Today, I thought it’d be helpful to write a little “how to prepare for your engagement shoot” post!

In order to help you prepare for your engagement session, let me answer a few frequently asked questions!

1. The session typically takes between 1-2 hours (depending on the location(s) and number of outfits changes – and yes, I do suggest an outfit change…usually one causal and one dressy but you can read more about that here or on my Engagement Session Tips Pinterest board here).
2. The session will take place at the location of your choice, however, I am bursting with ideas! (Some of my ideas may or may not be: if you like to camp, let’s pop a tent and roast some mallows…say you guys like to fish, lets find a canoe, a lake, and some fishing poles…some of you may be city slickers, in that case, let’s head downtown and get shots at some storefronts and cafes…like antiques? Let’s go to an antique shop…how about reading? Let’s go to a library!)…I’ve got many more hiding up in my noggin, so when it comes time for your session, feel free to pick my brain if you aren’t sure what you guys would like to do!
3. Posing. Have no fear, I am here (to help pose you guys). One thing I don’t want you guys to be worried about is posing. It’s going to be a very relaxed, natural setting. I will give you guys an idea for where to sit or stand (or put your hands so they don’t look awkward lol), but it’s going to be a lot about you guys being yourselves and loving on each other!
4. Time of day for session. The best time(s) of day for your session is going to be as the sun is coming up or as it is going down. This time of year, we are looking at doing a session around 7-9 in the morning or 6-8 in the evening. Now…other factors can definitely come into play (if you’re not a morning person or if you find yourselves super busy in the evenings), such as finding shade to photograph in during mid day and doing the session on an overcast day (which I totally get that we can’t predict the weather, but it’s worth a try)!
5. And last, but not least…grooms. I know you guys are, more often than not, nervous about the session, (I know Mike was when we were getting our photos taken, but by the end, he was suggesting poses and ideas..the whole bit!) but I want you guys to know that it is going to be a fun day! All you gotta do is give each other some lovin’ and I’ll be there to capture it. It’s going to be a fun and interactive day…you’ve got nothing to worry about!

As for attire and prop ideas…check out the “Session Tips” page here or my Pinterest board here!