Time & Light
We’re so excited to be working with you and we can’t wait for our time together during your engagement session! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. We always tell people that we still get nervous before having our photos taken - and we do this for a living!
We’re big fans of engagement sessions for a few reasons. They allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera. It takes time for most couples to warm up to being photographed and understand how we pose. Timelines can be pretty tight on weddings days and 20 minutes may be all we have for portraits - which is why we’ve found that wedding day portraits turn out so much better when couples do engagement sessions ahead of time.
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few days before the wedding. We’ve found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. We normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” a couple has in mind, spring flowers for example, or based on schedules.
Sessions typically last about an hour and a half and when when we can—we love to begin sessions about two hours before sunset. We prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot.
We schedule sessions during what we believe will be the best light of the day - which means that it’s super important to be on time. If you’re late to an evening session, we could run out of light before we’ve finished shooting and if your session takes place in the morning, the sun gets more harsh as it rises
Wardrobe
Choose outfits that make you feel confident! If you've bought something new, consider giving it a trial run. Reflect not only on how your chosen outfits make you feel, but also how they will photograph during your session. Women might consider choosing pieces that flow gracefully, particularly for outdoor photoshoots.
Consider the location and the vision you have for your session. Be adventurous, have fun, and create memorable moments - don't be afraid to make a splash in a lake!
If you're a fan of hats or any other accessory, feel free to bring them along.
Ensure your clothes are wrinkle-free before your session. Remember, photographers prefer to capture the best images possible, not to invest time in post-production touch-ups. Ironing your clothes in advance will save you from unnecessary stress!
Lastly, wear shoes that are not only stylish and comfortable but also ones you don't mind getting a little dirty. Who knows where the shoot will take you!
Tips
Arrive early, not for me, but for your own benefit. Take the time to stretch, explore the area, and shake off any nerves. Embrace this moment together.
Accept that this experience may push you out of your comfort zone, but the quicker you embrace this, the better the results will be. You might find yourself in unfamiliar poses or situations, but go with the flow and make the most of it. The results will be worth it.
Treat this as a special day! Some of the best advice I've heard from couples is to turn your engagement session into a full day date. This approach not only gives you plenty of time for photos without feeling rushed, but it also helps set a romantic mood for the day and the photoshoot.
Consider bringing a bottle of champagne for a celebratory toast. It can make for some fun and unique photos.
Feel free to express your affection whenever you feel the urge. Spontaneous moments of hand-holding, touching, and kissing often result in some of the most memorable photos.
Lastly, plan your session around the sun. The quality of light can greatly influence your photos. The 'Golden Hour', which is the period shortly before sunset, provides a beautiful, warm light perfect for photos. Be aware when the sun is setting so you have ample time for the shoot. While early afternoon might seem convenient, the light at this time can be harsh as the sun is directly overhead. Alternatively, consider a sunrise session to capture the magical early morning light.
