Engagement Session Tips
Hey guys! Today I'm going to give you a few tips to help you prepare for your engagement session!
First of all, following the engagement, I'm going to assume you have already chosen a photographer who matches your style and you are comfortable with. Your relationship with your photographer will have an effect on your images so choose someone you get along with and love their work to begin with! For those of you who have worked with me or viewed my art, you know my personal style is a mix of candid and directed posing in creamy natural light. This may not be for everyone!
Next, let me assure you it is
not
something to stress about. I know it's easy to get nervous over something you may have never done before, but I promise, all of my couples say they are 'not photogenic' and you know just how fabulous they end up looking! Allow yourself to feel beautiful and have fun! Take a deep breath and remember the reason you are here; you want photos that tell the story of your love and life together! Embrace those natural feelings of bliss, love and intimacy and they will show on the outside.
As I work mostly with natural light, I typically shoot my engagement sessions in the evening when the sun is soft and close to setting. Avoiding hot temps, harsh lighting and squinting eyes are a must in helping everyone feel comfortable. Please plan for forty-five minutes to an hour and half for your session.
I recommend my clients to choose locations that mean something to them. Where do you enjoy going together? Additionally, consider any hobbies you enjoy together. This could be walking your dogs on trails or exploring new cities. This will give me an idea if you're looking for more of a field-and-country feel or an urban feel to your images. Maybe you enjoy boating and would like to incorporate a nautical theme to your session. It's okay if it's non-typical. It could be as simple as on your front porch where you like to spend time together or a large garden you find beautiful. This is your personal story. I'm just here to incorporate my creative style and ideas to capture it for you in a memorable way.
Bonus tip:
Props are
so
welcome! From couches to pets to champagne flutes to bikes. I love adding in details and props which symbolizes your special relationship.
Now, you're probably wondering what in the world am I going to wear? I highly recommend one casual and one dressy outfit each (plus a back-up outfit just in case). Please avoid logo tee shirts/hoodies (unless you're repping a school or team you enjoy together), ripped jeans, crazy wrinkles or straps/boxers showing. I also ask you take out anything bulky in your pockets (wallet, cellphone, keys). I can carry one or two things, but please don't fill a handbag for me to carry along. I'm unlikely to spend my time editing out an outfit you chose to wear so please choose accordingly. If you can't decide between a few outfits - create a mini closet in the back of your car and I'd be more than happy to help out!
Many brides like to use their engagement session as the perfect day for trial hair and makeup for the wedding. This is a fantastic idea as it takes out any stress in doing your own. For complimenting colors, patterns and accessories, check out my Pinterest Inspiration board
!
Bonus tip:
If you have the chance to shine up or clean your ring the morning of - do it! I love photographing that bling!
It takes me up to three weeks to edit your session and upload your online gallery. Please add an additional few weeks for you to view, order and receive your products. This is why I recommend scheduling your engagement session as soon as you get engaged to ensure you have plenty of time to make Save-the-Dates, create announcements and/or add photos to your invites.
All in all, I want create a session that highlights the story of your relationship. If you are a couple who doesn't like kissing photos - let me know! If you are frightened to death of critters in a field, let's discuss more urban settings. I want to know your vision for your engagement session so I can help you personalize it to be unique to you!
Get in touch with me at janelleelainephotography@gmail.com to plan your session today!