8 Tips for a killer Engagement Session

First off, we have to give credit where credit is due. We pretty much ripped this list off from Flothemes. The link to the article is right here. But the info is so good, that we made it our own with a few tweaks.

1. SHARE IT ALL WITH ME

Honesty is mandatory. Vulnerability is encouraged. We can only capture your true dynamic if you allow us into your space. Remember how you interact when you’re alone, and don’t hide it. Embrace both the goofy laughter and the quiet vulnerable moments. We will, of course, guide you through all this as we shoot, but we need you to meet me halfway and allow me into your intimacy.

2. DON’T HOLD BACK

Just be you! This seems obvious, but sometimes it’s tough to really commit to it. We want your dynamic to set the tone and mood of the shoot, not what you think a session should look like. Are you goofballs? Are you introverted? I want to experience all those little moments you might otherwise consider the “outtakes”. Don’t act like you think you should, we want to capture you as you are. The truest emotion is in the outtakes!

3. DRESS LIKE YOURSELF

Dress comfortably, don’t feel like you need to “dress up” because it’s an occasion. Wear something you feel confident and comfortable in. Whether that’s ripped up jeans or a summery skirt, you do you! If you need suggestions based on location, let us know.

You’re not going to be your cutest most genuine selves at the end of an errand-filled stressful day. So take it easy all day! Grab lunch together, get a drink, relax together doing something you enjoy. That way, when we meet for the shoot, you’re filled with love and excitement for each other, instead of just crossing one thing off the wedding to-do list. Let us capture you on your best day! Always a fun idea to go out on a date right after, since you are all dolled up anyway!

5. FORGET THE “PHOTO SHOOT” PART

You’re not there for us. We are there for you: to document your love. The objective isn’t just to take pretty pictures. Its to capture an exciting stage in your life, while spending time together. Its very likely that the last time you got your picture taken “professionally” was for an awkward high school photo or for super posed family portraits. We promise you, it will be nothing like that. So forget the photos, and focus on enjoying the evening!

6. PICK AN ENVIRONMENT THAT REFLECTS YOU

It’s definitely not just about the location, but its about how you fit into it. The setting, location, and weather will affect your mood, and the mood of the photos, drastically. So we want to make sure you’re surrounded by what you love. Whether that’s your own home, downtown, or a foggy mountaintop, all that matters is that it’s you!

7. EMBRACE THE SPONTANEOUS ELEMENTS

And we don’t just mean the weather. We want you to embrace the rocks, the dirt, the paths less traveled, the wind messing up your hair, your dress getting dirty, and all the other spontaneous and “imperfect” elements. If it starts to rain, we’ll keep shooting and have fun with it! If we have to stop between each shot to flatten out your hair or fluff up your dress, the whole natural vibe will be thrown off. We want to keep it natural and honest, so just let go!

8. LEAVE THE EXTRA STUFF AT HOME

Leave the big bags, don’t worry about the extra stuff you might need. We want you to be light on your feet and easily mobile, because we will shoot all those little in-between moments. Extra props or bags tend to make spontaneous shooting more difficult, so minimalism is the way to go!