My Top 5 Engagement Session Tips
As I’m sitting here in my office and watching the snow fall, I realize many of you may not be thinking about engagement sessions at the moment, but now is the time to start planning! This post is a bit of a follow-up to a recent blog post I did at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, but I really wanted to create a separate post dedicated to my favorite engagement session tips.
Engagement shoots are actually one of my favorite parts of the wedding process, and it allows all of my couples the opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera allowing for more relaxed, authentic photos. A lot of couples I speak with choose words like “natural” and “authentic” as a priority for their wedding photos (which I love- I am all about that), but the best way to capture that is to get in front of the camera early, have some fun, and allow your personalities to come through. I always want to be sure I am capturing who you are as a couple, and I want my photographs to feel like an extension or outward expression of your relationship.
Many people say their biggest anxiety leading up to the wedding day is the pictures, fearing they will feel or look awkward on the wedding day. If this sounds familiar to you, then an engagement session may be for you! It’s just a relaxed, pressure free environment to get to know me, get used to some of the directives to make you look great in front of the camera, and also just get some amazing photos of the two of you in an environment completely different from your wedding day. It’s also important to remember that you are only engaged for a limited amount of time, and this time of life is worth documenting!
Engagement Session Tips
1.) Think outside the box with the location. There are so many beautiful locations on the East Coast/ Philadelphia region, so make sure the location is where you feel most comfortable. Laura and Jack decided to have their engagement session in Newport, Rhode Island. If you love the location, you will look even better in the photos!
2.) Consider the time of year (and book your date early!) Gabby and Jordan planned this session around the peak foliage in October and all the pieces of the puzzle came together for this shoot. Plan ahead, and get a date on the calendar early!
3.) Put together a Pinterest board with outfit inspiration!
4.) Use the engagement session as a trial for your hair and makeup! You will look and feel great.
5.) Plan a location that is special to you. I always love to do sessions in areas that are memorable or important to your relationship. It is always a great time, and a fun way to document an important stage of your life and relationship.
