SCHEDULING YOUR SESSION
I offer three engagement session collections that can last between one and three hours. Washington DC can get really crowded so I always encourage my couple to find a weekday to plan their session. In my opinion, any time of the day can be great for a photoshoot. So depending on the aesthetic you are aiming for, morning or evening, or night, can work very well!
Scheduling the date for the engagement session will vary on what you would like to use the photos for. Save the Dates are pre-invitations usually sent out at least 6 months before the wedding. Since the average edit time for engagement photos is 1-2 weeks, I recommend scheduling your session at least 7-8 months out from your wedding date for Save the Date purposes.
What time of the day?
The best time for a photography session can vary depending on the desired lighting and atmosphere you want to achieve. Here are a few suggestions:
- Mid-Morning or Late Afternoon: If you're looking for more even lighting without harsh shadows, consider scheduling your session a couple of hours after sunrise or before sunset.
- Golden Hour: Typically the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset. During these times, the light is soft, warm, and can create a beautiful glow.
- Blue Hour: This is the period of twilight before sunrise or after sunset when the sky takes on a deep blue hue. It can create a moody, atmospheric effect for your photos.
- Night: Shooting at night can offer unique opportunities for creative lighting effects, especially in the city.
- Overcast Days: Cloudy or overcast days can provide soft, diffused light that's flattering for portraits and reduces harsh shadows.
ABOUT THE SESSION
These sessions are about celebrating your love and life together, but also it's a chance to "unlearn" how you've previously taken photos up until now. To capture moments that tell your story, embrace individuality, showcase creativity, and illustrate the love you share.
My sessions are laid back and free flowing with a bit of quirk. The result is a collection of photos to share with friends and family. Aside from having photos of the two of you this session is when we really get to know each other. You, me, and the camera. You’ll quickly get a feel for how I use subtle direction to capture you naturally.
The perks of an engagement session with your wedding photographer
It’s the perfect way for us to learn a lot about each other’s personalities; it’s amazing how much I learn about how couples interact just by hanging out and taking photos.
After the session, I’m always open to any feedback you may have in case we need to change anything for the wedding day portraits.
Some couples prefer less kissing photos, sometimes the sessions lead people to discovering their “good side.” Whatever the case may be, it’s great practice for the wedding day photos as well.
The wedding day shooting goes so much quicker and smoother if we’re all comfortable and if we know what to expect of each other.
CHOOSING YOUR LOCATION
Let me start by saying I can shoot anywhere and I’m often influenced by the environment in which I’m shooting. It’s usually a good idea to choose a unique location that’s reflective of you both.
Think about things that inspire you: consider places that have sentimental meaning for you or that’s fun or different from your hobbies, careers, or passions. Make it as personal as you can. The best locations are a mix of quirky and obscure.
Think about the colors and style of any potential locations and how you can compliment them with your outfits. If it helps, include your pets to help show who you are and what makes you different, so absolutely bring them along.
Keep in mind that sometimes the best locations for a shoot are in the most unusual places. These are just a few ideas to help you get started choosing a location. Our shoot doesn’t have to be deep and conceptual, but it helps if you love where we are. Keep also in mind that most places in Washington DC require a photo permit.
Get together and brainstorm. If your style is more modern and minimal you may want to pick a city block with modern storefronts, a building or restaurant with flare, an art museum, or a parking garage with geometric architecture, or an industrial setting, just as a couple of examples.
If you’re both foodies, a colorful outdoor market or a picnic may be an option. If you’re constantly found with your nose buried in books, a bookstore, library, or a study might be right for you.
And if you have a concept or a theme you want to incorporate feel free to talk to me about what you have in mind and we can work together on executing your ideas. I’m always up for scouting new and unique locations for you.
WHAT TO WEAR AND WHAT TO BRING
Like the location, your outfits should also be a reflection of you. Generally, I think it's a good idea to dress more casually for these as you'll be more formal on your wedding day.
I’m flexible with whatever you’d like to wear. This is your session and I recommend no more than two outfits in order to maximize our time together. If you want to bring more it’s totally fine, but it may have an impact on the amount of time we’ll have shooting together!
Primary colors play a big part in my photography. A touch of red, yellow, or blue can make anything pop and help you stand out from the background. Adding a pair of red or yellow shoes, or a bright blue shirt or tie will transform your outfits.
Avoid baggy button-down shirts and be sure to bring a comfortable pair of shoes to change in and out of because we’ll probably do a bit of walking.
During the session, plan on only carrying the bare minimum. If you can, leave purses, bags, cellphones, etc in your car... or I can carry them for you.
Remember - confidence is everything in photographs. What you choose to wear should be something you feel comfortable in. Something that compliments your physical features, your individuality, something you can move in, and something that makes you feel amazing.
Printing your engagement photos
After years of being an engagement photographer, I finally realized that I could help my couples use their photos efficiently after our session! Of course, save-the-date cards are a great way to use one or two photos of the session, but an album allows to use of between 15 and 20 images. A great way to use a maximum of your photos!
This guide was written to give a few tips to help plan for your session, but it’s in no way a rule book. It’s just a few pointers to help you and make sure you’re ready for the camera.
When it gets right down to it, this is your session. Make it personal, make it about you...... and remember, above all else, have fun with it.