THIS ONE'S FOR THE NEWLEY ENGAGED
So you’ve just booked your engagement session with me and you’re excited, SAME!!! But you’re probably thinking to yourself, "What's next?" This guide will walk you through the steps you'll need to do to get ready for your photoshoot with me. The purpose of this session is to capture your love story as it is, chaos and all. We want to make sure that everyone is represented. Expect to have a great time with plenty of laughter, hugs, kisses, and snuggles!
OUR FIRST STEP
SELECTING A DATE
The first thing to think about when scheduling an engagement is the time of year you want to do it. Some of my couples want their engagement session to have a completely different look than their wedding day. Perhaps it's a different season or simply a location you won't be able to find on your wedding day. The exact date of your engagement is determined by your personal preferences for the photos.
My outdoor sessions are usually held 2.5 hours before sunset. Shooting around sunset creates the soft, beautiful glow that you see in images! In the summer, some sunsets are later than others so we might slightly adjust your start time for the best lighting.
Regardless, we typically spend around 2 hours together during the session (this includes any travel time between sites, which should be factored into your plans), and my editing turnaround time is 4 weeks.
UP NEXT, LOCATION
SELECTING A LOCATION
When it comes to choosing a location for your engagement session, the first thing to consider is the vibes you want to create. Do you want to go on an adventure or just stay at home and snuggle? Do you want to splash around on the shore or frolic in the fields? It's easy to narrow down your location options when you know what kind of vibes and style you want. You're also welcome to select a secondary location within a close proximity!
At the end of the day, my recommendation is to choose something that feels like you two. You will be happier in surroundings that excite and ground you!
If you haven't been able to dive into my location guide just yet, click below!
FROM THERE, STYLING
WHAT TO WEAR?
You might be tempted to run out and buy an entirely new outfit (believe me, I'm always looking for an excuse to shop hehe!) However, you should think about wearing some of your favorite pieces that you currently own! It will make a huge difference in how you act in front of the camera if you are comfortable in your outfit. Wearing something you already know you like will give you that confidence boost you've been looking for! Make sure you both have tried on the outfits you want to wear as new clothes can be uncomfortable at times.
We've established that you must feel fantastic in whatever you're wearing, but if the outfit doesn't spring to mind right away, here are a few pointers to get you started!
Also, changing outfits during a session always takes more time than my clients expect, so in order to maximize shooting time and give you the highest number of photos possible, I recommend keeping the number of outfits to two to keep stress low and the number of photos in your final gallery high.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
- Consider the location. Make sure you're dressed in a way that allows you to move easily (there will be a lot of it!). If you usually wear heels, remember to pack a pair of rubber shoes or slip-ons in case we need to embark on an adventure to get to our destination!
- Solid color outfits are the way to go because prints are sometimes distracting. However, if you would like to go with a print, make sure it isn't too loud.
- When it comes to dress coordination, I find it easiest to start with one outfit or a color palette. Use that outfit as a starting point for other outfits. Use the same base neutrals in each ensemble and experiment with different ways to add your pops of color. Keep in mind the location that you have chosen. You don't want to clash with the trees or even your own house decor.
- This is not the time to experiment with a new look. Put on something you'd ordinarily put on. If dresses aren't your style and you rarely wear them, don't feel obligated to do so. There are other options for looking nice without leaving your comfort zone. In these photos, you want to look like yourself. Remember that feeling at ease and confident is crucial!
- Take into account the weather! If it's raining or snowing, make sure you're prepared with your cute outerwear!
THE BIG THREE FOR OUTFITS
MOVEMENT
If something restricts your movement or prevents you from sitting comfortably, you should reconsider wearing it for the session. During our shoot, I encourage a lot of movement and contact so wearing clothing that is too tight or restrictive might make it difficult to move candidly.
AUTHENTICITY
If it's new to you, please test it out before the session to see if it makes you feel like your best self. Try something else if you're continually pulling at it or adjusting it.
COLORS
Solids or "quiet" patterns + neutrals and earth tones always photograph well. If you're more of a color lover, soft pastels work wonders!
WHAT ABOUT HAIR + MAKEUP?
If you want to schedule a hair and make-up trial before your wedding, now is the time! The engagement session is an excellent opportunity to put your beauty team to the test before the big day!
On the subject of makeup, unless you wear a full face on a regular basis, I believe that for your wedding or photo session, less is more. If you're used to wearing no makeup or just a light tinted moisturizer with mascara, don't go for big false lashes, deep contour, and overdrawn lips; you won't feel like yourself.
