Engagement photo woman wearing white dress

#1 Tip for Ladies:  Have great hair and make up.

Set aside an extra hour dedicated to getting yourself all snazzy.  Get your make up done by a pro, make an appointment with your hairdresser to wash and style (no big, fancy up-do’s necessary. You’re supposed to look like you, but you at your best.)  Super important.

How soon before our wedding should we have the engagement shoot?

The answer really depends on how you intend to use the photos.

Typically, couples want to use at least one of the photos for their save-the-dates – so in this case sooner is better.  If you don’t care about save-the-dates, your next consideration should be location.

If you have a specific place in mind, perhaps a spot that’s special to you both, that location may look better at certain times of year more than others. Engagement photo with a couple on the beach

What should I wear?

•  This is the perfect time to get your makeup and hair done.  Think about what you might wear to a nice evening out or how you might dress for a special occasion. Long flowy maxi dresses photograph really well (definitely one of my favourite items of clothing for ladies to wear at sessions)!

• You want your pictures to represent you and your personal style. Maybe you’ve been waiting for the right time to put on that cute summer dress that’s in your closet?  Black and white clothes are always classic but don’t be afraid to wear color! 

• Keep in mind what season it is and dress accordingly.

• Bring a change of shoes if you don’t feel like you will be able to wear your “fancy” shoes for the whole shoot (especially if we have to walk through a trail or on the beach).

It’s okay to bring multiple outfits even if you don’t wear them all. Keep in mind We would like to maximize our shooting time together. Even if you don’t wear all the outfits at least you have options.

• For 1 hour shoots we often suggest wearing one outfit (Bringing 2 is a good idea if you would like to see what will match the setting best once we get there).

• For 2 hour shoots I often recommend changing half way- so wearing 2 outfits.( Bring an extra if you feel like it).

What not to wear…

As we mentioned you definitely want your photos to represent you, but keep the following tips in mind:

• It’s best to avoid clothes with large logos or/and words

• Wearing a clothing with a bit of pattern can be flattering, but don’t go overboard.

• If you want your photos to look timeless it’s probably good skip the neon colours.

• Leave the hawaiian shirts for vacation and the cargo pants for hunting (I’m serious about this one).

• Don’t wear sweatpants, athletic wear and pyjamas. (Running shoes can stay home too).

• Dress for your body type- don’t wear ill fitting clothes. Clothes that are too baggy or too tight will stand out in photos.

• Keep the polarized glasses off. If you need them to see wear them in between shots and set up. Not during the actual photos.

Engagement photo with couple near sunset Engagement photo with man kissing her forehead

Do you photograph the engagement sessions in your studio or outdoors? 

Engagement sessions are best photographed outdoors so we can capture different backgrounds and lighting conditions. The session itself is meant to represent the couple in their favorite locations or surroundings which mean something to them.

I don’t recommend to have engagement session in a studio environment simply because the look and feel in studio is more formal and you will have limited background options.

palace_of_fine_arts_engagement_san_francisco

Ideas for Props

Flowers: a bunch, loose stems, wildflowers, small pots.

Balloons: a bunch, multi-color, or single unique balloons that make a statement.

Food: lollipops, popsicles, ice cream, cupcakes, big cookies, apples, watermelon, bananas, hot dogs, s’mores, wine, beer, coffee, favorite candy, popcorn.

Activities: hoola hooping, baseball/softball, bowling, boating, cycling, country dancing, golf, tennis, karaoke, fishing, cooking, etc.

Settings: tent, campfire, garden, library, bed, waterside, pool, hiking trail, playground.

Objects: books, pets, heirloom objects, love letters, special gifts, fire arms, sports team paraphernalia, paper parasols, hand fans, masquerade masks, musical instruments.

What to bring/do:

• Accessories are fun! Feel free to bring necklaces, earrings, bracelets, hair accessories, scarves or bring a hat.

• Feel free to bring a primp kit just incase you need touchups. Hairspray, a brush/comb, bobby pins, makeup just incase.

• Props are also a fabulous idea! They can help set the scene and bring out your personalities as a couple. Maybe you have a favourite book? Maybe you like wine? Maybe your fiancé (e) gave you a special gift you’d like to bring. Have a favourite flower? bring it! Cupcakes? Parasols are always pretty! Balloons and bubbles? Picnic basket? etc…

• Something to sit on if you are not comfortable sitting or the ground or worried about your outfit getting dirty.

• This is your shoot- If you have a photo inspiration board on Pinterest (on your phone) or a favourite spread from a magazine please feel free to bring it so we can see your ideas.

• We recommend making sure you’ve eaten prior to the shoot. It will keep your tummy happy and you will feel energized for our shoot. Please feel free to bring along drinks/snacks if you feel you might need them.

• Being on time is important, especially if we are shooting in the evening and we have a limited amount of time before the sun goes down.

Final note: Don’t be afraid to have fun and think outside the box. These photos are going to be around for a long time and it’s important that they represent you. If you have ideas please don’t be shy! We always up for trying new things.