I get a bunch of questions about engagement sessions from my couples so I wanted to put together a little blog post with some of my tips! The most important thing about engagement sessions is doing one. I am a firm believer in getting to practice in front of the camera and getting to know your photographer. I even do this for a living and when Kevin & I got in front of the camera I froze! I had no idea what to do, but now having a little bit of practice, I know our pictures on our wedding day will be that much better for it. Here are a few of my favorite engagement pictures from 2013 along with a few (hopefully helpful) tips!
Tip #1: Location: Couples always ask, “where should we go?” The truth is, there is no right or wrong answer – I suggest us shooting at a place that has meaning to you. Somewhere you love going together, like Sue and Alex (above) have spent a lot of time at this park together. I think you should be comfortable in the space & the location adds even more meaning to your photos.
Tip #2: Location: It is okay to be touristy! Don’t over think your photo locations – I’ve done a bunch of engagement sessions at Pike Place Market, the original Starbucks (above) etc. and all of the pictures turn out unique to the couple. I love that Seattle has such awesome landmarks, and it is a great way to put the location stamp on your engagement photos.
Tip #3: Location: Another option is to go with your photographer’s favorite spot! I absolutely love shooting at Golden Gardens (above) – I know the light & backdrops well and am able to focus more on you as a couple than figuring out the space.
Tip #4: “What should we wear?” I always suggest wearing something you are comfortable in. Personally, I am never as comfortable in a brand new outfit that I just got, rather than a tried-and-true favorite. I like to try out a bunch of different poses during engagement sessions, so wear something you can sit down in, etc. Make sure you and your sweetie are coordinating, but not matching!
Tip #5: “What time?” I typically try to schedule engagement sessions about an hour and a half before sunset, so check the sunset chart online and plan from there. It’s tricky in Seattle because sunset is at 4:30pm or earlier in the winter, but as late at 10pm in the summer. Remember that the summer is also wedding high season and your photographer will be planning around that as well!
Tip #6 : “What if it is raining?” I get this question all of the time, and the truth is, if you are doing your engagement session in the not-summer-months in Seattle, there is a good chance it might be. It is always a good idea to plan for rain. It is sometimes possible to re-schedule, but that can often push things weeks behind. The best option is to plan for a location that offers some indoor options with good light, with an outdoor option near by. And bring a cute umbrella! Colby & Jaison (above) decided on doing part of their engagement session inside a brewery – it was awesome! We got to hang out, have a beer, and just have fun!
PS – Cloudy days are actually great for pictures! The clouds act like a natural light diffuser eliminating any harsh shadows or hot spots. This is great for sessions that can’t be scheduled closer to the softer, golden hour of light.
Tip #7: “Can we do an outfit change?” Absolutely! Outfit changes are a great way to add variety to your photos. Switch it up and go fancy & casual or even just swap out your accessories.
Tip #8: Props – It is totally up to you whether or not you want to include props in your engagement session. Props can be great if you’re planning on using the photos for Save the Date cards, or things like that, but otherwise, whatever strikes your fancy!
Tip #9: HAVE FUN! Engagement photos are all about celebrating your love for eachother – so get ready to cuddle, nuzzle & smile!
xx
