HOW LONG IS THE SESSION?
I like to schedule your session an hour and half before sunset for the prettiest light! Most sessions last around an hour to an hour and a half. Just depends on how much we walk around.
WHAT IF BAD WEATHER IS IN THE FORECAST?
What constitutes bad weather for a photoshoot? Rain or temperatures below 30 degrees or above 95 degrees. I can totally rock that on a wedding day, but for your engagement session, I want conditions to be as ideal as possible.
That’s why we’ll schedule two dates – a main date and a rain date just in case. If you schedule an appointment with a makeup or hair stylist, let them know of this ahead of time just in case. We’ll make the final call the day before since the weather report will likely be accurate by then.
CAN WE BRING OUR PETS?
YESSSSS!! I’m a pet parent and I fully support bringing them along! I just ask that you enlist someone to watch them during the remainder of your session. I always like to start with pet pictures first so they can go and play or their petsitter can take them back to your house.
And if you’ve always dreamed of having your kitty in photos, we can always do an in home session!
COORDINATING COLORS
There is no right or wrong color to wear. As you’re planning, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palettes coordinate, but don’t necessarily “match.”
DO WE NEED TO FOLLOW THIS GUIDE?
Heck to the no. “Rules” are meant to be broken. The most important thing to me is that you’re both feeling yourselves and are ready to get super snuggly.
faqs
MAKEUP TIPS
First things first – if you never wear makeup, please do not feel pressured to do so for your engagement or wedding. You do you 100%! But if it’s something you like to wear, there are a few things I would do differently for a photoshoot. Two coats of mascara or a set of false lashes make a HUGE difference in photos. They’re going to feel weird and heavy in real life, but they really enhance your eyes in photos. And if you wear lipstick, make sure it's a transfer proof formula so it doesn't end up all over your partner's face.
You can even schedule you wedding makeup trial the day of the engagement to kill two birds with one stone and see how it’ll look on camera for your big day.
ADDING MOVEMENT
If you’re into wearing dresses or skirts, I highly recommend them for photoshoots. You can’t go wrong with fitted on top and flowy on the bottom which adds more movement and looks amazing on camera! Check out tons of examples on my outfit inspiration Pinterest board.
TO SLEEVE OR NOT TO SLEEVE?
Do you immediately check your arms in photos? (I 100% get it, but spoiler alert: no one else notices that but you, I promise!) If so, go with a cute off-the-shoulder or sleeved outfit. And if you do choose sleeves, make sure you can lift your arms at least to shoulder height so they don’t restrict movement.
FITTED VS BILLOWY TOPS
There is no right or wrong here. Just be aware that if you wear a looser billowy fabric on top, it might be difficult to discern where your body actually is in the photos. It's much easier to see in person because you're constantly moving.
SPEAKING OF TOPS
If you’re wearing a wrap style dress or top, make sure it closes as high up as you’d like and that your bra doesn’t show from any angle. If it doesn’t come with a hook and eye, they’re super easy to sew on or have a tailor add one in.
SHAPEWEAR
Human beings aren’t made of stone, so sometimes your bra or underroos are gonna leave lines. It is what it is! But if this is a concern or if you’re wearing thin fabric or a form-fitting outfit, wearing shapewear underneath will smooth out those pesky lines.
COMFY SHOES ARE A MUST!
It’s very rare that we’ll go to a location and not walk around a ton. Make sure the shoes you choose are comfortable enough to walk around in for 1-2 hours.
pour femme
CLEAR OUT YOUR POCKETS
Take out your wallet, keys, phone, chapstick, etc. and either leave them in the car or hand them to me. I have a special pouch in my bag just for this!
SHOWCASE YOUR PERSONALITY
Don’t be afraid to add a little spice to your outfit! Some examples: novelty tie/pocket square, family heirloom watch, your favorite boots or nice sneakers, etc. Go to town! Check out tons of examples on my outfit inspiration Pinterest board.
BUUUUT... STEAR CLEAR OF LOGOS
Humans are drawn immediately to words and logos and I want them to stare at your faces. Sorry North Face or Patagonia, no logos allowed. UNLESS you two want to do a few college/sports themed photos in addition to your regular outfit, then that’s totally fine!
YOUR IRON IS YOUR FRIEND
Lots of people ask “Will wrinkles show up in photos?” Unfortunately cameras aren’t magic so they definitely do. If you iron your outfit and hang it on the back of your car, it’ll be perfect for your shoot.
What to wear depends on your comfort level. If you love wearing suits, they look awesome in photoshoots! If you’re more of a flannel shirt, jeans, and boots guy, that’s handsome as heck too! The only thing I ask is to pretty please try on your outfits at home before you arrive at the shoot. If the only shirt/blazer you brought with you won’t button, wellllll… I can only do so much my friend.
