5 Tips for Planning Your Engagement Session
Your engagement session should be so much more than just a check off of your wedding to do list. Even more than that, it may be something that you can easily disregard because you think you don’t need it but you shouldn’t and here’s why. Unless you regularly have your photo taken, it may be a good idea to use the engagement session as practice for the wedding. You can get out all of your nerves! Your engagement session doesn't have to feel like you're just "getting pictures done." Consider it a really epic date night and then you get to have those moments captured. The best engagement sessions are the ones that are thoughtfully put together and have a little extra spice to them. Whether that means wearing something that makes you feel good or shooting in a location that’s meaningful to you, make it unique and the images will reflect that.
Here are five tips to help you plan your engagement session:
Choose Your Location
Before you suggest going to the park that's "really close to your house" for the sake of convenience, consider what you really love to do as a couple and how your images can reflect that. If there's nothing specific in mind, that's okay. It allows you the opportunity to explore somewhere new together. If you were to sit down and think about it, how do you want your images to look? You could be surrounded by trees in a forest or a field with grass to run and lay in. If that's not your thing, you could opt for a more city vibe with textiles, buildings and street lights or even on a rooftop or parkade overlooking the city. You could pack a picnic to enjoy together as the sun goes down or curl up in your backyard with a few of your favourite bevy's. After your session, grab a bite to eat and then take a walk down by the river. Make a day or night out of it. The images we create will always remind you of the time you spent together! Choose simplicity with a location. Sometimes all it takes is placing the two of you in an open field to give it the “wow” factor.
Spice it Up
Your engagement and wedding photos are likely the largest photography investment that you will ever make in your life so if you want to go all out, I’m here for it. Consider adding florals to your session. Not only does it add a little extra pop of colour but it’s a really great add on that makes it seem like the cherry on top. Adding a ribbon to the bouquet adds a little bit of movement which is a great touch. Bring a cute hat, a funky jacket, champagne or a guitar if that’s your thing. Your engagement session is meant to be extra.
What to Wear
First things first, make sure that you wear something that you’re comfortable in. Bring an additional outfit so that you can get variety in your images too! You may want to do a more dressed look with a long flowy dress and button down and then go a little bit more casual for the rest. Avoid tighter fitted clothing and anything with graphics, loud patterns or text. Solid coloured warm neutrals photograph best. For girls, a long flowy skirt or dress is incredibly flattering. For the guys, consider a button down or layers. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that if it feels tight and uncomfortable, chances are, it will photograph that way as well. Rather than matching, aim to coordinate. Opt for warm solid neutral colours. Depending on when your session is, ensure that you dress for the weather and season.
Consider Hair & Makeup
Let me be the first to say, do what feels most you. Just like you would hire a professional photographer to photograph your wedding and engagement session, it may be a good idea to do the same for your hair and makeup. Consider scheduling your wedding makeup trial on the day of your engagement session. Having your makeup done by a professional can help take some of the additional stress off of you. If you look and feel your best, your confidence will show in the photographs! Let’s chat about your hair. I would recommend having it down rather than up. If you want a little something extra, add a cute clip or small braid. Don't undervalue their importance and spend a little extra time getting ready to add that extra boost of confidence for you!
Get Inspired
Think about how you want your engagement session to look. Start by browsing Pinterest as it’s a great tool to get some inspiration. Depending on what season you want to shoot in, you can try searching ‘Summer Engagement Session.’ If you’ve narrowed it down to a location, search ‘Field Session Inspiration’ and maybe you’ll get inspired to bring a few blankets, pillows and a case of beer to enjoy while the sun goes down. I’ll always recommend starting about an hour or so before sunset so we can get those warm, golden tones. If you’re thinking that something is out of reach, chat with your photographer as we are the experts who can help make your vision a reality!
Don’t undervalue the importance of your engagement session, even if it’s included in your wedding package. An engagement is a huge milestone in life so of course it should be captured. Not only do you get images that savour this season of life for you but it also provides a good opportunity for you to meet with your wedding photographer and see their style and how they like to do things. Your wedding day is one of your best days but the season you are in right now, that every day kind of love, deserves to be documented, too.
To inquire about my availability or to book an engagement session, reach out to me here.