Engagement Sessions: What to Expect
Sports teams always take the field for warm-up before the game.
Fancy dinners ALWAYS have appetizers first.
Even blockbuster movies put out previews before the big thing.
It’s clearly been proven that before a big shabam- a little something to get you ready is a good thing!
Enter engagement sessions. Engagement sessions are easily one of my favorite things to shoot. I love them because they serve so many purposes. For one- they really give you, as a couple, a chance to get comfortable in front of a camera in a stress-free format. Two- they allow me to get to know you. Not only do we hang out and chat and joke around- but my brain is always working and watching- and I get to see your quirky interactions with each other, the way he always puts his hand on the small of your back when you walk somewhere, how much you roll your eyes at him when he’s being weird, etc. It’s who YOU are as a couple- and I love that I get a chance to practice that and am ready to look for it and capture it on your wedding day as well!
Our engagement sessions last anywhere from an hour to two hours. We do multiple locations. I like to mix it up and get a few different looks for your gallery! I encourage couples to do one more ‘nature’ setting (a field, a park, country roads, etc.); one more ‘urban’ setting (downtown, bricks, doors, falling down buildings, industrial, etc.); and then one part of our session that’s a little ‘out of the box’. This is where I want you to scrap your Pinterest mindset and truly think about who YOU are as a couple. What do you guys love to do together? We’ve shot these sessions in movie theatres with 3-D glasses on throwing popcorn, in coffee shops, at bowling alleys, at baseball stadiums drinking beer in the bleachers, in their kitchen in a food fight, with their dogs! I am always down for ANYTHING. One of my favorite photographers once said that we should always look at pictures we take with ‘30 year goggles’. Meaning in 30 years when you and your kids are looking at your engagement photos- I want them to think ‘man…my parents were fun and so.in.love.’ This is what we do.
A question we get a lot is what to wear for these sessions! Honestly- with only two people- outfits are really an open book! You do you. But we can offer some suggestions.
Nature setting: dresses and skirts work really well in nature settings. Rather they are sundresses, boho dresses, etc.- they work. Or cute blouses that are flirty or cutesy work well too! Guys are totally fine with jeans and a simple t shirt, a collared shirt with the sleeves rolled up, something casual. I’m gonna go ahead and say that guys in shorts in photos aren’t my favorite. Don’t stress over shoes. 99% of nature photos we can’t see your shoes anyhow. I’m ALWAYS a fan of going barefoot if you want to. Floppy hats/popular hats out now for girls- I love them and think they are so.freaking.cute for senior girls or girls out with their friends. They suck for engagement photos. I like to have my couple close and snuggly and the hat is just a big circle of NO around your head. It’s awkward and often ends up making you both feel awkward as you try to get closer and it’s just not good. If you want a photo in it for sure- bring it- and I’ll shoot a few for sure:)- but don’t be offended if I ask you to ditch it:)
Urban: this is where I love outfits a little edgier, a little trendy, even a little more dressy if you want. For girls I’m a big fan of ripped jeans, skinny jeans or leggings, a cute jacket, a cute blouse, and HEELS. HEELS FOR DAYS. Dresses that are a little edgy or more form-fitting also work too! Guys- I’m a big fan of jeans, slacks, skinny jeans if you can rock them, etc. Patterned button downs work. I also love the edgy look of a simple tshirt with a zippered hoodie. Shoes do matter for both in these pics- so choose accordingly!
Accessories: let’s chat about these. Yes- they make outfits for sure! I adore them- and if we were doing a catalog shoot or even an individual session- I’d be all over them!!! However, often times accessories cause more of a problem when we’re trying to hug and snuggle and canoodle. Scarves just don’t work- it’s like to trying to hug with 18 extra necks. We already discussed the floppy hat situation. Bracelets are cute- but sometimes too many can be distracting. Big earrings- same idea. There’s really only one piece of jewelry we want to be focusing on- and it’s not your earrings:) Of course there are some exceptions to this rule. If we’re doing cute snow pictures- bring on all the hats/gloves/scarves. If we’re shooting at a baseball field- you better wear your cute baseball hat. If you have any questions on it- ask for sure and I’ll tell ya:)
When do we schedule them?
if you are wanting your pictures for Save the Dates- they recommend sending those out about 6 months before your date! We can schedule your session at least 7 months before your wedding which gives us time to shoot, edit, deliver, and then have you design/order your save the dates!
It takes about 7-10 days for me to edit and deliver your files.
We shoot sessions year round- but I do recommend to couples that maybe you should shoot your engagement photos in an opposite season of your wedding- just to give you some different looks! For example- if you’re a summer weddings- fall engagement pictures are beautiful! If you’re getting married in January- shoot some summer engagement photos:)
We LOVE sunrise/sunset photos. Sun in the peak of the day is not the best to shoot in. On wedding days- we really lose the control of that sometimes due to scheduling, so we really try to push it in engagement sessions. Sunset sessions would start about 2 hours prior to the sun going down! Sunrise sessions would start right at sunrise:)
Keep in mind that a lot of couples want weekend sessions- but we are booked pretty much every Saturday with weddings. This leaves Sundays. So if you're wanting a prime Sunday spot- book early. ****also note on Sunday sessions- if you want a Sunday, that’s great- just keep in mind that if you have your heart set on getting professional makeup done- not a lot of them work on Sundays:( We also can shoot weeknights!!
What do we do with the photos?
Your gallery will have at least 50 edited digital files with all rights released. This means you can use your files for anything you want!
Can I post to social media? PLEASE DO. And we love when you tag us!
Use your photos to make save the dates, a guest book for your wedding, reception decor, prints for your home, canvases, wall art, you name it! The images are yours!
Anytime you need to download a picture, order a print, etc.- they will be there in the gallery!
We’ve never been professionally photographed together before? What if we suck?
That’s where we come in:). That’s where my job as a teacher and coach merge perfectly with my job as a photographer! I can take my eye for what makes you look good and coach you through posing, interacting, and being in the moment to get the best shot!
No joke- if it will help- drink a little before your session. Especially the guys:). Obviously be smart about it and don’t get too loopy- but if it loosens you up a little- let’s do it:)
I want you to feel comfortable and ‘normal’ with each other. Don’t feel like you can’t talk to each other, tease each other, flirt, etc. That’s what we’re here for.
If all else fails- just start kissing. (but with your eyes closed…no debates here ;)
Do you travel for engagement sessions?
Yes! Engagement sessions are a great way to capture a place that is part of you as a couple- that maybe your wedding day can’t capture. We’ve shot engagement sessions in Boston, Disney World, Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and more! We’ve shot on family farms, at family lake houses, in couple’s apartments. Travel sessions do have a small fee to cover the cost of travel- but it’s absolutely worth it to capture photos of a place that is a slice of your life!!!
Once we’ve nailed down a date and time for your session, we’ll chat locations, and then outfits if you need some help. The rest is easy!! Show up prepared to love on each other:). Can’t wait for your engagement session!!! Love- Kara
