PLANNING YOUR
ENGAGEMENT SESSION
choosing the perfect time, location,
outfit, + more
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
A NOTE TO
THE GUYS
I totally get it. Having your picture taken for 2-3 hours might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do during your downtime. And, at first, you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera. But, I think you'll find that by the end of the session, it's a lot easier than you thought, and you even might find yourself having a little fun. Think of these sessions as more of a hang out and it will be just fine - hopefully fun!
TIME + LIGHT
IS THERE A "GOOD" TIME TO TAKE PHOTOS?
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few days before the wedding. I've found that there isn't a "good" or "bad" time to take your photos. I normally plan sessions based on a particular "look" a couple has in mind, spring flowers for example, or based on schedules.
Sessions are typically 2-3 hours and when I can, I love to begin sessions in the hours leading up to sunset. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first two hours after sunrise are also beautiful.
SUMMER
WINTER
SPRING
hot, sunny days + green trees
colorful leaves + harvest goodies
fresh blooms + comfortable temps
snow, hot cocoa, + cozy coats
SAVE-THE-DATES
WHEN TO SEND SAVE-THE-DATES
If your wedding is local, I recommend sending out save-the-dates between 6 and 8 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, you'll want to send them out 8 to 10 months before the wedding.
If you're hoping to use your engagement photos for your save-the-date, I recommend scheduling your session at least two months before you plan to send out your save-the-dates. Between inclement weather, editing, designing your save-the-dates, and printing, two months is generally a safe amount of time to make sure your images and cards are ready.
local weddings
6 -8 months ahead
destination weddings
8 - 10 months ahead
schedule engagement session
2 months before save-the-dates are sent
While I take most of my engagement sessions in Iowa, I've photographed sessions everywhere from Chicago to Atlanta to Dallas. If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you, let me know. If our schedules align, I might be able to take your engagement photos outside of my normal area.
TRAVEL FEES MAY APPLY DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION AND MY AVAILABILITY.
cats
DOGS
ALL THE FURRY FRIENDS
Bring them along!
- OUTFITS -
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
for the ladies
WARDROBE TIPS
for the gents
FAVORITE SHOPS
PATTERNS + COLOR
Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentaly make your photo look a little too busy. Softer, pastel colors tend photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.
WARDROBE
You can't go wrong with a suit and tie. Consider pulling out that suit you had to wear last time you were a groomsment! Layer with a blazer and a fun tie - you can even wear jeans with this look. And, bowties are always a good idea.
what to do if it rains
INCLEMENT WEATHER
It's typical for me to schedule two engagement session dates. A primary date and a rain date. Having two dates helps us make sure that your photos happen in a timely manner. Coordinating schedules can be tough and I've found that the best way to make sure my couples get the look they have in mind for their photos is to schedule two dates at the same time.
I'll check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time + location we're meeting and to chat about the weather forecast. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for an engagement session and it's the worst to get dressed up and drive only for there to be rain on your session. Let me knw what works best for the two of you - but if the weather looks like it won't be ideal, I'll typically try to make the call at least 24 hours in advance.
...because you can't predict the weather, having a back-up plan is a good idea.
shiny
+ sparkly
RING CLEANING
When I can, I always try to take a photo of your ring during your engagement session - so it's a good idea to have it cleaned or to clean it yourself before your shoot. To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 30 minutes. Then, gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat, if needed.
PROPS
champagne is always a good idea
If you're planning to bring props to your engagement session, I recommend including them only if they're meaningful to you. Shots of drinking coffee at a local coffee shop would be cute if that's where you met; however, trying to fly a kite together when it's not a part of your relationship may come off as contrived.
"What do I do with my hands?"
When it comes to posing for your engagement session, you don't need to worry about a thing! I'll guide you through the entire process beginning with "poses" that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it's probably because I know it's going to make the two of you laugh - and that's the photo I'm actually looking for.
Throughout your session, I'll keep an eye on your hair, makeup, and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and to enjoy your time together!
HAVE FUN, FEEL SPECIAL, CELEBRATE EACH OTHER.
WHEN TO EXPECT YOUR IMAGES
After our session, I'll head home and back up the images. I'll then pull a few of my favorites and send you 5-10 sneak peek images from the session - my goal is always within 24 hours of our session.
Unless there is a holidy or overly busy wedding schedule, you can expect your gallery to be completed in 4-6 weeks.
THANK YOU SO MUCH !
I know that this guide is a little long but hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your engagement session! However, if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation, please don't hesitate to email me!
verdigrisphotographydesign@gmail.com
-xo-