All of my wedding packages come with a complimentary engagement session. Why? Because it’s a great way for us to get to know each other! But a lot of people get nervous about it, for a lot of people their engagement session is the first time they’d ever been professionally photographed. I promise you it’s not as scary as it seems! Here are some top tips for a great engagement session:

Wear what makes you feel great. There’s no need to get super formal if that isn’t you, and if it is then embrace it! Suit & tie or button down & slacks. Dress & high heels or pant suit & flats. It doesn’t matter what you wear*, as long as you are comfortable in it. I usually tell couples to bring two outfits: one classy and one casual. What those mean to you is up to you.

*To an extent. Wrinkly clothes and large logos can be distracting in photos so try to avoid those!

Remember why you’re here, this is the shoot to tell the world: WE’RE GETTING MARRIED. So don’t be afraid to interact with each other like you would do with no one around. Get snuggly, get cuddly, get goofy, get kissy. It can be intimidating to be in front of a camera but try to forget I’m there and focus all your energy on your other half. And don’t worry if you’re not a fan of PDA or worried about people being around, we can find a location where you’ll feel like you’re alone.

On the day of your session, try not to schedule anything immediately before or after it. If you’re anxious about getting somewhere or frazzled from rushing to arrive on time, it’ll show through in the photos. So instead, make a day of it! Treat yourself to a cocktail beforehand, head out to dinner afterwards. If you’d like to get hair & makeup done beforehand I’m happy to recommend some fellow artists I know.

Embrace the imperfect. Take what you think a photo session looks like and throw it out the window. Don’t worry about holding the perfect pose or if you’re standing up straight enough. I don’t want the perfect you, I want the authentic you. Don’t be afraid to laugh, even if you snort. Don’t stop to fix your hair, embrace the unscripted moments and go with them. If you can do that we will come away with something beautiful, honest and unapologetically you.

We live in the Pacific Northwest, we are not short of epic locations. We have mountains, forests and seafronts galore. These all make great locations. However, if those aren’t your thing and you want to stick urban, try to think of a location that has meaning to you. Where you went on your first date, where the proposal happened, where you were when you realized you were with your forever. In home is also an option too. Just remember that wherever we shoot, you need to feel comfortable. Don’t pick somewhere crowded if you’re shy about PDA for example. I would rather shoot an epic connection over an epic location because at the end of the day wherever we go is just a backdrop to your love.

Just as important as the location is the time of day we arrange to meet. If we’re shooting outdoors then it’s going to be early in the morning (ideally just after sunrise) or later in the afternoon as the day heads to sunset. These times of day provide the best and softest light. If we’re shooting indoors then let me know which direction the windows in the room face and I’ll work out the best time.

By this I mean don’t worry about how much time has elapsed. Engagement sessions don’t have a set time limit. I’m not going to yell “CUT” after an hour and pack up and leave. I will hang out with you until I know we have some amazing shots. Usually it’s about 90-120 minutes so plan for about that.

If it’s in the colder months or the weather acts up on us and you can’t reschedule, we can head indoors. Your house has secret light spots in it you didn’t know existed but I’ll find them and get you some amazing photos.