10 Tips to Planning a Perfect Engagement Session
Define Your Vision
Before anything.. you have to decide what overall theme/style/mood fits both of your personalities. Every meaningful engagement session tells a story of the couple,, so what story are you trying to capture?
Choose the Right Location
Work with your photographer on trying to shoot at a location that complements your vision and holds personal significance. Whether its an outdoor location, a cozy cafe, or your favorite park, the location sets the theme of your love story.
Here are a few location types to consider:
Beach
Open Field
Park
Urban / Cityscapes
Studio
Harbor / Waterfront Location
Click here to see my top 10 photoshoot spots in Orange County!
Schedule for Sunrise/Sunset
The best lighting is always going to be when the sun is either coming up.. or going down. Make sure to schedule a time during either sunrise or sunset. This will allow for your photographer to capture beautiful sunlit portraits with plenty of color and life.
Coordinate Your Outfits
Coordinate your outfits, but avoid overly matching. Wear different colors that compliment each other. Also, make sure to choose neutral colors, and avoid distracting patterns/logos!!
Consider Professional Styling
Consider hiring a professional makeup artist and hair stylist. Feeling confident and camera-ready can make a HUGE difference in your photos.
Bring in Props!
Bring in props that are meaningful, or add to your story that you’re going for! These can be things like: champagne, a picnic blanket, or even your pet! The possibilities are endless. Just make sure to communicate with your photographer so they can plan accordingly :)
Over-Communicate with Your Photographer
If you have any questions, concerns, or certain shots you don’t want to miss, don’t be afraid to reach out to your photographer! This will help both parties have a better understanding of what to expect and what you’re looking to get out of your session.
Take a Deep Breath
An engagement session is meant to be fun and romantic. Don’t stress! My job as a photographer is to keep things fun for you and guide you through posing and creating natural, candid moments.
Pack an Emergency Kit
How does that saying go again? Better to have it and not need it… It’s a good idea to pack a few things just in case you need them. Things like: Water, snacks, makeup, tissue, etc.
Plan Transportation
Some locations may have difficult parking, or parking fees. It’s important to know these things so you can plan accordingly and show up at least 15 minutes early. Getting to your location early takes away a lot of stress for both you and your photographer. Wouldn’t want to miss those golden hour shots!
* BONUS TIP *
You’re only engaged once (hopefully) haha. Invest in quality prints, an art piece, or n album book to display these cherished memories! These will last for generations and you’ll never regret it.
