All but a few of my couples have a pre-wedding shoot (sometimes called an engagement shoot) normally a few months before their wedding. It’s a great opportunity to eliminate camera nerves. Most of us, including me, are normally a bit camera shy or we can feel like a rabbit in the headlights not knowing how to stand, where to look, or even what to do with our hands! It gives you a great chance to work with us prior to the big day—and takes a lot of unnecessary stress out of the wedding shots!
Your engagement session will be an easy, fun, and casual experience. But to maximize your time here are a few quick tips to get the most out of your session—enjoy!
1. Bring two or three outfits:
If you’re having a hard time choosing, bring more and ask for our input once we get “on set.” Steer clear of green tops and dresses, which don’t look as great with the background of trees, grass, and bushes, you will blend in like you’re wearing camouflage! And remember to be comfortable—your engagement session isn’t the time to try out those high heels or too-tight pencil skirts. The more comfortable and flexible you are, the better your photos will look.
2. Coordinate—but don’t match:
Think coordinating color palettes, but not matchy/matchy. Too much contrast (i.e. you in Yellow, him in Red) can overwhelm a picture. Also, can we steer away from double denim or even quad denim for that ultimate 70’s shoot!
Have something special that has lots of significance in your relationship? It could be a blanket you had your first picnic on, a piece of jewelry, a book you both went to grab when you first met, or even sentimental like the hoodie you used to wear when you missed them. The more unique your relationship, the better!
Above all, enjoy. This is an exciting time for you as a couple—and this is just the first of many exciting steps! The happier you feel the better you will look!
