in a contrived pose.)
Relax and have fun! You don’t have to be a pro at this. Most people aren’t. I promise to help you along the way and make you look your very best. Enjoy this time together and make a date out of it. You’re already all dressed up, why not plan dinner afterwards and celebrate?!
