Engagement Sessions have become a staple in the wedding photography industry, and for someone who is going into an engagement session for the first time, I know how overwhelming it can feel! I want to give you 4 tips to consider while planning your engagement session! 

EXPECT THE FIRST 10 MINUTES TO BE A LITTLE UNCOMFORTABLE
Yes, you heard me...uncomfortable. For those of us who aren't professional models, it can be daunting to have a camera snapping away and pointed at you. And that's totally normal! What is also normal is for you to "warm up" to the unusual feeling of getting a photoshoot done. And what I notice with my couples is that it gets a lot easier and more fun as we go! Pretty much: Don't be nervous about being nervous, because it’s normal and it will fade quick once we get going. You got this! 

ENJOY THE ENGAGEMENT SESSION AS A DATE NIGHT
I encourage my couples to view this engagement session as a date night! Being engaged is a once-in-a-lifetime kinda thing, and I think getting your engagement photos taken is worth treating like a special day! So if you can, make a rezzy at your favorite restaurant for dinner after the shoot, or plan to go bowling after! You two are going to be looking great, all dressed up (coordinating outfits, at that!) so why not make it into a special date night?

LET'S TALK OUTFITS
These photos will be a small part of your story for years to come, so don't wait until the day of to try to throw together some outfits. Maybe this is an excuse to go on a mini shopping spree, or maybe you have the perfect outfit you've needed an excuse to rock! Either way, here are a couple outfit tips:

Stay away from colors that match the scenery. For example, if we are going to a park with lots of trees and grass, don't wear green.

Small and intricate patterns don't photograph well, so try to avoid them. Solid colors are chef's kiss in photos and I definitely recommend them!

Coordinating outfits means staying within the same color family, and also staying on the same level of "dressiness" - no matter how fancy or casual you want to get, try to look like you're both going to the same event!

Neutral tones are always a great option when choosing colors!!

SCHEDULE YOUR SESSION AROUND THE SUN
If you like the warm tones of "golden hour" (those precious minutes of glorious light just before sunset) make it a priority to schedule your engagement session during that time. Your photographer should be able to guide you on this, or you can simply google "date of the shoot + sunset"

Schedule your shoot to be 1-1.5 hours before the time of sunset, depending on how moody you wanna get.

You should enjoy the heck out of this shoot. Of course looking back on the photos and loving them is the goal, but also to look back at the experience and have fond memories is so special! My personal desire is that all couples leave their engagement session feeling more connected as a couple. I think these tips can help make that happen!