Becca & Daniel are a laidback blend of opposites that mesh together like interlacing fingers with the one you love.
They’re going to help me share 5 tips for the best engagement session {ever} and how you can get one, too.
1. Get to know your photographer.
This should happen whenever hiring a photographer, not just for engagement sessions, but it’s especially important for this type of shoot and also when searching for a wedding photographer. I like to think of engagement sessions as a get-to-know-you. They help you get used to each other and become even more comfortable, which makes for better images. But even further than this, your photographer should want to get to know you. You’re not a number, you’re people, and you should be photographed as individuals.
2. Collaborate on the session design.
I’m big on collaboration. HUGE, in fact. I believe that everything about the session should be discussed in detail, from clothing suggestions to locations to props {if that’s your thing} to the overall feeling of the shoot. I always create a Pinboard with my clients, to which we both pin any kind of ideas or thoughts we have about it, as well as comment on the other person’s pins. I think it’s important for BOTH parties to have a say because your photographer needs to understand the vision you have for your session, and to get a good idea of what kinds of things would represent you, and what kinds of things wouldn’t.
3. Focus on making it about you two.
It’s not about the location. It’s not about the props, or lack thereof. It’s not about the photographer. It’s about YOU and YOUR BELOVED and your story, captured in awesome images. Don’t lose yourself in the planning.
4. Be yourself.
It’s really easy to be swept up in all of the lovely pictures all over the internet of other peoples’ sessions. You know which ones I’m talking about. But what you need to keep asking yourself in the back of your head is, “is this us? Does this picture say US, to me?” If it doesn’t, don’t try to duplicate it. It’s too stressful to try and duplicate shots anyway. But if it does, then use it as inspiration, putting your own personal spin on it. Definitely share things you like with your photographer, but don’t be looking to make exact copies of things. You’re different than those other couples, be proud of your you-ness.
This goes for clothing & accessories, too. When we set up an engagement session, I have styling resources that I share, but the basic rule is to pick something you love and that you love yourself in. Personally, I wouldn’t pick a super urban dress and heels because it’s the FARTHEST thing from my personality, and I wouldn’t feel comfortable in it.
5. Relax.
Above all, have a good time! At this point, you’ve planned with your photographer, you’ve discussed what you’re looking for - and what you’re not - so all that’s left to do is to HAVE A GOOD TIME. With lots of laughs and little cute moments with your love. Let your photographer take over and just enjoy the journey.
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