How To Prep For Your Engagement Session

Okay, ya’ll (yes I am from the south and I’ll never stop saying it), let’s get serious for a second. No, actually, let’s not. The first step in this epic quest is to decide what kind of vibe you’re going for. Are you ‘Netflix and chill’ or perhaps you’re more ‘picnic in the park’ enthusiasts? Whether you’re channeling your inner movie stars or aiming for a nature-inspired adventure, your chosen location should align with your personalities faster than you can say, “I do.”

Picture this: you, your significant other, and a backdrop so stunning it would make Mother Nature herself jealous. If you’re the kind of couple who can’t resist the allure of fresh air and sunsets, an outdoor location is your ticket to engagement session success. A setting by the beach, forest or nature preserve might just be the ticket for you. Just remember, Mother Nature has a sense of humor too. Wind might decide to give your hair a Beyoncé moment, or rain might join us on the adventure. Embrace the chaos; it’s all part of the magic!

You may want more of a city vibe and that is ok too! We can explore the beauty of the city architecture, grab a coffee, wine or beer at your favorite dive or you may have your favorite part of the city that speaks to you and your relationship.

Maybe your are homebody’s (this is me!) Who says home is just for Netflix marathons and pajama days? Your humble abode could be the perfect backdrop for an engagement session that’s as cozy as it is comedic. If you are a couple like likes to cook we can incorporate that or you may just want to snuggle up on the couch with some wine and food.

At the end of the day, the location you choose is a reflection of your unique love story. Whether you’re scaling mountaintops, picnicking under the city lights, or simply being yourselves at home, it’s all about embracing the quirks, laughter, and love that define your relationship.

So, there you have it, lovebirds! The ultimate guide to picking an engagement session location that’s not just picturesque, but also filled with hilarity, spontaneity, and the promise of future anecdotes. Let your love shine, let your laughter echo, and let your engagement session be the hilarious prologue to the grand adventure that is marriage.

You might feel a strong urge to splurge on an entirely new wardrobe (trust me, I’m all for any excuse to indulge in shopping!), but why not consider wearing some of your favorite pieces you already own? Being comfortable in your clothing can significantly impact your confidence in front of the camera. Wearing something you already adore can give you that much-needed boost of self-assurance!

If you do decide to treat yourself to something new, I suggest wearing it around the house first, perhaps to a girls’ night out or a romantic date with your handsome fiancé! Ensure that there are no discomforts or annoyances with the new clothes you fell in love with at the store. If you find yourself constantly adjusting straps, tugging at hemlines, dealing with pants riding up, or experiencing any itching, it might be wise to consider an alternative outfit. Take the time to thoroughly inspect your appearance from every angle to avoid any unexpected surprises, and don’t hesitate to seek honest opinions from trusted friends. We’re going to have an absolute blast (I’m pretty confident about that!), and you’ll feel fantastic. However, if you receive the pictures and notice any “unflattering” aspects of your outfit, you may not be pleased with the images. So, make sure you genuinely love how you look and feel in the clothes you choose! And this advice applies to you, gentlemen, as well!

Consider the location carefully. Navigating a waterfall in heels can be quite challenging! Ensure your attire facilitates easy movement, as there will be a lot of activity. If your signature style involves heels, remember to bring a pair of sneakers or slip-ons in case we embark on an adventurous journey to our shooting location!

Now is not the time to experiment with a new style. Wear something that truly reflects your usual wardrobe. If you’re not a fan of dresses and rarely wear them, don’t feel compelled to wear one just for the sake of achieving a sophisticated look in your photos. There are alternative ways to achieve that elegance without stepping out of your comfort zone. Your goal is to look like your authentic self in these pictures. Remember, comfort and confidence are key!

Solid-colored outfits generally work better than prints, which can be distracting and overwhelming. If you opt for a print, ensure it’s not overly loud. If you have a bold personality, consider expressing it through your footwear or accessories rather than a bold print.

Start with a neutral base and build your outfit from there. Neutrals are typically more flattering and cohesive than bright, clashing colors. Begin with two or three neutral tones and then incorporate small accents of color if desired.

Avoid overly tight-fitting clothes that might emphasize areas you’d rather not draw attention to. For instance, if you have a “mommy tummy,” avoid tight shirts when wearing low-rise pants. Consider layering with blazers, cardigans, or sweaters and perhaps tucking your shirt in on one side. This could even become your signature look!

Take the weather into account. Ensure you have a stylish coat handy if it’s rainy or snowy.

Avoid matching outfits. Steer clear of wearing identical ensembles. Instead, aim to coordinate by mixing and matching the neutral base colors you’ve chosen. You both should look like you’re heading to the same destination. If one of you is dressed up while the other is in flannel and denim, the images may feel disjointed.

If you’re still unsure, head to my Pinterest board for some inspiration, and feel free to send me pictures of your outfit(s) if you’d like my opinion. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask!

I do my very best to make sure your pictures don’t look “posed.” Instead, I will give you a direction and tell you what to do and then you make it your own. I won’t be telling you exactly how to place your hands or exactly how to stand. My directions are often vague which leaves you free to be yourselves! Plus, I don’t need to tell you guys how to be a couple, you’re already a pro at it!

Never. stop. moving. Seriously, the more movement you give me, the more pictures you are going to get. When I give you a direction and you stand still, you are going to get one shot from that pose. But if you take my direction and move around, you’ll get so much more variety. Don’t worry though, you’ll get the hang of it while we’re shooting!

If you are uncomfortable in any of the poses, stop and adjust. If you’re uncomfortable then the pictures look forced and we do not want that!

Be yourself! Remember, these are pictures of you so don’t try to be like that person from Pinterest. We will try a number of shots and not all of them will turn out and that’s okay. The ones that do turn out will be the most natural and beautiful versions of you and your love!

Another cool thing to do is to include items that are important to you or that you can have fun with. For example, if you have a motorcycle, bring it. If you have a Viking helmet, wear it. If you have a cute dog, bring it. You can also bring your favorite beverage along to get some fun photos with.

And what do you do if you need more information?! Send me a message! I’m here for all of your needs!