Engagement session tips

Where did you meet your fiancé? Can we incorporate that location into your  pictures? Do you have a favorite coffee shop or hiking trail? I want to include anything personal or  sentimental into your photographs that will make them unique and reflect your personality as a couple. Let’s pop into that dive bar downtown or a cute little bookstore- what speaks to you as a couple? Engagement pictures will capture your personality together and be fun with a splash of romance. 

Wear solid colors or fabrics with rich textures. I recommend staying away from loud prints that will look  distracting in a photograph. All the attention should be on how great you look together not a crazy shirt  with some giant logo on it. You and your partner certainly don’t have to match but do consider how the colors you are both wearing  will look in a picture. Think about different shades of the same color, complementary colors or neutrals with colorful accessories and shoes. Feel free to bring a change of clothes. Jeans and a t-shirt are perfect for a more casual feel. A dress with heels or a crisp button & tie down will create a more formal or dramatic image. Of course, above all,  let your own unique style shine through.

When possible do your makeup trial run before your engagement session. You will feel and look beautiful and your photos  will be that much more stunning. This is also a great chance to get to know your stylist if you are going to have one on for your wedding. 

I like to walk and explore during my engagement shoots and I never know where  I might see really amazing light so please be prepared to do a little walking. This could mean having a pair of flip flops in your purse so you are not stuck in 6 inch heels tromping around the desert.

My Boston Terrier was my husband and my first baby so I know how much those four legged fur balls are part of the family. Let’s capture their personality too. 

My engagement sessions generally last about 2 hours. I typically try to schedule your engagement session either first thing in the morning or late afternoon/ early evening with the light is the best. Want to travel outside of  the valley for pictures? Sedona, Flagstaff and Tucson are popular locations and if you have other ideas just let me know.

I am often asked when we should schedule the shoot and the answer depends on what you are going to use the pictures for. If you are planning on using them for a “save the date” or for the invitation then it would be helpful for me to know when you need to send it to the printers so I can be sure to get you the edited images on time.