Let’s Make the Most of Your Engagement Session.
The engagement period is such a special and fleeting time in a couple’s life, so worthy of being beautifully documented. An engagement session is so important because it will help get you comfortable, maybe even creative in front of the camera; offer you beautiful photos to use before your big day, maybe for your save the date or wedding website; and it creates a keepsake to be admired for years to come. So, let me talk you through how to make this an enjoyable experience.
Considerations at hand: LIGHT,LOCATION, STYLING AND POSING.
Light:
Sunrise and Sunset are your best bets for the best light. There are exceptions to this rule, and I for one, love to play with “harsh light” (i.e. the hour before golden hour) and I love a good challenge, BUT to optimize your time and money: stick with a sunrise or sunset session.
Another thing to communicate with me about how you do in bright light. Some kinds of eyes and skin types, are more sensitive than others- don’t be afraid to communicate that beforehand as it can really help when scouting for locations.
example of some harsh light action
LOCATION:
Location ties in with light- Choose a spot that has great light and tells your story! Any photographer should have their wheelhouse of favorite spots that are universal hits, but don’t be afraid to put an idea, concept, or location on the table that is meaningful to you. At the end of the day we’re here to tell your story!
Another location tip: If you’re the type that needs a little liquid courage- ask to first meet at a local bar! I’ve seen lots of couples opt for making the whole experience one big date night . Make reservation and a nearby spot!
Chris and Charlie are professionals and have ties to Pasadena. So I found them spots that honor those things.
Styling:
First and foremost: PLEASE be comfortable! I want you to FEEL like a rockstar in whatever you choose to wear! Now let’s dig a little deeper…
COLOR Theory
Consider the pallette! Color is a powerful thing and the team over at Mango Street Lab have an awesome video giving insights on basic color theory with regard to a photo shoots: Here
Another favorite resource is Color Cafe’s Instagram. This a great account for color inspiration. Save your favorites and reference them later to see what you’re eye likes best!
My photography style is tends towards true to life colors, but one thing is for sure I’m not afraid of color. Trends come and go in wedding photography style and its my goal to create a photo that is timeless!
Fun Fact and personal sidenote- I’m currently crushing hard on this palette and used these tones for my own wedding:
Attire
Typically we have time for at least two looks. Use that opportunity to get some variety out of the session; Dress one look up a bit, and then do one a bit more casual cool.
For a dressed up look, think: hitting the town on a Saturday night- maybe an exclusive rooftop party in downtown LA, or a chic gallery opening, or whatever occasion inspires you to want to look especially hot. If you’re more of an eccentric type- this is the time to lean into that! If you’re into fashion- let’s play that up! And if not- that’s cool too, your job is to just have fun dressing up and FEEL your best.
For a more casual look, think: weeknight date night at a nice restaurant, understated, effortless, cool and most of all YOU!
Again, you should feel good in whatever you’re wearing. If you’re buying new clothes make sure you try them on beforehand and that you feel like a million bucks.
You and your partner should wear colors and styles that compliment each other.
And let me tell ya, I love me a good heel, so I don’t want to discourage anything short of fabulous, but I highly recommend bring back ups or slip ons- something you can use to more easily get from point A-B as your session will require walking and moving around.
You’ll also potentially be asked to sit on the ground, so bring a small blanket or clothes that an allow for this.
more STYLE tipS
Both looks should present well- please be mindful of things that wrinkle easily or are partial to arm pit stains (maybe tmi but I keep it nothing but real!)
Consider getting hair and make up done! This is a time to look your best.
Flowers make everything more beautiful. I fully support splurging on a bouquet, boutonnière, or flower crown to add to the shoot!
Bring extras and accessories! Having more options is always a good thing and it allows us to collaborate on styling the look. This can include entire extra outfits or just some extra sunglasses, ties, hats, scarves, shoes, etc…
Finally, send me your tips! I always want to improve how I can help!
I’d scouted this red door and then we styled together with options she’d brought to the session, tie it all together (pun intended) with Cody’s red bowtie and we’ve successfully created a dynamic vibrant photo!
Poses:
I call this section posing, but there’s really more to it than placing a hand here or tilting a head there. So, first I’ll ask that you and your partner stay open to what I’m going to lay out here. ‘Cause some may say this is little woo woo, but my methods are meant to not only get you to LOOK authentic, cool, and confident; but for you to FEEL that way too!
Ready for it? Awesome! Before you and your partner arrive to your session, take time on your own to look in the mirror, tell yourself out loud that you love yourself, you love your partner, and you love your life together. Then keep thinking this this as you practice smiling. Study your reflection and if you find you have a better side or an angle you like of your face- make note of it, communicate it to me, and be mindful of that when we’re shooting!
Still feeling like you’d like a little more inspiration? Check out this quick video by legends Phil and Sara. Notice how they keep connection, movement, and silliness flowing:
Now that you’re centered and inspired let me walk you through my process: Once you arrive at the session I begin with setting intention. Mine always starts with holding a safe and fun space for you and your partner to lean into the love your share with each other that has brought you to this moment in time.
Then, we take time to breathe, relax, and focus on what the heck we’re doing. I’ll be reading the light and getting my composition while talking you through this little meditation to get us present- you can also totally practice this before hand too!
First close your eyes.
Take a deep breath, deep into your belly. Relax your body, relax your mind.
Take another deep breath and relax the muscles of your face and shoulders
Take another and feel the sensations of the present moment, of happiness, vibrance, love, light, and excitement in your body. Focus on the love you have for yourself, and the love for your partner.
Continue breathing! Remember the engagement time is such a special and fleeting time in the course of once relationship. Take time to be present to it- reflect on it, find gratitude. You may have mile long to-do list but remember the root of what you’re doing and why you’re doing it:
Its the love you share with your partner, the commitment you’re making to this person you love, the joining of your families, the ritual of a sacred bond. Take the time to celebrate and really love this time.
From there I’ll give you directives that will be playful and fun. We’ll set up a general composition and then play within that space.
Some good rules of thumb-
unless I separate you- keep your hands all over each other. The more connection you make with each other physically- the more your connection reads in the photo. Ignore the camera as much as you can unless I direct you otherwise.
Don’t be afraid to laugh and to be human. Tell inside jokes- although I may make you give me the scoop ;)
If you have ideas or specific shots- don’t be afraid to put them on the table.
When in doubt- Make out! or if that feels uncomfortable just hold on tight to each other!
