Photo Friendly Wedding Tips - Engagement Session
We put together a quick list and information post on some tips and advice for a successful engagement photo shoot. Let us know what you think! You can also check out other tips for your wedding planning here: Favorite East Coast Venues, Getting Ready Tips, Timeline Planning, and First Look.
An Overview
Location: Choose a place you both love, or let us pick.
Time: Right before dusk, "the Golden Hour" is best.
Clothing: Wear clothing appropriate for the location.
Posing: Check out our engagement journal posts and leave it up to us.
Expectation: To have fun!
Location
Choose A Place That You Love!
Maybe it's the spot where you met for the first time? Or your favorite Saturday afternoon place to relax. Did you have a favorite summer vacation place? Or maybe you want to share with your partner the awesome town where you grew up. Anyplace that feels significant or even just a spot you think is cool or pretty will work for us!
Or Let Us Pick
Can’t decide? Want to make sure you’re in a place that will look amazing on camera? We can help! We’ve photographed in hundreds of amazing spots, and know what will look great depending on season and light. So if you’re unsure we would be happy to suggest locations for you!
TIME
Golden Hour
That perfect time when the sun is low in the sky and everything feels warm and glowy. That is the perfect time! This is usually about 1-2 hours before sunset. Expect our sessions to start around this timeframe, and to last between 45 min to an hour.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Match Your location
Think about where your session will take place, and try to dress appropriately to match the vibe of the location. If we’re going to be shooting in the woods, avoid heels, and opt for a more casual, outdoorsy outfit. At the beach maybe bare feet is the best choice and some heels for the boardwalk. Evening out in the city? Choose a dressier look! But all in all, above anything else, pick an outfit that you’re comfortable in and that expresses who you are!
Hair and Makeup
This is definitely a good opportunity to have your trial hair and makeup done. Just be sure, if you have a fancy up-do and we’ll be doing a more casual nature session, to ask your hairstylist to let it loose a little after the trial so it matches with the session vibe a bit.
Posing
Recent Journal Posts
Feel free to check out some of our recent journal posts featuring engagement sessions. You can use the search tab or scroll through to find some sessions that inspires you! This is a great way to understand a little about what we’ll be asking you to do.
Leave it up to us!
We COMPLETELY understand that you’re most likely not super comfortable in front of a camera. We’re not the most comfortable on the other side of the camera either, so we get it - and that’s okay! When we start our sessions we will direct you a little bit, and quickly get a feeling of what you’re most comfortable with. Once we have been shooting for a little, we’ll then begin to “set the stage” and allow you to interact with your partner some more. We’ll be moving, walking, and snuggling. If you want to skip rocks across a lake, go for it! Piggybacks? We’re down! But either way we’ll help to make you feel comfortable.
Expectation
Have Fun!
We’re aware that this is not natural for a lot of couples, so I always say, it’s completely natural to feel uncomfortable, but we know that by the end of the session we’ll be all laughing together and having a blast! Our engagement sessions are super relaxed, and a great way for you to get to know how we work, and for you to practice being in front of our camera. So take this opportunity to look great and have fun with your most favorite person in the world!
