I know you’re probably wondering, “Will you give me directions?”

My answer? Kinda. But don’t panic. Almost every couple I have worked with has said the same thing: "We've never been photographed by a professional photographer before..."

You aren't as awkward as you may think.

My approach when it comes to posing— and photography in general— is natural, free-flowing. Our session will be less of me telling you exactly what to do and more “Date Night with a photographer!” Your images will represent who you and your partner actually are.

Not into PDA? No problem. We won't have those types of shots in your gallery.

Filling out the questionnaire I sent over will help give me more insight into who you are as a couple. 

Once we begin our session, it may take a few minutes to "warm up". Again, totally normal. I know that it can be unnerving to be in front of the camera. My goal is to help you feel comfortable and confident. At the end of the session, I want you to look back and feel like you had fun.

What to Expect

Posing

• I firmly believe that engagement sessions should not look cookie-cutter. They should feel like you. So instead of posing, I prefer offering suggestions. This approach allows you to interpret my prompt in a way that is all you. This may be as simple as me saying “snuggle in really close”, or, "Ignore me!" That means, please just do your thing.

  Look at your partner— if that feels weird, make a funny face! Share a sweet compliment, smooch, tickle, play--whatever feels right in the moment.

• Some directions I give may sound repetitive. I often will try the same perspective at different locations. Rest assured, your gallery won't be the same image over and over again. 

• We will move around a lot! I love to keep moving during a session, and show that movement and energy throughout my work. Get a great night's sleep the night before your session so that you will look and feel refreshed and are ready to go!

• If at any time you feel overwhelmed or awkward, stop. Close your eyes, take a deep breath; take in where you are, who you're with, and why you're there. It's guaranteed to make you smile.

Approach

• Like a good friend, trust that I’ll tell you if something isn’t working. This isn’t a personal attack. Not every prompt or suggestion works for every couple. While my style is generally pretty hands off, I’m also here to help you look and feel your best. We’ve all got our quirks. Mine? Standing with one leg up—flamingo style—in all my photos.

• Now that we’re friends, I trust that you’ll tell me if you have a specific side you prefer to be on, or if there is an area of your body you don’t particularly want to highlight.

• There will be moments where I'll get pretty close to you. I will most always warn you when I'm coming in close though. If you have a reason for not wanting me to be all up in your business, just let me know. I will totally respect your personal space, especially now post-COVID.

• I am not what you would call a wallflower. I’m outgoing, have all the jokes (I didn’t say they are any good), and a pretty serious cackle. You’ve been warned.

The Traditional Portrait

A few years ago I heard another photographer use the term “Grandma’s Fridge” when referring to a traditional portrait. I thought it was the most succinct way to say, “those looking-at-the-camera-and-smiling-shots”, and have adopted it into my lexicon.

While I do have a more candid style in general, I have strong opinions on these types of portraits. I think they’re important. I believe that even if you’re a person who doesn’t love the spotlight, parents, grandparents, and other family members love to see your face—they’re the photos we typically see on Grandma’s Fridge and lining stairwells.

As we age, these photos take on deeper significance. Who doesn’t want to have a beautiful portrait where they look fabulous, happy, and totally in love to look back on?

TLDR: They’re important

choosing a location

what to wear

As I said before, our location will best determine the feel of the session, but regardless of where we go, my top tip is to wear what you’re comfortable in! Wear what you feel best in; something that makes you feel beautiful and confident. You don’t want to constantly adjust yourself, or worry how you’ll photograph in something that is out of your comfort zone. It’ll show in your photos!

For example, if you want a relaxed at-home session, wearing an outfit you'd wear to work probably wouldn't work very well. A beautiful lounge set and fluffy socks would match the warm and cozy feel of being at home. If you're going for an evening look and are dying to wear a gown, photographing you on a farm isn't going to convey the message you want to send. (Side Note: I am always up for a challenge, and if this is something you want to do, I'm totally down).  

10 TIPS FOR DRESSING FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION

1. Coordinate rather than match! Contrast is great in photos;if you're both wearing denim bottoms and black tops, the photo may seem a little flat. And,  truthfully, a little dated too. 

2.  As a general rule, I say to stay away from neon colors, busy patterns, and large logos. Busy patterns don’t usually show up well in photos, and can distract from you.

