Engagement sessions are a great way to capture the love and excitement of your upcoming wedding day and to document this special time in your life! To make sure your session is a success, preparation is key. Preparing for your engagement session will ensure you have an amazing experience and gorgeous portraits! Here are a few tips to help you prepare.
01. Read Your Complimentary SCP Bridal Guide and Groom Guide
As a Sarah Claire Portraiture couple, you receive these two guides straight to your front door. The bride and groom guides answer any and every question you might have. Of course, you can always reach out to me with any question you have that isn’t answered in these guides! The groom’s guide also features content to help you prepare for your wedding day and plan the honeymoon!
02. Choose One or Two engagement Session Locations
After reviewing your bride and groom guides, start thinking about your engagement session location. You can either choose a place that is sentimental to you or trust me with the location. Jot down any ideas you have before narrowing it down! College campus where you guys met? Pretty Garden that you had your first date? Coffee Shop you frequent? Airport that shows your love of travel? I am there to capture you in an authentic and creative way. If you aren’t able to come up with a location, don’t stress! You can leave it up to me. I have several favorite spots in the area and I’ll read you both as a couple and choose a location that will fit your vibe and style.
03. Trust Me With Posing
Many couples feel awkward in front of the camera and don’t feel like they are good at posing. However, rest assured you are hiring someone who knows the ins and outs of posing. You deserve to feel as beautiful as God made you, capturing your best side and your most authentic smile and laugh.
I want my clients to not only feel comfortable interacting naturally but also feel like their images are a true reflection of who they truly are. However, I will never push you into unnatural poses or create an awkward moment to get a photo. Instead, I will capture the real you, allowing your personalities to shine.
04. Selecting Your Outfits
When it comes to preparing for your engagement session, selecting outfits is a pretty important component! This is your engagement session – you deserve to feel comfortable and confident in your engagement pictures. This is a once in a lifetime moment. My husband David and I dressed to the NINES for our engagement session that included both “casual/cute” and “formal” looks. Think flowy dresses for her and suit and tie for him. Do you want to wear dressy heels or a pair of nice flats? Choose what feels right to you; however, if you do decide to wear those stylish heels, bring a pair of flats to wear in between shots and when we are walking to different spots on site – you’ll thank me later!
Regardless of what you choose, keep in mind that light and neutral colors photograph best. No neon colors or patterns on clothing as it will distract attention away from you as a couple. You don’t want lime green reflecting on your skin in these photos, which is also a nightmare for me to edit out and isn’t very flattering for you.
I ALWAYS suggest you try your outfits on beforehand to make sure you feel comfortable and confident! Your outfits should also reflect your style and personality, while fitting the vibe of your session.
Also, ladies, get your makeup and hair done if you can. I did this and you will not regret it! Not only does professional hair and makeup give you a boost of confidence and ensure you look your best in the photos, but it also eliminates a lot of stress the day of your photos. Instead of worrying whether you will have a good hair day, you can just relax and get pampered
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to use this as a hair and makeup trial run for your wedding day if you aren’t doing a Bridal session with me.
05. Did you know that your engagement session is complimentary?
You heard me right! One of the many perks of being a SCP bride and groom means you get free stuff. It’s because you deserve it! Pamper yourself and go ALL OUT. This session only happens once so make sure you feel your best and most beautiful. These pictures are what your grandchildren will see, think of these images as an investment in your future.
Engagement sessions are such a wonderful way to start a budding marriage! They provide an opportunity to capture this season of life and moment of your engagement with your fiancé. With these simple preparation steps, you’ll be ready for an engagement session that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
I am SO looking forward to your session and wedding day alike. It is the greatest honor to be capturing the essence of your love story. Let’s do this!
Please contact me today to learn more about my wedding photography! I can’t wait to hear all about your love story, what you’re dreaming up for your wedding, and how I can preserve your beautiful memories!
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