Engagement photos are so special. Sometimes they are the first non-selfie photos that couples share. Having an engagement session the unofficial kick off to wedding planning. I suggest every couple have an engagement session because they are such a fun way for couples to get comfy being in front of the camera.  So you have booked your engagement session and you want to rock those photos but you might be saying “what is it gonna be like? Where should we go? What do we wear?.”  Not to worry,  these are the most common questions I get asked by engagement session clients and I’m gonna walk you through them all.

What to Wear

Start early! Plan what to wear early enough that you have time to change your mind or do a little shopping. I suggest at least 2 outfits. Engagement photos are a great time (excuse) to add some special pieces to your wardrobe. Even if you are only utilizing one location, an outfit change can really keep it fresh and offer a different vibe. The focus of the photos is you and your partner therefore try and stay away from logos or wording which is a distraction. Avoid shorts and a girl can never go wrong with a dress or two. Don’t worry about matching, just go for coordinating your choices. Pastels and Neutrals are always in style and you can add scarves, jewelry, or layers to add pop and texture. Above all, wear what makes you feel amazing because your confidence will shine through and that is the best accessory!

Makeup & Hair

Engagement sessions are a great time to have a hair and makeup trial for your wedding day. Be sure and schedule with your stylist of choice as soon as possible so you get the perfect appointment time. Having a pro do your hair and makeup also reduces the stress of getting ready and can give you a big confidence boost. If you would like a recommendation I can help with that too.

Don’t be late

Your photographer has planned your session for a specific time so that the light is optimal for beautiful portraits. So if you show up even ten minutes late it can mean that your session is shorter and that you have fewer images to love. For natural light photographers, the perfect light is usually the last 2 hours before sunset but once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Locations

I love when couples plan their own location. It’s not because there is a shortage of beautiful spots. Rather,  when a couple chooses their location it makes it so much more special. A favorite coffee shop, the bookstore you met at, or outside the pub that you play darts in twice a week make great places that tell your love story. If you want a beautiful backdrop we can totally do that too. The valley offers many lovely places to pick from both rustic and urban.

Just Be Yourself

Just be yourselves. Nobody is better at being you than you. You are amazing and you are sharing the session with your favorite person who is also really rad, so just relax. Take a deep breath and have a good time. The more relaxed you are the more natural your photos will look. Natural and fun are exactly the looks we want.  A lot of the same poses will be used on your wedding day so your engagement session is perfect for practicing those close cuddles and forehead kisses.