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6 Ways To Prep For Your Engagement Photo Shoot

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One thing I get a lot of questions about is what my couples need to do to be ready for their engagement session. After all, there are general steps brides and grooms follow as far as choosing their wedding dress and tux. You look through a whole lot of inspiration, make an appointment, you have stylists plus family and friends that help you choose what looks amazing on you, then you buy it. It can feel not quite so straightforward when preparing for your engagement photo shoot!

The first thing to remember is that the engagement session is about having FUN! This is the shoot where you are able to get in front of the camera, get comfortable with the way I work, but most importantly…have a great time! This is the shoot with no pressure! It’s about celebrating this new chapter in your life.

On your wedding day, you’ll be focused on your hair, makeup, the ceremony, and so many other little things, there simply isn’t time to hang around and chat so we can get to know one another. Now don’t get me wrong, your wedding is going to be a BLAST! But it’s nice to have that engagement session under your belt so you know exactly what to expect on your wedding day and rock it like a pro!

So here are some of my favorite ways to make sure you are 100% ready for your engagement session!

1. Dress It Up

Don’t be afraid to say yes to the dress! Have you thought about rocking a romantic gown and flower crown, but never had an occasion for it? Your engagement session is your chance to really do it up! Most couples bring two outfits, one dressier and a second more casual choice. The most important thing to remember when choosing your outfits is to coordinate with each other, not match. Find what fits together and play it up!

2. Hair and Makeup

Your engagement session is a time to feel glam! I recommend scheduling your hair & makeup trial on the day of your engagement session. First, you can get an idea of what your wedding day makeup will look like on camera and can tweak anything you need to for the day of the wedding. But pampering yourself can help make you feel more confident when you step in front of the camera!

3. Be on Time

Of all the things listed here, this is the most important! Most couples don’t realize that the dreamy light natural light photographers love to shoot in is only around for a limited amount of time each day. Only about 4 hours, to be exact! We are totally dependent on the sun! If you’re late for your session, you’ll lose that amount of valuable time due to a lack of light. Don’t get me wrong, I understand things can happen that derail even the best-laid plans; bad traffic, a last-minute wardrobe change, a reluctant groom…If at all possible, I recommend padding your travel time by 10-15 minutes to avoid the possibility of losing any session time or gorgeous sunlight!

4. Prepare Your Groom

Speaking of reluctant grooms…make sure to prepare your groom for what to expect during your engagement session. In my experience, rarely is a guy thrilled to dress up and be in front of the camera for hours if they don’t know what to expect. He’s going to think I’m crazy when I ask him to pose with his nose to your temple or nuzzle your check if he is unaware of my photography style. Most guys expect to snap a few shots of you together, a couple of your stunning ring, and then everyone is on their merry way. That’s it! I suggest sitting down together and going through any past engagement sessions of mine or portrait ideas you’ve found on Pinterest to give him an idea about the experience. You know your groom better than anyone and only you can help him to prepare – and be excited! – for the session.

5. Location

When it comes to picking locations for your engagement session, I often tell my clients to make a list of places, locations, or activities they love to do as a couple. Enjoy doing beer tours? Contact a local brewery about your session. Enjoy long hikes on Sunday afternoons? Let’s use your favorite path for a gorgeous backdrop. I love shooting in locations that are meaningful for my clients!

6. Relax and Enjoy

As you’re both getting ready for your engagement session, remember to give yourself some grace. No photographer expects you to be a pro in front of the camera! My couples are normal, everyday people that often haven’t had their pictures professionally taken EVER. So it’ll probably feel weird at the beginning of your shoot, so just relax and don’t be nervous! I’ll be there every step of the way to guide you through your session. After all, it’s part of what you’re paying me for! 😉  So let me focus on the technical side while you focus on soaking up this romantic, happy time of your lives. You’ll be surprised at how much fun you can have!