There is an exception! If you're super fashion-forward or clothes are Your Thing, wear whatever you want. This is, after all for you! Remember, the most important thing is for you to feel confident and beautiful. 

3. Feel free to bring two outfits; one that is more casual, and one that is dressier if you feel like it. If not, no big deal. 

4. For ladies, something flowy is always nice, because it photographs well. (Think movement!) However, if you’re all about structure, don’t sweat it. 

5. Make sure you’ve ironed or steamed your clothes, so that you don’t have wrinkles or any weird creases. These aren’t easy to “Photoshop” out.

6.  As we will be walking, I suggest bringing a comfortable pair of shoes to walk around in. We can always switch for your shots! 

7. If you do buy something new for your session, be sure to try it on and test it out. (With plenty of time before your session so that if you get a stain on it, or snag it, you’ll be prepared!) 

8. Less is more. Always. 

9. Accessories, Can take a simple Little Black Dress and adds texture and visual interest to the image. Be thoughtful in your accessorizing! 

Added Bonus: Pieces like a statement necklace or scarf are easy to take on and off, so you can always do some photos with and without to see what you like best. 

10. Don't forget about your undergarments! Seamless bras and panties are great to wear during a photo session so there is no visible panty lines in your photos. 

Prep

Grooming

• Don't overlook your eyebrows. If you normally pluck or wax your brows, don't forget about them before your session. 

• If you paint your nails, make sure they aren’t chipped! If you don’t be sure that you and your partner’s nails are clean, moisturized, and your cuticles are cut back. Sometimes, especially with those who work outdoors or often work with their hands, there’s a lot of excess skin around the nail beds that can be distracting in photos. I photograph hands quite a bit, which is why this is important.

• Do you have facial hair where you don't want it? Get it waxed about a week before your session. Professional lenses and pretty light are what it takes to have gorgeous photos, but that beautiful light can also highlight the tiniest of errant upper lip/chin hairs. You may also want to think about your underarm hair especially if you’re wearing a sleeveless top or dress.

• Brush and floss your teeth. It's also a great idea to bring some breath mints--not gum-- because you and your partner will be super close.

for her

• I recommend getting your hair and makeup done for this session. This adds a bit of polish to your overall look, and in general, makeup artist know how to apply makeup for professional photography. It also allows you to relax because it’s one less thing to think about during your photos. And don’t worry— I will let you know if you need to reapply some lip color or if you get it on your partner. I also will stop and let you know if you get hair in your face, and if your hair gets out of place.

• If you choose to do your own makeup, use a slightly heavier hand than usual. This helps your makeup stand out a bit better in photos. This is also good to consider if you’re getting your makeup professionally done.

• Glittery, "frosty", and/or shiny eyeshadows do not photograph well at all. Most makeup artists know this, but if you're doing your own makeup, it's helpful to know. 

• It’s always a good idea to moisturize your elbows, knees, ankles, feet and other areas of your body that may get dry and/or cracked.

for him

• Trim nose hair and ear hair! These do show up in images, and aren’t super easy to edit out, and if it is super difficult extra editing costs may incur. Making sure they’re taken care of ahead of time relieves any need for that!

• Trimming a beard/goatee/facial hair is suggested. I always recommend a traditional barbershop experience for guys, with a barber who uses a straight razor and hot towel. It makes a massive difference in the shave, and it will allow him to feel good, taken care of, and relaxed.

• Wear a hat regularly? Make sure you don't wear it in the hours before your photo session. I’m sure you’re well aware of “hat head”, and no one wants that in photos. 

• If you are a little apprehensive about photos, don’t sweat it— most guys are. Getting your photo taken isn’t the most natural experience.  Go over this page together and talk about each other's expectations. I promise it won't be as bad as it may sound.

• Empty your pockets of any chapstick, knives, cell phones, keys, etc., and keep your sunglasses in the car! 

for you both:

Look at some examples of engagement sessions so you know what to expect together. If one of you is just not into the idea of having photos done, but is willing to go along with it to please you, try not to pick at him/her, or tell him he’s being stiff, etc. during the session. This will only add to his discomfort, and it can make things awkward. 

After our session is over (a typical session is usually about an hour), we'll say our goodbyes, and in about one month a link for your images will be sent to you via email. You'll use that link and the pin provided to download your images (about 40) to your personal computer, external hard drive, and/or a USB.From there, I have two super important requests:

Have a question about your session?