Congratulations on your engagement! As your photographer, my goal is to capture the magic of your love story in a way that feels natural, comfortable, and genuinely you. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your engagement session and ensure we get the best possible photos.

1. Select Appropriate Clothing

Choosing the right outfit can make a significant difference in your photos.

Here are a few considerations:

Background Coordination: Think about where we'll be shooting. In a gray urban setting, colors like dark reds and deep blues can stand out beautifully. For nature-filled locations, avoid browns and greens which can blend into the background.

Avoid Patterns: Solid colors with classic styling tend to look best. Patterns can be distracting and don't always photograph well.

Avoid Logos: Logos or text on text on clothing can be distracting and may read funny depending on how the clothing folds. Further, logos will tend to date your photos.

Wrinkle/Fur-Free: Make sure your clothes are ironed and wrinkle-free. If you have pets, be sure to remove any pet hair.

Extra Outfit: Bring an extra set of clothes for variety and in case of spills or other mishaps.

2. Bring a friend

Consider bringing someone you're comfortable with, who you don't mind being silly in front of. They don't need any photography experience.

A good helper can:

Drive, allowing you to relax.

Help fix your hair or adjust makeup.

Take care of your dog if you're including your furry friend in the shoot.

3. Pack Essentials

Here are some items to bring along that you won't regret:

Hairbrush and makeup for touch-ups.

A mirror.

Drinking water to stay hydrated.

Bug spray, especially if we're shooting in nature.

Comfortable shoes for walking between locations.

4. Relax and find inspiration

I'll guide you through poses and provide direction to make look your best, but each person will also have different preferences and an engagement session is about me learning about you also. To help communicate your taste:

Look up some poses online and screenshot a few that you like. We won't replicate them exactly, but it helps me understand your preferences.

5. Plan and consider the time of day

The best times to shoot are two hours before sunset or early in the morning. This is because:

Soft Light: The light during these times is softer and more flattering, avoiding harsh shadows.

Golden Hour: The warm, golden light near sunset adds a beautiful, romantic glow to your photos.

Comfort: Cooler temperatures in the morning or late afternoon can make the session more comfortable.

Another consideration is some venues and locations are busier at certain times, if you want more private moments or actually prefer lots of people congratulating you, consider the time (and location).

6. Additional Tips

Hair and Makeup:

Consider having your hair and makeup professionally done.

It can boost your confidence and ensure you look your best.

Get a good night's sleep: Rest well the night before. You'll feel more refreshed and energetic.

Eat light, but eat: Have a light meal before the shoot. You'll have more energy and won't feel so stuffed.

Be yourself: The most beautiful photos are the ones where you're genuinely happy and comfortable.

Don't be afraid to laugh, be silly, or show affection.Arrive early. It's less stressful and you may end up with more pictures and variety.