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ENGAGEMENT

SESSION

TIPS

Pick a location that reflects you two

01

I once had a shoot at this beauuuutiful nature reserve that a client of mine had seen in one of my photos. She loved the way that other couple was photographed there, and chose it for her location with her fiancé. But when we showed up, it soon became evident that, actually, neither of them were outdoorsy people, they were concerned about getting dirty and hiking wasn't their thing! I bring up that story because I don't want you to choose a location that looked pretty in someone else's photos but that doesn't reflect who you two are! If you love the outdoors, then let's def go explore some epic outdoor scenes together. But if you're more of a home body, then I'd love to capture you two in your home. I promise, your space doesn't have to be HGTV worthy - I actually prefer spaces that have character over perfectly fluffed couch pillows haha. Or let's go grab a beer, enjoy downtown, or hit up the top floor of an empty garage. Maybe a museum? Just make it authentic to who you are! My personal favorite locations are interesting architecture, the beach, and your home.

Wear something you feel good in

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Everyone expresses themselves differently in their clothes and style, but the number 1 thing I recommend for your engagement session outfit is to make sure you're wearing something you feel good, comfortable and yourself in. Although I do send Pinterest boards with outfit guidance, what you choose to wear should also reflect you, not some random person you saw on Pinterest! If you're not someone who normally wears dresses, then come to your shoot in a pair of jeans and a tee. If you love dressing up, wear a gorgeous gown. If you live in a bathing suit, then let me capture that. You want to be able to look at your photos and say, "Yessss, this is totally us," rather than "Who are these people?!" My personal favorite is when couples opt for a package with an outfit change so that we can capture two different vibes - casual and dressed up.

A few other outfit tips: Please don't wear clothing with words or logos. I also love neutral and solids for session that are to happen in busy settings. And my favorite tip: WEAR WHITE! When else will you be able to dress like you're getting married? I love when women wear gorgeous bridal dresses to their engagement session - think something you'd wear to your rehearsal or after-part.y.

Leave everything behind

03

Literally and figuratively.

Leave your cell phone, wallet, purse and everything else behind. I'll carry your keys and even your second outfits if I have to! I love capturing in-between moments as we talk throughout our session and get to different spots, and the only thing I want in your hands is each other.

Also, leave your stress, worries and any negative vibes behind, too. I know sometimes, shoot days can be a bit stressful. Maybe you had to leave work early and rush to your shoot. Maybe you and your partner disagreed on what he/she should wear. Maybe you feel unprepared. Leave it alllll behind. I want the time we spend together to be above any of that because we don't get a do-over. Bringing good vibes to your shoot will seriously change the way you connect, feel and show your love in these photos.

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Hair & makeup

Meet me halfway

Have fun, be candid

Although yes, I will be posing and guiding you through our shoot, feel free to have fun and get candid during our time together. That's when the real magic happens. Go rogue and start dancing, or run into the water, tickle your partner, attack them with kisses. I want you to have fun with this. Do all the things you always have the urge to do but "adulting" holds you back from. It's ok, let's be kids during our shoot. I'm here for it.

What I mean by that is: Yes, I definitely am going to guide you for these photos, make you feel comfortable in front of the camera, and do my best to create moments with you so that I can capture your authentic selves. I'm pretty good at getting us there, but I need you to meet me halfway, too. I need you AND your partner to come to your shoot with an open mind and heart, ready to be vulnerable and loving with each other. Don't worry, I know you're most likely nervous, and that's ok! WE'LL WORK THROUGH THAT IN THE FIRST 15 MINUTES, AND PROMISE YOU'LL FEEL SO MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE AFTERWARD.

If you're going to get your hair and makeup done:

1. My vote is for a nude lip. You're going to be kissing each other during your shoot.

2. Consider humidity when doing your hair. If humidity makes your hair go "poof" and your session is outdoors in a humid area, bring some anti-frizz serum or maybe consider an up-do.

3. If you're going with a natural look, keep in mind the camera and my editing tends to make colors softer. You'll want to go a bit more bold even for a natural look.

Schedule your engagement photos ahead of time

07

I book up about 2-3 months ahead for weekday shoots, so it's important that you reach out early to schedule your session. Take into consideration that my turnaround time to deliver galleries is 4 weeks. If you need your photos by a specific date for your wedding website or save-the-dates, it's important you communicate that with me so that I schedule you accordingly! Please note that expedited editing is available for a $250 fee, but I do not expedite editing otherwise. Having an editing workflow where I can pay attention to detail and take my time with photos is extremely important to me!

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And please be on time

I will more than likely be scheduling your session based on the best time of day - golden hour. The sun waits for no one and shortly after the sun sets, it gets dark and we are unable to take photos, so please make proper considerations for traffic, parking, etc. Please also kindly note that sessions are not extended due to late arrivals. Plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to your session start time just to be on the safe side!

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Last thing: Trust me

Bring the pup

I loveeee incorporating your pups in photos. They bring you a level of comfort and happiness, and that's exactly what I want to capture in your shots. If you do decide to bring your dog, consider having a friend come along to take the dog away so that we can get some photos of just the two of you as well without you have to worry about pup. Also consider arriving a bit early so that your dog can do its business and get all the hyper sniffing and "squirrel" moments out of the way.

I've been photographing people in love for over 10 years. Please be at ease that this is going to be fun, I'm going to capture you in the best way I know how, and these photos will be a mix of candid, natural photos along with some posey ones, too - for, you know, your grandparents fridge. There's no need to come with a list of poses you want me to capture. I much rather be in the moment with you guys and go with what feels right for you!