Congratulations, you've booked your couple or engagement session! Now what?
Together we will plan a magical session that captures your unique love story and showcases both of you.
 
 
This isn't a photoshoot, it's a date night!
This is probably the first, or one of the first times you have been in front of the camera. You probably haven't spent a lot of time thinking about getting your photo taken. You may even be getting engagement photos done, not because you like getting your photo taken, but because you feel like it's something you should be doing. While yes these can be good for your invitations, and to announce your engagement, it is also great practice for both of you with posing and getting to know your photographer, so you are prepared for when it counts; your wedding day. I understand, it can be overwhelming and anxiety inducing thinking about being in front of the camera and being affectionate with your partner in front of a stranger, not to mention planning a whole photoshoot. I have created this guide to help make the process easier and change how you think about this session. And don't worry, you aren't alone. I will be right there with you getting to know you both so by the time the session rolls around I will be less of a stranger, as well as assisting with planning if not taking the wheel completely.
I want your session to feel like a fun date night. I want you to forget about the camera pointed at you and to just focus on how much you love your partner. There will be some traditional posed, and prompted photos taken, but most of your session will be of you both just existing together enjoying each other's company. This will allow for some super sweet candid photos, as well as give you something to focus on besides the stranger with the camera. Here are some great places to start to get inspiration on what you would like your photos to look and feel like:
- Think about what you both enjoy doing together. Do you enjoy picnics? Let's have a picnic and I will photograph you both while you enjoy the date together. Do you both enjoy horseback riding? Let's get the ponies involved! Do you both enjoy going for drives? Let's go to one of your favorite spots and include the vehicle in the mix.
- Think about hobbies, both shared and separate. Does one of you enjoy reading? Let's have you read to your partner, and I will photograph that. Does one of you enjoy playing guitar? Let me photograph you serenading your partner! Do you both enjoy baking? You guys bake your favorite recipe together and I will photograph you guys existing together.
- Think about significant locations in your relationship. One or all of these locations can be used as spots for the session. For example, where the proposal took place, a place you went on one of your first dates, a place you frequently spend time together at, a place that holds a significant memory for you both, etc.
- Start a Pinterest board. Scrolling Pinterest is a fantastic place for inspiration for outfits, themes, and mood of the photos. I will not copy photos on your board as I have my own style, but it is great to take inspiration from it! It may also help you to find some poses you LOVE that you 100% want to get out of the session. Sharing that information with me will be super helpful for me to execute your vision. Please note, not every pose works for everyone. Different body mechanics, and body types involved means things may translate differently than they look on Pinterest. And that is perfectly okay!! Everyone is unique and that is beautiful.
- Pick a theme. Having a theme can give me a guideline when helping select locations and assisting you with your outfit choices. A theme will help the photos feel cohesive, and help prevent us from trying to do too much. It’s very easy to get excited, start having too many ideas, and end up with a long session or even multi day session to include all of the elements while also being able to catch the best light. Starting here is great if you are wanting me to do majority of the planning for the session, or if you are feeling overwhelmed by the other places to start.
 
 
Now that you are feeling inspired...
We now have some ideas brewing, a theme in mind, and we are actually feeling excited about getting started. We now need to select the location(s) the session will take place. I will help you with this as it is the biggest part of planning. There are a lot of factors like travel, lighting, time of year, location specific restrictions, etc. We can use your list of significant locations you created earlier as options. If you are totally unsure of what you want, you can take inspiration from photos I have already done; I don't mind reusing locations. I also have an ever-growing list of good photo locations. If nothing either of us have quite fit the bill, I will take time beforehand to scout for locations so that we get it just right. By this point you have already filled out a questionnaire, so I already have a good sense of what you are going for. I will reach out to you with possible location options for you to pick from if I don't hear from you with ideas you have.
Okay, so we have our locations picked out. Are we done now?
Fortunately, no. We have more fun things to plan! Next step is the outfit(s). Below is my outfit guide.
 
Outfit Guide
I. Pick a theme
Have fun and get creative. Pick a theme that aligns with you and your S.O. Your outfits are a great way to showcase your personal style and interests. There are so many different routes you can go with. Here are some examples:
- western
- boho
- beach
- alternative
- romantic
II. Consider colors and prints
Different colors, prints, fabrics, cuts, and other details can complement or clash with your theme, skin tone, backdrop, and each other. Certain colors and busy prints can reflect weird on your skin tone or be distracting. It is recommended you stick with solids and neutral colors. However, I am not afraid of fun colors and prints. At the end of the day, I want you to feel like your most confident and comfortable self, and I want you to feel like your outfits reflect your personal style.
III. Consult your photographer
One of my favorite parts of photography is getting to exercise my creative muscle, not only with posing and editing, but also with styling my subjects, set design, and all of the things involved with planning a session. If you are wanting a little help or needing a little inspiration I would love to make you a mood board, chat with you to go over options and help style you both.
 
 
 
Should we bring anything to the session?
Yes!! Props, pets, and other design elements are always so fun, and another great way to include your personalities in the photos. Here we can circle back to your list of things you enjoy doing together, and hobbies. If you're an adventurous couple, a map and compass are fun. Like to read? Bring your favorite book. Enjoy picnics? Bring some yummy snacks, I will bring the blanket. Are you both creative and artistic? Let's have fun with some finger paint. Other fun things to bring include but are not limited to:
- vehicle (truck, motorcycle, etc.)
- pets (dogs, cats, horses, etc.)
- instruments
The more you bring the better. Even if we don’t have a plan beforehand, and we may not use everything you bring, you never know how things may come together the day of to create something you never may have thought of! There are so many more ideas, and I can always find more. If you are needing help with this aspect, don't be afraid to ask. If you would like to include anything like I have listed, or other ideas, please let me know ahead of time so we can be on the same page about your session!
 
 
Leading up to the session
Make sure to stay hydrated and get a good nights rest. Be sure to eat 1-2 hours before the session so you are fueled up and ready to go as you may not have a chance to eat for a couple hours once photos begin. Make sure you are eating early enough, and the right foods so that you aren’t bloated or uncomfortable during the session, but make sure it’s not too early so you aren’t getting hungry during photos. Bring water with you, hydrating is important! If you are ever feeling like you need a break during photos for anything at all don’t be afraid to speak up. Your comfort matters above all else.
 
 
I hope this helped you feel a little less overwhelmed, and a lot more excited about the beautiful images we are going to create together!