You’ve picked your creative team, we’ve chatted location and timing details, and now your engagement session is quickly approaching! When it comes to taking engagement photos, a few small details can really enhance your experience. Here are a few of our most important tips to help you feel more prepared and confident on the day of your session:
Confidence is KEY.
“We aren’t photogenic and don’t like having our pictures taken.”
Literally, almost every single couple we work with tells us some version of this statement. Heck, I’ve even said this about MYSELF once or twice! But you know what, you are all WRONG. Photogenic or not, ANYONE can look great at the end of a camera lens. There are two big factors at play to make that happen: your photographer and your CONFIDENCE. You’re going to look amazing in your photos; we will make sure of it. It’s your job to FEEL YOURSELF so that you’ll see the best version of yourself in your photos!
2. Tell us what you envision!
If you’ve got ideas, we want to hear them! Don’t feel bad for speaking up or feel like you’ll step on our creative toes. It’s our job to be artists, but it’s also our job to make you happy! Let us know if you have specific shots you love or a location you’ve been dreaming of. We want to make your engagement session dreams a reality! (And if you don’t have a list of must'-haves, that’s okay too!)
3. Don’t Get “hangry.”
The last thing you want is to be bickering with one another during your engagement session. We suggest you grab a light meal before the session - or even just an appetizer - at a restaurant before your session. If you don’t have time to go out prior to meeting up with us, bring a protein bar, pack of crackers, or whatever you like to snack on with you to your session! We’d rather you take snack breaks and enjoy yourself than be cranky and in a hurry to go get some food!
4. Stay hydrated.
Don’t forget your water bottle! It’s such an easy thing to overlook but will really make a difference in your experience - especially if we go on a hike for your session.
5. Wear practical shoes.
If you’re going to wear high heels, it’s best we don’t go hiking. If you’re planning on hiking with us, wear your hiking boots on the trail. You can always bring a pair of cute shoes with you if you like.
6. Bring a touch up kit.
Speaking of things to bring with you, many of our clients bring along a touch up kit. This could consist of anything from lipstick to a change of clothes to a hairbrush. We recommend oil blotters, a cute blanket for some snuggly mountaintop photos, and if the hike is particularly strenuous it’s a good idea to wear hiking clothes up the mountain and bring your pretty clothes in your backpack.
7. Coordinate wardrobes without “matching.”
A little variety is pleasing to the eye, so we prefer that you coordinate wardrobes with your partner rather than simply match each other. For example, instead of you both wearing a white shirt and jeans, pick a color palette to stick to. Stay true to your individual style, wear something comfortable, and make sure you love how the outfit makes you look and feel. An engagement session is the PERFECT excuse to go shopping!
*Bonus tip: Flowy dresses are GORGEOUS on mountaintops!
8. Empty those pockets!
Before your session, please make sure your phone, keys, wallet, kitchen sink, and whatever else is out of your pockets! Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.
9. Budget for extra driving time.
Try to arrive to your session 10 minutes early. We time our sessions for sunrise or sunset, so every minute counts!
10. Think of it as a fun double date.
Don’t stress it. This is probably our biggest tip and one that we make sure we remind you of at the start of your session. We want you to go into your engagement session feeling prepared, calm, and ready to spend some time hanging out with your fiancé. We don’t want you to feel the weight of the day on your shoulders. We get it. This day is so important! We feel that way too! You’ve trusted us enough to hire us to document the most important day in your lives so far, and we don’t take that lightly! So take the pressure off, and be prepared to have some fun.
*Disclaimer: These tips are geared toward Flightless Bird couples and may or may not apply to folks being photographed by other photographers. We wrote this specifically for our amazing clients, but we hope others find this information helpful as well!