Engagement sessions are one of my favorite ways to spend time with my couples.  The time that we spend together is important for two reasons.  First, it allows me to get to know y’all and the specific love story you share.  Second, it allows you to get to know my style of photography and learn to be comfortable in front of the camera so that on your wedding day you’re already a pro!  I can not stress the importance of engagement sessions enough!  I even include a complimentary engagement session in my packages because I believe in them SO much!  So, here are 8 ways you can get the most out of your engagement session!

1.  Be on time!!  Being on location and dependent on sunlight we need every minute we can get to maximize the light (even if it’s cloudy)!!  If you’re running even 15 minutes late that can throw off the flow of the whole session.

2.  Choose a location that means something to you!  I can absolutely make recommendations when it comes to portrait locations but if there is a place you always go to at sunset on Wednesdays or if your wedding venue allows you to portrait access as well, it’s always fun to have a special location as our backdrop!

3.  Coordinate, don’t match.  Gone are the days of matching white shirts and khaki pants (thank goodness!).  Instead, you want to coordinate- wear different shades of the same color, you wear a plaid and he wears a solid, etc.  You want to look like you “go together” without being visually distracting.

4.  Bring a second outfit!  Most of my couples bring two outfits- one casual and one a little more dressy.  Keep in mind that if you dress up, your level of dressy-ness (is that a word?!) should be similar.  For example: khaki’s for him, sundress for you.  Suit for him?  LBD for you!

5.  Don’t be afraid to express yourself!  Not EVERYONE loves J.Crew cardi’s and pearls like I do… that’s okay!  Show off what makes you unique!  I love that Heather & George showed off a little friendly rivalry!

6.  Clean your rock!  While you’re changing into your second outfit I’ll borrow your ring and any other little details you may have with you (earrings, necklace, etc.) or anything that matches your wedding colors and photograph them!  This is it’s time to SHINE baby!!

7.  Wear what makes you feel AWESOME.  It’s totally okay to splurge on a new outfit for your session!  Something about wearing new clothes makes me feel fresh and confident.  But maybe that’s just me.  But regardless of popped tags, make sure you feel good in what you’re wearing.  Everything should fit properly, complement your skin tone, and flatter your body type.  Karla’s red hair POPS against that purple!

8.  Lastly, trust your photographer’s creativity!  You booked THE BEST, remember?!  You like their style and the work you’ve seen so trust them with your session!  This is not the time to come at them with a Pinterest board of other photographer’s images.  This is probably the greatest way you can help your photographer serve you. They want to give you the best of their work and allowing them freedom with their creative process will guarantee that!  If there are a few specific ideas you had in mind, definitely feel free to speak up and let them know!  But beyond that, relax, enjoy hanging out with your fiance and trust the professional you hired to capture your love!

Next week is all about Bridal sessions!  Stay tuned!