How to prepare for an Engagement Session

Introductions

The engagement session can be the first time the couple and the photographer first meet in person.    Some photographers may ask about how you met, or how you got engaged, although these may be personal questions, it's the most direct way for them to understand your personal love story, and also define your comfort level in front of camera.  Also it's a good time to go over what type of shots or poses you may want from your photographer.  

Planning for the session location

Pick a location that tells your story as a couple.  That can be a favorite date place, where you first met, or a place that you both enjoy spending time.  Work with your photographer to suggest the time of day for the shoot because the photographer is most aware of the best lighting for the scene.  Prior to an engagement session, I usually visit the site or show up early to scout out the location and find the best scenes to photograph.

Mood and tone

Mood and tone is often over looked when planning an engagement session.  It’s the element of the session that provides the relationship story for the couple.  When first working with couples, weeks and sometimes days before the session begins, I usually work with the couple to create a mood board in order to establish color, tone, clothing, and some must have poses for the session.  Visual mood boards provide an easy way to manage and plan a session for the photographer and couple to approach the session day on the same page.

Clothing

Dress as if you were going on each other’s first date or a nice night out.  Dress to impress while feeling comfortable at the same time.  These photos will not only be for private presentation but will also be on your save the dates and invitations. Thin striped patterns can be distracting.  Try to color coordinate and complement each other’s colors.  Patterns, bold colors, and accessories photograph well.

Hair, Make-up, and Grooming

Yes, to all the above.  Prepare for the session like it’s your first date.   It’s not necessary to have professional hair and make up for a session, but I always suggest showing your best, and to leave it open as an option if it fits within your budget.  Men should prepare and be well groomed, with facial hair trimmed (clean shaven not necessary, just clean up those stray hairs), and a haircut if needed and at the least styled or combed.  It’s not necessary to dress for the red carpet, but just dress to impress each other for the first date.

Have Fun!

You may have spent a week or a few weeks planning this session with your photographer, so relax and have fun.  Enjoy your engagement session; trust that your photographer has your best story, profile, and pose at heart and does not want to show you in a bad light.   Relax into the session, and just be yourself, the camera will pick up the love that you and your partner share.  So remember just have fun!