Engagement Session Guide

Stoked for our first hoorah together? Me too! I know it can be a bit daunting getting there, so here is a quick tip guide to help you flow right on through your engagement session. From planning, to preparing, to slaying your session, I promise I'll take good care of you and have you leaving your shoot hand in hand with smiles on your face and lots of love in your hearts.

What's your vibe?

The first step is deciding what you'd like your shoot to represent about yourselves. Are you outdoorsy and love to play around in rivers in the woods? You have some hobbies that you love sharing together? Are you more into an urban scene with some mural art? Maybe you're foodies and want to take a little tour of your favorite neighborhood hot spots. Whatever your vibe, we'll take it, run with it, and have a ball.

I'm a big fan of sessions that highlight the authentic joy you share. There's no better way to let that shine than to partake in activities or hang in environments that bring out the best of your relationship. Below are a few suggestions that not only make for stellar photos, but also offer up a ton of fun and intimacy.

Time for some fun

Arts & Crafts - Great opportunity to add some color, texture, and get a little messy together

Outdoor Activities - Kayaking, hiking, biking, dirt bike riding, swimming, rock climbing, rollerskating, hitting the slopes, a picnic in the park, rowing a boat, and all things fresh air.

In Home - Snuggle sessions on the couch, cooking in the kitchen, making out in your garden, pillow talk in your room. Your space is the perfect setting for intimacy and full appreciation of each other. You're at ease, open, and comfortable in a space that you've created together and experience so many little glimmers of joy.

Urban Exploration - Take a tour around your favorite neighborhoods and city streets. Pop in for a coffee and croissant or some margs and nachos. We can take in the art the city has to offer and the lush green paradise of your favorite park. Have some landmarks you want to include? Great! Let's dive into the charm of your city.

Try something new - I'm not one to shy away from new experiences. You have your heart set on skydiving together? I'm in. Let's take an art class or learn how to make wine.

Some of my other favorites: gardening, outdoor movie date, thrift shop hopping, visiting art installations/galleries, boardwalk games, carnivals/fairs, visiting some animals, camping trips, swimming, playground fun, experimental lighting, editorial concept

Let's get weird, folks!

What to wear

First things first, you do not need to run out and buy a whole new wardrobe for your session. Is it a good excuse to find some new or thrifted threads? Absolutely. The key to a good outfit is comfort and confidence. So wear that favorite t-shirt and flannel, the skirt that flutters in the wind, the jacket that brings out the bad ass in you. Dress it up or dress it down, just do you.

There is a ton of advice out there about how to dress and style yourselves for engagement sessions. The best I can give is lean into being yourselves.

Bright poppy colors are great for fun, vibrant, energetic images that bring out the playful side of your relationship. Add some bold pops of pattern and bring some extra contrast.

If you're going for a more toned down, natural, earthy look, stick to your basic neutral tones, choose softer, more organic patterns, and comfortable fabrics.

Do you like to dress to impress? Get yourselves Vogue ready and we'll showcase that style.

Accessories are an excellent way to add to your color palette and insert some pattern into your photos. Think jewelry, scarves, hats, socks, earrings, etc.

Your chosen location for your session will impact what you decide to wear. Whether you want to highlight parts of your surroundings or stand out amongst your background, consider how your outfits will play off of not only each other, but in the world around you.

I promise you won't be a
deer in the headlights

I get it. Most people are not comfortable having their photo taken. Being one of those people myself, I'm here to tell you I understand and I will take care of you. Will it be awkward? For a minute or two maybe. Will you leave talking about how much fun you had and how much EASIER it was than you thought it would be? Yes, you will. My most consistent feedback after an engagement session is how comfortable people become interacting and being themselves in front of the camera. We'll skip freeze and cheese and opt for motion, play, and admiration. I like to keep you moving and having fun. Allowing your bodies to relax into each other and enjoy the moment together.

Final tips and tricks

Still feeling a bit anxious? Here are a few pointers to get you ready:

Practice your kissing, practice your smile - I know it sounds weird, but it can help calm your mind and keep you present. It's easy to get caught up in your head when you're feeling nervous, so practice those kisses with your eyes closed, lips not too puckered, and remember smooshing your lover's nose can look a bit painful in a photo. Keep it easy breezy and enjoy using "practice" as a chance to squeeze in some extra kisses.

Struggling with your outfit choices? Try on a few to find what makes you most comfortable and confident. Experiment with combinations and colors. Throw in some pattern or texture. Take turns snapping some photos of each other and get a feel for how it looks on camera. Have fun with it! Feel free to bring any outfit changes a long with you.

Be prepared for rain. We can't control the weather. If it rains on your scheduled engagement session day, decide if you'd like to reschedule or have fun dancing in the rain. Want to keep the date, but move indoors? Create a few back up ideas of locations you enjoy with a roof or under an awning.

Yes. Definitely bring your pet. For sure, absolutely, I can't wait to meet them. Most people that include their fur babies find it helpful to bring along a friend or family member to give your pets a break and allow the two of you to dedicate your full attention to each other.

Lighting can create a mood all on it's own. Some people love that golden hour light right as the sun is starting to dip and the shadows soften. Others want that crisp contrast of the blue sky and bright light. Want to create lighting all your own? I love experimenting with different color lights, lasers, filters, shadows, reflections and all other kinds of weird stuff we can do to add some character to your session. We can find some neon signs or bizarre shadows in the parking garage. I'm always down for experimenting and embracing the unexpected.