Your engagement session is actually the most important part of your photography experience. It allows us to really get to know one another, AND it allows both of you to get familiar with the way that I work! This is so important because this is the SECRET to creating a ton of gorgeous, genuine portraits on your wedding day!
Once we are done with your engagement session, you will BOTH be pros at this! You may not believe me now but just you wait!
As you prepare for your engagement session, here are some resources and pieces of advice that will come in handy!
1. CLEAN YOUR RING!: I will be photographing your gorgeous diamond! This means that this would be a perfect opportunity to have your ring cleaned so that it’s clear of dirt and build up that may be visible through a macro lens!
2. HAIR & MAKEUP: Splurge a little! If you were considering getting your hair and makeup done, this is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself! You will cherish these images forever. Investing in professional hair and makeup can be an extra fun way to celebrate the occasion. Also allowing you to be extra confident during your shoot!
Quick tip: If you’re worried about looking tired or just want a little something special for your portraits, getting false lashes makes the most impact in portraits! There are all types of lashes that range from looking completely natural to looking like Beyoncé! I would lean towards the natural end of the spectrum!
3. SKIP THE SPRAY TAN: Although it might seem counter-intuitive, I recommend that you DO NOT get a spray tan before your session, even a few days prior, because it tends to photograph orange even when it’s applied subtly and by a professional. Your actual skin tone will photograph the most beautifully and naturally.
4. THE TIMELINE: I am always a few minutes early to an engagement session so that I can scope out the location and find the best light that will be flattering on my couples! Because we are racing the sun and cannot shoot after it has set, I recommend leaving 15-30 minutes earlier than you originally planned just to be safe! If I am shooting film for your session, film likes lots of light! So, arriving late will cut into your session time which means we won’t get at much time for your session, and nobody wants that!
5. HAVE A PREVIEW PARTY: In the past, I have found that it is incredibly helpful for my brides to sit down and have a little preview party with their groom before their engagement session. Take ten minutes and sit down together to scroll through 2-3 of your favorite engagement sessions on my blog. This will allow your groom to be prepared for what he is about to experience!
Head here to the ENGAGEMENT BLOGS
6. TAKE A DEEP BREATH!: You’re going to be amazing! I always tell my couples that the BEST models are the ones who have never modeled professionally before! And I mean it! You can’t do anything wrong because these are your images and nobody else’s. The couples that are usually most nervous are the couples who totally rock their session! So be encouraged! I have worked with EVERY personality type and EVERY body type. I always create images that my clients love!! Get excited!
OUTFIT INSPIRATION
I recommend 1 amazing outfit for you both. Go all out! I would rather you invest into one amazing outfit than 2 or more that you don’t really love. Having to change outfits can often disrupt the flow of the session.
We have several resources for you to browse through on a Pinterest board if you’re in need of some outfit inspiration! I recommend the following for your engagement session attire:
– Neutrals such as blush, tans, link pinks, faint blues and teals, creams, grays, and whites will always result in more of a light and airy look to your images. These colors photograph softer and more romantically!
Here is a Pinterest board that I put together to offer some great color combination inspiration.
– If you’re really looking for a soft, feminine look, I recommend a flowing, maxi-length dress or skirt! The movement of this type of fabric photographs beautifully! Long, flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos. Especially when juxtaposed with nature. Cute, shorter-length dresses photograph beautifully as well. Dresses and skirts tend to look most stunning on camera because they really flatter the female body. I recommend avoiding pants and shorts for your session, and saying yes to a dress!
– The goal is to COORDINATE instead of MATCHING! I also recommend avoiding both of you wearing WHITE as a top. This won’t allow for any contrast in your images.
– I recommend a more formal outfit. I mean… how many times are you going to have a chance to do a session like this?
Quick Tip: There’s no such thing as too dressed up in my opinion
Guys
-Avoid patterns that are smaller than a dime! These small patterns can create strange visual effects in a digital camera.
-Close-toed and dress shoes photograph well and I recommend avoiding graphic tees and tennis shoes!
-Invest in a good suit. Men look most striking in a well-tailored suit. If you don’t have one, now’s the perfect time to invest in something that you’ll wear for years to come! The best part? It’s a lot less expensive than you might think! While custom suits can cost thousands of dollars, some of the most well-known brands have off-the-rack suits in their stores for a fraction of the price. Solid shades of gray or navy are a strong complement to most women’s outfits, whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye.
-layered looks: Next time you walk by a store like J. Crew, you’ll notice the male mannequins and models are always wearing several layers at once. Layers on men look great on camera, so even when it’s hot outside, trust us when we say that it’s worth an hour or two of discomfort for photos that will last you both a lifetime. Adding another layer will bring extra dimension and visual interest to your photos. Blazers and vests can up the level of any look. If the temperature permits, he could even consider adding a V-neck sweater with a pop of color from a long-sleeved collared shirt and tie underneath. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers!
Gals
I recommend that you wear something that flatters the parts of you that you love the most and also allows you to be extremely confident! If you are uncomfortable when you look in the mirror (having to suck in and only like the way you look from one angle), then that probably isn’t the best outfit choice for you. I want you to be so confident in your outfit because we know that you will love your portraits so much more if you’re not worrying about how your clothes fit!
-Heels elongate women’s legs, making them look fabulous. Closed-toed heels, in particular, look great on camera because they carry out the line of your leg all the way down to your toe. If your toes are showing in a peep-toe heel, you might want to schedule a pedicure before your session so you don’t regret letting your feet show. These little tricks make all the difference!
– Have you thought about rocking a romantic gown but just never had an occasion for it? This is your chance to do it up! Remember: There is no such thing as “too dressed up” when it comes to your engagement session, so don’t be afraid to have some fun! If you don’t want to add a new permanent piece to your collection, a lot of my clients love Rent the Runway for their session because it’s such an affordable way to feel like a million bucks. Other clients love having a great excuse to bring a new permanent piece (or two!) into their closet!
Some place to consider shopping
Click here and visit my Pinterest board for more outfit inspiration
Engagement Session Checklist
- Set date, time and location with Me
- Review guide for style tips
- Schedule hair and makeup appointments
- Choose your outfits
- Get your nails done
- Clean your ring
- Pick a fun post-session date night spot
- Pack a bag with:
- Flats or flip-flops for walking between photo spots
- (Optional) Outfit two (including shoes and accessories)
- Touch-up makeup
- Water bottle (for warmer sessions)
- Coat or cover-up (for colder sessions)