The same may be said of your hair. Just because other couples do it, doesn’t mean you have to wear a formal up-do or have "wedding hair”. Do whatever makes the most sense to you and will make you feel confident on your wedding day and in your photos!
INCLUDING THE FUR BABIES
Do you want to bring your pet with you? Say less! Many dogs have accompanied us on sessions. It may help you limit your options, as some areas aren't as dog-friendly as others! It provides you with another element to use (besides each other) and allows you to take some cute family shots! We all know that pets are an important component of a relationship!
I do recommend having a family member or friend bringing them towards the end of your session!
MY TOP 5 TIPS
- Hydrate and rest before your session! The benefits of glowy skin, reduced puffiness, and a good night's rest is amazing.
- Make sure everything is ready the night before so you aren't scrambling in the morning; you don't want to be stressed out!
- Arrive on time and prepared to begin your session. Because your session is timed according to the light, please factor in traffic/parking.
- Limit the luggage and empty those pockets! While we're shooting, try not to carry too much extra stuff. We're normally in a car and can leave non-essential items in it, but in busy places, making hauling extra bags a bit of a hassle. I carry my gear pack and can tuck some of your smaller goods (wallet, keys, phone, sunglasses, chapstick, etc) inside.
- Make a date night out of it!
CANDID MOMENTS & INTENTIONAL POSES
I make every effort to ensure that your photos do not appear “too posed". Instead, I'll point you in the right direction and tell you what to do, and then it'll be up to you to make it your own. I'm not going to instruct you exactly where to put your hands or how to stand. My instructions are often vague, allowing you to be yourself! Plus, I don't think I need to teach you how to be a couple; you're already pros!
The best tip I can give you is to NEVER. STOP. MOVING. Seriously, the more movement you do, the more photos you will get. You'll get one shot from a pose if I give you a direction and you stand still. But if you follow my advice and move around, you'll get a lot more variety. Feel free to deviate from any of my instructions; kisses, hugs, and snuggles are all welcome at any moment!
Be true to yourself! Remember, these are photos of you, so don't strive to look like that photo you saw on Pinterest. We'll try a few different shots, and it's fine if not all of them work out. The ones that do come out will be the most authentic and beautiful representations of you and your partner!
JUST ONE LAST THING
I know I just gave you A LOT to think about! Don’t panic :) Just take it one step at a time. I provided a Checklist for you below to help you stay organized and on top of things! But if you have any questions at any point, please know I’m here for you! If you’re deciding between two dresses and can’t commit, no problem! I’m here. If you love three locations but can’t make up your mind, no worries! I can help with that, too. If you need a recommendation of any kind, I’m on it! Remember, I’m just an email away :)
session CHECKLIST
- Water bottles (especially for summer sessions)
- A brush, hairspray, and/or gel are all useful tools. Do you have faith in your hair to stay in place for 1-2 hours?
- A little makeup bag for touch-ups.
- A towel in case somebody perspires too much.
- Umbrellas because weather is unpredictable.
- A change of clothes. You may wish to change things up (and you are free to do so!) So make sure you remember to bring it with you. It's also useful to have a back-up plan in the case of an accident.
- Shoes that are both comfortable and stylish!
At the end of the day, though, the location you choose and the outfits you wear won’t matter nearly as much as the fun we have together and the memories you make. The style choices you make will definitely enhance your photos, but the most important accessory to bring with you is a joyful attitude – which is the one that makes the biggest difference in your photos anyways. You don’t need to have prior experience in front of the camera. Just show up with a smile and I’ll take care of the rest :)
LITTLE SUMMARY
KEY TAKEAWAY POINTS
- Take into account your session location, you want to stand out and not blend into the scenery.
- Neutrals and earth tones are always great and photograph beautifully! Try to avoid bright colors, they tend to reflect onto you and your partner's skin tone.
- Avoid small, thin lines as they create the moire effect and that cannot be corrected in post processing. If you're wearing a pattern, ideally it should be bigger than a dime.
- You are more than welcome to do an outfit change and I have a portable changing tent just in case your session location does not offer a changing area.
- Choose outfits that you feel comfortable and happy about yourself in!
- Remember, the goal is to coordinate your looks and not be too matchy-matchy. Try on your outfits together and see what feels right!
We're going to have so much fun!
So excited to see you!
Lots of Love,
Halie
