Engagement sessions are my FAVORITE! Not only do I love photography, but I love training and assisting - and in most cases this is your first or second time being in front of the camera. The engagement session gives us the opportunity to learn how to work together. You'll get a glimpse into how we'll work together on your wedding day, and I get to instruct you on flowing through some poses and movement. AND THE BEST PART - Your engagement pictures!
I found myself typing the SAME e-mail out every time I was scheduling an engagement session so I decided to dig through all of my sent e-mails and put together a one-stop shop link I can send to all of my brides and grooms. Now these aren't rules - these are just tips and tricks I've picked up after years of different engagement sessions. These are my suggestions :)
PREPPING FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION:
1. If you feel good - you look good. In other words, if you are uncomfortable in your outfit, you will look uncomfortable in the pictures. Choose outfits that you are both confident and comfortable in. I will usually recommend the couple try on their outfits and go for a quick walk to test your outfit. Are you able to walk around comfortably? Are you able to sit comfortably? Do you feel confident & comfortable?
2. Speaking of your outfit - you want to make sure your outfit is going to compliment the background. For example, if we are going to be taking your pictures in front of trees with a green/brown background, I would stay away from wearing greens or browns in your outfits so you stand out in front of those colors.
3. Be prepared for crowds and obstacles if we are going to a popular area during a busy time. I'll use Salem, MA in October as my example. If you are looking for more intimate looking images, we will want to choose a quiet location away from the crowds. I don't recommend trying to get a kissing image of you sitting on your future spouse's lap while 7 kids dressed up as the Avengers walk by yelling 'Gross, Mom look!'. :)
4. Get that ring polished and get that manicure! Treat Yo Self because the pictures will come out that much better! AND, if you are going to wear heels, grab a pair of comfy shoes or flip flops to change into as we walk to different locations. Your piggies will thank you later.
THINGS YOU MIGHT WANT TO BRING WITH YOU:
1. Water bottles
2. Snacks
3. Mints (If it's gum, remember to spit it out before we start taking pictures! haha)
4. Make-up for touch ups (ESP. your lipstick)
5. Hairbrush
6. Small towels or oil wipes
7. COMFY SHOES FOR WALKING (just trust me, girl)
8. Umbrella
9. Headache Medication
And lastly 10. DON'T FORGET YOUR ENGAGEMENT RING :) (True story I can share at another time!)
THINGS I DO NOT SUGGEST DOING:
1. Trying out a spray tan the day before
2. Changing up your skin care routine before
3. Wearing a hair tie on your wrist
4. Obsessing over the weather
Number 4 is a huge one I get questions on ALL the time. We can always reschedule for another day, but if the weather shifts during your session it's okay. We can still get amazing pictures in the rain and I keep clear umbrellas with me for every session just in case this does occur. You never know, if it started raining and we popped into a coffee shop to get out of the rain. We might just get your favorite image of you and your person sipping coffee completely soaked. Engagement sessions are all about having fun. It's an adventure, it's new, sometimes scary - but so so so worth it.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR ENGAGEMENT SHOOT:
I always bring an assistant with me for a few reasons (The funniest reason - making sure I don't fall. I have a terrible habit of keeping my face in my camera as I walk with you and there have been multiple (ok, 6) times I have fallen over something because I'm not paying attention). Now back to what I was saying - I have a cart of equipment that my assistant will bring along with us to hold my gear and anything of yours (i.e. cell phones, water, bags).
My favorite images come from candid moments I'll catch while we are walking around the location. We'll start by walking around the location and finding the best places. Because this might be your first or second time in front of the camera, I always make sure to show you some of the images in real time so you can see which poses or angles you like better than others. This is so important because we'll know what you like for your big day and you'll get more confident and comfortable in front of the camera.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOUR ENGAGEMENT SHOOT:
-Within the first week or two you can expect to see a few sneak peaks posted on social media (Of course you can opt out of this if you wish!)
-Within 4-6 weeks you'll receive a temporary online album you can download. I usually keep them up for about 2 weeks so you can download your images. I have an option for a mailed USB as well, but I always include your engagement pictures on your wedding USB as well.
I only offer digital images. I do not offer prints or books - but I will send you all of the websites that I personally use to order images.
Annnnnnd that is all for now! Please comment if you have any other questions you'd like me to include in this and I can't wait to take your engagement pictures!
