Tips for Taking Full Advantage of an Engagement Session
More than anything, engagement photos are a time to step back from wedding planning and really remember what you're doing it all for. It's a time to think about your life with your fiancé--all that you've been through and all that you're looking forward to. All the things about each other that made you want to promise your life to them. It shouldn't be just another thing on the wedding to-do list, but a time of reflection and FUN. So along those lines, here are some ideas:
1. DON’T JUST MAKE THE SESSION FUN, MAKE THE DAY FUN!
What's your favorite way to spend a day together? A walk around the neighborhood? Fancy coffee from that really great place down the street? Reading old love notes from years ago? Chatting at the park? Going to your favorite restaurant? Make the whole day a great one. Let the sweetness build all day long.
2. CREATE A SESSION THAT REALLY FEELS LIKE YOUR RELATIONSHIP DOES
This might not always come naturally to some people, so I'm always there to help! If your relationship is marked by goofiness and spontaneity maybe we go roller skating and eat cheeseburgers in the McDonalds parking lot. If you cherish the coziness and warmth of your relationship what about a photoshoot at home cooking dinner? If you love fashion let's do an editorial-style shoot in matching outfits behind a pink backdrop. Whatever direction you decide to go in--deeply avoid playing pretend. Incorporate REAL elements of your life into this time. Those cheeseburgers in the McDonalds parking lot? That's been your longstanding celebration dinner after a big life win. Cooking dinner at home together? It's the kitchen you two worked so hard to renovate in the early days of 2020. The matching outfits? They're actually the outfits you wore on your first date when you accidentally showed up in identical outfits. These real elements go so, so far.
3. CONSIDER YOURSELVES IN 30 YEARS
You could be living in a completely different town, you could have children, you could have different careers. What will you want to remember about the life you're living now? What will you want to see in a shoebox full of photos that will make you go "OH MY GOSH! Do you remember that??" Because those are the things & places I want to build memories of.
4. LET’S HANG OUT!
Imagine you're on a first date with someone and they start taking pictures of you. That would be weird...right? That's exactly what I'm trying NOT to do. It's really important to me that you as a couple feel really comfortable with me, so I normally don't pull my cameras out right away! I'd love to meet you for a drink or coffee or dinner at the start of our shoot--everyone gets to know each other and relax a little bit.
5. ON THAT NOTE, HAVE A DRINK!
If you're feeling particularly nervous or you just enjoy a nice drink--have one! It's a great way to loosen up a little bit and settle those nerves.
6. A GOOD RULE OF THUMB: IF YOU FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE, YOU PROBABLY LOOK UNCOMFORTABLE, SO WEAR SOMETHING THAT MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE YOURSELF.
Maybe it's your favorite sweater or a pair of jeans that you love how you look in. Go with that over the risky-dress-that-you-never-wear-but-you-like-in-theory-but-not-in-the-real-world. Once you’ve decided on how the session should feel, the outfit you choose to wear should complement that. I can always help with those decisions!
7. CONSIDER THE SEASON
If you’re hoping to use engagement photos for Save The Dates or other wedding day items, it might limit you to a particular season or time frame. But no matter how tight your time frame may be, consider the season! If you’re typically uncomfortable and sweaty in the summer, it might be worth it to hold off on engagement photos until fall. If the summer sun brings out a joy in you that is unmatched, why wait until fall?? Work with yourselves and your preferences, not against.
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on what would make your engagement session really and truly yours. Whatever that looks like—I’m down.
Cheers!
Chloe