JTP Engagement Session Guide
It’s always a little intimidating to have your picture taken... even if it’s just a photo on an iphone that is taken by a friend, we still want to look nice, make sure nothing is in our teeth and that our hair is behaving! I realize that preparing for your engagement session can be a little overwhelming, so here are a few tips and tricks help make the engagement session prep a little more manageable!
If you are planning on using the photos for save the dates, those typically get sent out 6-8 months before the wedding. You'll also need to factor in the 2-4 week turnaround after the session for photo delivery (or 1 week for rush delivery).
Weekends book up QUICK. So if you aren't able to make a weekday work, please contact me asap to get something on the calendar.
Step 1: Scheduling
Most people have heard of golden hour. It's the best light of the day and the best time to take photographs. The sun is lower in the sky and creates beautiful soft light for photos... and if we're lucky, right when the sun is at it's lowest, it creates those gorgeous yellow, orange and red skies for a romantic silhouette.
So when is golden hour? That's simple. It's the hour right before the sun officially sets! But hold up, that's not when we start the engagement session. I always recommend meeting 2-2.5 hours before the official sunset time. By meeting up earlier we can relax a bit more. We don't have to jump right into things and rush to try and get as many photos as possible during that perfect light. And more importantly, I will have some time to walk you through my posing techniques so you feel more comfortable and confident throughout the session. By the time we hit golden hour, you both will be warmed up and feel like you know what you're doing so we can crush some amazing photos in some awesome light!
Be aware that the sunset time changes drastically throughout the year! It can be as early as 4:30pm in December, or as late as 8:30pm in June. So whatever date you are looking to schedule, be sure to google the official sunset time and plan accordingly. If the sunset/start time is late enough, you might not even have to take off work to schedule on a weekday (or maybe you can duck out early if it's close). Not only do I have a ton more weekday flexibility (most of my weekends fill up with weddings), but typically that also means less people will be around in popular photography areas!
Sometimes due to difficult schedules, couples will request to shoot at a time other than golden hour. This is NOT recommended. When the sun is still high in the sky, the light is much harsher. This will be far less flattering to your skin and will also make you squint / give you racoon shadows under your eyes. So trust me that it's in your best interest to do everything you can to have your photos taken during golden hour.
I'm happy to recommend locations, but I always love going new places and when couples have a spot in mind that is special to them! So please let me know any and all ideas that you have!
Going to multiple locations is a great way to give your photos more variety, but I recommend a maximum of two spots (and no more than 10 minutes apart). Too much driving/traveling means less images! (and the same goes for too many outfits and spending all your time changing)
I can do sunrise sessions if absolutely necessary! Sunrise sessions can be tougher to wake up and smile (especially if you're like me and not a morning person), but I may require a sunrise session for those who want to take portraits in very crowded locations like the Cherry Blossom Festival in DC or the Brooklyn Bridge in NYC.
If your location requires tickets for admission or a permit, please (if possible) make sure you get these in advance! If you’re not sure if a permit is needed or if photography is even allowed, check with me and I’ll find out!
I'm happy to recommend locations, but I always love going new places and when couples have a spot in mind that is special to them! So please let me know any and all ideas that you have!
Going to multiple locations is a great way to give your photos more variety, but I recommend a maximum of two spots (and no more than 10 minutes apart). Too much driving/traveling means less images! (and the same goes for too many outfits and spending all your time changing)
I can do sunrise sessions if absolutely necessary! Sunrise sessions can be tougher to wake up and smile (especially if you're like me and not a morning person), but I may require a sunrise session for those who want to take portraits in very crowded locations like the Cherry Blossom Festival in DC or the Brooklyn Bridge in NYC.
If your location requires tickets for admission or a permit, please (if possible) make sure you get these in advance! If you’re not sure if a permit is needed or if photography is even allowed, check with me and I’ll find out!
Step 2: Location Selection
And finally... Relax!
You don’t have to be a pro at this! So many couples show up and say they have no idea what they're doing. That's normal! It's also why you hired me! I’m going to help you every step of the way and it’s going to be a blast!
Leave your entourage at home!
Alright, this isn't an outfit tip, but sometimes friends and family want to tag along. Trust me, the more people watching, the longer it will take for you to get comfortable in front of the camera. So keep the spectating crowd to a minimum! However, if you're bringing your dog along (definitely ok!) be sure to have someone tag along to walk them for part of the session since we will need some time for just the two of you.
Mix it up!
If you can’t decide between casual and formal, bring both! I recommend 2- 3 outfits for more variety with your photographs.
I will bring the avocado (my pop-up changing tent) along for your other outfits :)
Coordinate!
Don’t try to match...try to pick outfits and accessories that coordinate instead. (An exception would be for sports jerseys)
Accessorize!
Bold chunky jewelry, heels, scarves, jackets, belts, watches, etc... all good things to enhance the outfit and overall photo! You can also bring signs, props, instruments, picnic blankets, a bottle of champagne to pop... be creative!
Be Comfortable!
Make sure you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing. Be yourself and don’t wear an outfit you wouldn’t normally wear.
Empty your pockets!
Literally. You don’t want to have key chains or phones showing through your pockets.
Clean the ring!
I love to take a few ring shots while you change outfits! The cleaner the better!
Dress on the same scale!
For each outfit, you should both look like you are going to the same place. If you’re in your Sunday best, make sure your counterpart isn’t wearing a ratty old t-shirt and jeans.
Be careful of patterns!
Patterns are totally ok... however, too many patterns will make the photo look “busy”. So if one of you is wearing a pattern, have your partner wear something solid to balance.
Dress in layers!
Consider adding a cardigan, blazer, vest or jacket to finish your look. Layers add another element to photos and taking them on and off is quick and allows for more variety. They can also help control temperature if it suddenly gets hot or cold during the session.
Step 3: Outfit tips and tricks!
If you’re a bride that is a little anxious about how your groom is going to react to this whole “picture” thing, you’re not alone. I’ve received so many emails from brides who are worried that their groom won’t be into it and I have great news for you.... one of the most common comments I get after an engagement session from the groom is “That wasn’t as bad as I thought! It was actually fun.” Boom! Mission accomplished! I once had a groom show up and say “Just to let you know... I don’t want to be here, I don’t want to do this, let’s get this over with quick.” By the end of the session he was having so much fun he wanted to keep going even after we ran out of light! Couples are constantly surprised by discovering their hidden modeling skills, and it’s a blast! Your engagement session is supposed to be fun and relaxed... not forced or awkward.
As you prepare for your shoot, there are a few things that you can do to help your groom know what to expect. First of all, I highly recommend planning a fun dinner date (somewhere he likes to go) for afterwards so he has something to look forward to. Spend some time together scrolling through some of my sample engagement galleries and allow him to gauge what his expectations should be. I also recommend that you allow for plenty of time to get to your shoot! There is nothing worse than when you're running late as a couple and you spend the whole car ride arguing (trust me, I've been there). Last but not least, remember to have patience with him and don’t assume that he’s going to have a bad time... I think you’ll be surprised how much you will both enjoy your session!
Bonus: Preparing Your Groom
