Before an engagement session, I usually am asked a bunch of questions and I don’t mind it one bit! It gives me the opportunity to talk with my clients and make them feel comfortable, confident, and excited for the upcoming shoot. However, I thought it may be helpful to answer some of those frequently asked questions right here on the blog.
Engagement sessions are so important because they allow you to get acquainted with your photographer, who is more than likely going to be capturing your best day ever. Most couples have never had professional photographs taken, so it’s important to make sure you’re comfortable and get the feel of how things work.
For me, I like to start out with a few traditional posed photos. Then, I like for my couples to play a few games and let loose to get those natural laughing/intimate photos that you have most likely pinned on Pinterest. I want my couples to show up with confidence on their wedding day, knowing their pictures will be amazing!
Most couples start looking to schedule within a few weeks after being proposed to. However, feel free to take your time and do your research on your photographers. I love when clients want to go to coffee with me beforehand, just to get a feel for if I’m a good fit for them. You want to choose someone you trust and enjoy being around because, trust me, we will be by your side every step of your big day!!
I appreciate when clients send pictures of their outfits before a session. That way, we can plan the location bearing in mind what you will be wearing. You don’t want to clash with your surroundings. We’ll pick a location that’s best for you and, if you don’t have one in mind, I can absolutely help you plan that out.
I probably get asked this question the most! I try to help couples plan outfits based on their selection of location and send some outfit guides. Personally, for my editing style, I think neutral/muted colors look amazing! If you get stuck and cannot find an outfit, no worries! I offer my clients access to my client wardrobe collection.
Additionally, you can certainly have a costume change during your shoot. I bring a pop up changing tent to all my sessions so you can change outfits even if there isn’t a bathroom nearby.
To hair and makeup – absolutely YES!!! I include makeup from Royal Beauty by Kirstie in all of my engagement sessions. The shoot is also a great opportunity to test run your wedding day makeup artist. If hair isn’t your thing, then that the opportunity to treat yourself, girl!! Go get a mani, pedi, and your hair did! If you can do hair and have a specific way you want it, then go for it!
As far as spray tans – I’d have to say NO! I can’t tell you how many girls I’ve seen with orange feet and hands for pictures. You don’t want that. Unless you can for sure get a spray tan without your hands and feet looking orange, just don’t. I know you ladies want to look a little darker, but I also want your pictures to look like everything you’ve ever dreamed of.
Timing depends on the time of year and location. If you are out in the open somewhere, I like to plan around golden hour because you don’t want to have that direct sunlight in your face, making you squint in your pictures. If we are going to a location with lots of trees or shade, then anytime during the day will work.
LET LOOSE AND HAVE FUN!! Don’t think about it. Trust me, we’ll have a good time!! I will give you direction and make some laughs to help you loosen up.
Unless you have anything sentimental or that you feel like you definitely want in the photos, props are not necessary. However, I love when pets are a part of a shoot, just give me a heads up!!
If you do decide to bring your fur-babies, make sure you bring someone to watch them while you’re taking photos of you and your significant other. Or, ask your photographer if you can set up two days of photos, one for your normal photos and a second day for your pups to be included.
Your gallery will be uploaded to an online viewing gallery and will be available for a year but I do recommend backing them up to a cd/USB drive. I also offer an option to keep your gallery up yearly so it’s always backed up.
For my clients: You can take your images anywhere to get printed. However, I do recommend ordering from the lab that is connected to your gallery since my computer is color calibrated with the lab so, coloring wise, what you see is what you get. If you take them somewhere that is a low quality place, you may not get accurate coloring in your printed photos.
My photography stands as a promise to you: your memories will be captured with the utmost care and reverence. As an artisan of image-making, I am deeply committed to seizing not merely the scene but the spirit of your personal narrative. Each photograph is imbued with the attention and sensitivity it deserves, ensuring that the laughter, longing, and love at the heart of your memories are delicately preserved.