Tips for a Successful Engagement Session

Tips for a Successful engagement Session ~ 

Engagement season is upon us and engagement sessions are a fantastic way for us all to get to know each other as well as for you to get comfortable in front of the camera. You don’t want your first time in front of our big ol’ lenses to be on your wedding day. That day is stressful enough. If you’re at all camera shy or don’t think you take good pictures, an engagement session is essential. I will show you how to pose (or non-pose) and relax on camera.

In the meantime I thought it would be good to share some tips to make your engagement photos look great.

1. Location

This couple got engaged in Minneapolis, what a perfect setting!

There’s no doubt that location plays an important role when it comes to engagement photos. The most important thing is that you choose a location that is very significant to you and your partner.  It could be the place you first met her (him), or where you give him the first kiss… any other place that is very important to the both of you.  This will allow you to relax a little more.

2. What to Wear
Simply, look hot!  The more personality you put into your attire, the more personality will show up in your photos.  Exploit who you are in the extreme.   Don’t be afraid to dress up.

I love how dressed up this couple got! With the tux & white dress, this made for a very cute "save-the-date"!

3. Props                                                                                                                                              Bring to the photo session something along that express who you are as a couple never hurts.  Your dog, books, hats, or whatever you share with your honey are all things that will add to your photos.

This couple brought their dogs, what a great prop! 

4. Time of Day
A lot of people also ask me when the best time to shoot is.  Although I can shoot any time of the day, the best time is late in the day when the sun gets lower in the sky.  The light gets softer and more golden.  Besides aren’t evenings more romantic?

The sun is at the perfect height in the sky. We waited until the end of the day just before the sun went down....in the winter you know that's early!

5. Get Comfy
One of the most important things you can do is get comfortable in front of the camera.  A lot of people have never been photographed before, and the thought of someone firing away with a big camera in their face is terrifying.  Although I’ll do everything I can to put you at ease, the simplest way to relax is to focus on your loved one, not me.  Forget me.

I love the sweet peak up at he camera from the groom.

I love how relaxed this couple is and how much fun they are having!

****Fun Suggestion I always make: choose a season different from your wedding to do your engagement session. This way if you display your photos at your wedding reception, it's fun to see the snow photos at your summer wedding or the fall colors during the spring wedding.

This couple had a fall engagement session and a summer wedding :)

I guarantee if you do the things above, and immerse yourself in the moment with your loved one, you’ll end up with some beautiful pictures, and an experience that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. 

I look forward to our engagement session!!