So what exactly is an Engagement Session? What goes on, how should we act, where should we go, what should we wear??? These are all common questions I get from my couples so here is the inside scoop to help paint the picture of “The Engagement Session” using examples from our recent session with newly-engaged Carrie and Greg.
First things first- set the date. Carrie and Greg first wrote to me back in November explaining their photography needs. To ensure we had the day open, they let us know several weeks in advance a good date that worked for both of them. This made availability a breeze. Another note: find a day where you have enough free time that you do not feel rushed: an average engagement session lasts between an hour and a half to two hours and the best times for an outdoor session are early morning or late afternoon/evening.
Next, set the mood. What vibe do you want your pictures to have: urban chic, natural simple, modern trendy? What are your plans for the pictures? Are you using them for your wedding announcements, creating canvas wall art, putting together a custom guest book? All these questions will help us make suggestions for a great location. If you have an idea of a location or if there is a sentimental place you want your pictures taken at (ie: the place where he proposed!) great! But let us know in advance so, when possible, we can scope out the spot ahead of time. As you’ll see in Carrie and Greg’s session, they are a very fun-loving, exuberant couple and they wanted expressive pictures. The Mesa Art Center in downtown Mesa, Arizona was a perfect location for their artistic side and Freestone Park, also in Mesa, gave them some fun, natural images.
And of course there’s always the big question- “What should we wear!!??” The answer to this again goes back to what mood you want your pictures to have. We normally suggest that our couples bring two or three outfits (ie: a relaxed look and a stylish look.) Some couples match their outfits, some purposefully clash! There’s no right or wrong- these are your pictures and they should express who you are. A helpful tip for all you ladies- high heels rock in pictures (check out Carrie’s jeans-with-heels look in the previous post) BUT to prevent your feet from falling off, bring a pair of flip-flops to walk in while we’re not shooting. This is also a helpful tip for your wedding day pictures! ;)
Bottom line, an engagement session is a great way to get to know us as photographers and for us to get to know you before the craze of the big wedding day. Most people are not used to having their picture taken excessively but on your wedding day, that is our job. We have found that couples who have an engagement session are more relaxed and natural in their wedding pictures- sometimes even forgetting we are there shooting- which is exactly what we want. Our goal is to capture images that best describe you as a couple- natural, fun, passionate… and very much in love! Ok, ok, enough about us, we know you want to see Carrie and Greg’s session! Enjoy!
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