Couples Session Tips

ABOUT THE SESSION

My goal for your session is to capture moments that show you two authentically, freeze this moment in time for you to look back on, and most importantly, celebrate your love and life together.

Engagement shoots are a great way to get to know how I operate behind the camera. The shoot is very casual with a bit of direction to create the natural photos you’ve seen of mine. This is great practice for the short portrait session or sessions you’ll have on your wedding day.

We’ll be shooting for around an hour or so, walking around quite a bit, and stopping often to shoot in many locations along the walk.

The end result is a handful of photos of you two together. Nothing to be nervous or worried about. We’ll have fun during our time together.

Scheduling

The season of your shoot is totally up to you. If you have a winter wedding and want a summer shoot, great! If you want it to match the wedding season, that’s great too. Save the dates usually go out around six or so months before the wedding, and turnaround for editing is around two weeks, so be sure to plan accordingly if you’d like to use these for those purposes!

Since weddings are generally on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and parks and public places are busiest on the weekends as well, plan for your engagement shoot to be on a weekday.

I strongly recommend starting your session a few hours before sunset for the best light.

CHOOSING A LOCATION

I can shoot anywhere and the location will always influence how I shoot. It’s a good idea to pick a place that’s unique and reflective of you two.

If you’re to be found on the trails hiking every weekend, it makes sense to pick a hike for your engagement shoot. If you love the city, a shoot downtown is in order. Foodies? Bookworm? Love your home? Proud of your garden? Family own a farm? Do you have a cool car? You get the idea.

WHAT TO WEAR

Like the location, your outfits should also be a reflection of you.

Generally I think it’s a good idea to dress in the ‘casual-but-still-nice’ zone as you’ll be formal formal on your wedding day.

If your session is in the woods, a flannel, jeans, boots, and a sweater will fit right in and look at home in a woodsy setting. Same for something a little dressier in a city backdrop or boutique hotel.

Since these shoots are relatively short, sticking to one or two outfits will make the best use of our time together. Remember you will look as comfortable as you feel, so make sure you feel great in what you’re wearing! And since we’ll be walking a bit, make sure your shoes are up for it.

Little pops of color can make a big impact in your photos. Primary colors look great and help you stand out from the background or surroundings. Some color in your shoes, or a nice color top or accessory will add a bit of pop to your photos.

All that said I would steer clear from busy patterns, huge logos or graphics, and anything neon.

WHAT TO BRING

Nothing! Please plan on leaving everything in the car to be distraction and pocket-bulge free.

THANK YOU

This little guide was written to give a few tips to help plan for your session, but in no way should be considered a rule book. My goal is to give you a few pointers to nudge you in the right direction. When it comes down to it, this is your session. Make it personal, make it about you, and above all else, have fun with it!

And please, if you have any questions, feel free to ask!