PREPARING FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION – IT’S MORE THAN A PHOTOSHOOT, IT’S AN EXPERIENCE.
Whether you’re wedding planning or just celebrating this new step in your relationship! Engagement sessions are a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera with your partner – and come away with beautiful keepsakes.
1. Choosing Your Photographer –
You like their style, their photos, you’re wondering if they’re the right fit for you. Reach out! Have a chat, get a feel for that chemistry, ask them questions. Ask for full galleries of the engagement sessions they’ve done, so you can get a feel for the flow of a session and what a full gallery from them looks like. (This applies to finding your wedding photographer too). Many photographers bundle engagement sessions, or discount them, when you book a wedding with them – it can be a great financial plus, and lets you get to know each other before the big day! Get to know your photographer – not just their process, pricing, packages – but their personality, and approach to their work. Wherever you are in your process, find a photographer who’s happy to help you out, one that you know you’ll enjoy working with.
2. Choose a Location –
Choose a location that means something to you, or reflects who you are. Love literature? Go for a bookstore! Love the outdoors? Let’s frolic in a park, or hike to a place you love. Want something more urban? We’ll find a spot downtown. Whether it’s your favorite coffeeshop, a park, or the spot of your first date – think of a place that best fits you. I’m always happy to suggest several spots if you’re unsure!
3. Plan Your Outfits Intentionally –
Don’t match, coordinate. Think of colors that go well together, neutrals (beige, brown, cream) are classic choices. Think texture – add some knit, denim, wool, a scarf, leather. Accessorize – beanies, hats, jewelry. Wear shoes you can feel comfortable in – but if you want those heels, bring a change of shoes in case you’d want to change in between photos! Wear clothes you feel confident and comfortable in – clothes you can move in, especially if you’re going to be running, spinning, walking, dancing.
4. Ask yourself, what vibes are we going for? –
This ties in heavily with your location and outfits too. Some couples want a more casual photoshoot, some want to go for something more elegant. Whatever it is you’re going for, work with your photographer to settle on a vision, send them any inspiration you have, any moodboards or Pinterest boards — so they can better bring your vision to life for you! I send a quick questionnaire to my couples that touches on these (locations, outfits, vision, if there is anything you’re not comfortable doing in front of the camera) to get a feel for who you are, what you love, and what magic we’ll create together.
5. What to bring –
Bring personal touches, heirlooms, props (bonus if they are hobbies you love). Some of my couples have brought their digital cameras, special books, earbuds, guitar, or their fiancé’s favorite flowers. All these help tell a story! Don’t forget some important things too – here’s a packing list to have in mind:
- Engagement ring – show off that ring, this is the time for it!
- Change of shoes – give your feet a break, especially if you’ve got heels 🙂
- Change of clothes – if you’re thinking of doing an outfit change! A classic engagement session move is to have 1. a more casual outfit, and 2. a more elevated, “black-tie” one for variety.
- Spare hairspray, makeup retouches, bobby pins – just in case we have a wardrobe malfunction, it’s good to be prepared 🙂
- And don’t forget to bring good vibes – and have fun! Your engagement session should be more than just a photoshoot – it should be a special experience, a celebration of your love for your partner.
And finally, if you’d like to plan your very own engagement session with me, you can find me here: thegardenphotocollective.co
I’d love to photograph your love story!