Preparing for Your Engagement Session

Congratulations! We are about to have so much fun with your engagement session! We are going to play, laugh, and celebrate your love for each other.

When it comes to your engagement photos, I have only one rule: The session has to reflect you and your love together. The rest of these paragraphs are just guidelines, and there are definitely no set-in-stone rules that you must follow.

1.  First of all, if you haven’t already, PLEASE fill out my engagement questionnaire by clicking here.  This will help me learn a little bit more about you, your style, your tastes, and what you’d like to come out of your engagement session photos!

2.  Make sure you’re comfortable. The most important thing about your photos is capturing your happiness, love, and laughter, and if your feet are killing you or you’re worried about the dress being too tight, then that will show up in your facial expressions. Of course, you definitely want to look fabulous – but try the potential outfits on and walk around in them for a little while a few days before the session – see if there is anything that would distract you from gazing into your love’s eyes with complete focus. 😀

3.  Personalize, personalize, personalize. Show the world in your photos who you are, and what you love to do together as a couple. Do you love to eat? Bring a blanket and picnic basket! Do you love horses? Let me photograph you on a ride together. Is one or both of you in the military? Let’s see you in that uniform! This is the beauty of custom portraiture – it celebrates you and your individuality!

4.  Clothing Choices:  This is a big one, just because there are so many different opinions on the matter. When in doubt, see my only rule at the very beginning of this page. All of these clothing suggestions are just what I feel looks best in general, and should not restrict you in any way.  Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions at all!

Here are some things to generally avoid:

• • Logos/graphics/text on clothing. It is mainly a distraction.
  • Ill-fitting clothes. Make sure the clothing fits you properly. Dress for your body type.  If it’s too tight, it will not be comfortable, and may not be flattering. The same goes for baggy clothes – Guys, please make sure your dress shirt fits you and does not swallow you. If it’s too baggy, it can look sloppy or messy. Try to avoid sleeveless tops. If you have a favorite top that is sleeveless, then bring a cute sweater to wear over it.
  • White shirts/pants/dresses and black shirts/pants/dresses.
  • Running shoes. Sneakers generally don’t photograph well. Stick to loafers or dress shoes, or Converse shoes if you want to wear sneakers that look nice in-camera.
  • Ladies – avoid overdoing your eye makeup. Try not to line underneath the eyes, as it can create shadows. I highly recommend getting your hair and makeup professionally done for your shoot, so that you look the most fabulous! It doesn’t have to cost a lot – check out your local MAC counter for a free makeover by appointment. They love to do your makeup and sell you some of their products, and they always do a fantastic job, from my experience.

5. Try to make sure your outfits coordinate. This doesn’t mean that they have to match. Pick a style of clothing and dress similarly with coordinating color palettes. Vintage? Dressy? Casual? Dress in the same style. Choose a color palette, such as bold colors, fall colors, pastels, etc. and make sure you’re coordinating.

6. Don’t forget about accessories! It doesn’t have to be overpowering (after all, the most important accessory besides your smiles is the ring!), but add some personalized touches with your earrings or scarves, hats and necklaces, etc. Cute shoes add a great touch to any image!

These are just a few tips, and again – it’s all about you and your love for each other. As long as you’re happy, comfortable and having fun, that’s what matters most. 🙂