Wondering how to start planning for your engagement photo session? I would love to help! This blog is meant to assist you in planning the perfect, most meaningful engagement—a moment that will be unforgettable and cherished forever! Keep reading to discover some tips and helpful information on how to begin planning!

the first step: nail down your goals & wants

So first things first, think about your goals! Consider what your goals are and what feelings and emotions you want to capture. Reflect on the venues; is there any place that holds sentimental value to you and your future spouse? Perhaps there are activities that you both enjoy doing together. What kind of vibe do you want—romantic, playful, fun, or intimate? All of these factors together will form the foundation for your shoot! I dive into more of the details below to help you take every aspect into consideration!

Consider Your Outfits

I'll help you plan outfits to achieve your vision for your session. I'll create a whole vision board for you, complete with examples of outfits. All links for outfits will be attached to the pictures on your vision board, making your shopping that much easier. If there's anything you like, you can go straight to the item. When planning outfits, it's important to consider colors that complement each other, as well as the location you choose. Neutrals are very calming, peaceful, and clean. They photograph really well and are timeless. I also recommend considering mixing in items with subtle prints or textures to add interest to your images.

All of my sessions come with the opportunity to wear two different looks. It's a great idea to take advantage of this because it adds diversity to your gallery and helps me deliver more images to you with more variety to choose from. I love to mix in one cozier outfit and one outfit that feels fancy. It gives a good mix to create a fun gallery and also allows for cozy and intimate moments. I love when cozy outfits look effortless as if you just threw on your sweater or comfy clothes and snuggled up as you would on a date.

THE LOCATION OF YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION

Choose a location that feels good to you. Here in Southern California, we are lucky to have access to many different landscapes. What feels best to you? Beach, desert, sand dunes, mountains, city, or a hilly field? Is there a location that holds sentimental value, like where you were engaged or had your first date? The time of year also matters. If you're hoping for greenery, that will be harder to find in the summer and fall; you may need to plan for a spring session.

PLAN AN ACTIVITY

Is there something you like to do together? Do you enjoy getting ice cream and walking the pier at the beach? Do you like sitting by a bonfire and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows? Do you enjoy camping, playing cards, going to the library, drinking wine and watching the sunset, surfing or skateboarding, riding horses, or taking your dog for a walk?

Hair & Makeup

I recommend keeping hair and makeup very true to what you feel comfortable in. There's no need to hire hair and makeup for your session if you aren't comfortable having a full face of makeup and your hair done up. If you do want to have your hair and makeup done, that's totally fine. I would communicate thoroughly with your stylist so they know how you typically style yourself and what makes you comfortable. I recommend doing what you would do for a nice date. What that looks like varies for all of us. So, do what ultimately makes you feel good and happy!!

Relax and Connecting With Your Partner

Being in front of the camera is intimidating for everyone. We worry about what we look like, what looks good, WHAT DO I DO WITH MY HANDS?! I PROMISE, after the first 10 minutes, the thought of a camera being there will begin to fade, and you will get lost having fun and being with your person. We are looking for genuine moments. When you look back on these pictures in 20 years, I don't want you to think 'OMG, I look so awkward during that session.' I want you to remember the little things. I want you to gush at how you both walked together and held onto your partner's pinky or the way he wraps you up in his arms and twirls your hair. Each session is different regarding how much guidance and direction is wanted, so I feel that out and insert myself as needed. It's important to me to let the organic moments unfold, but I've got you! You won't feel lost; I'll take care of you every step of the way.

Communicate With Me before & during your engagement session

One of my favorite things to do is create a Pinterest board for both of us to share. It's helpful for me to see what you are visualizing for your session and what you picture your images looking like. I love to share my ideas as well to see what you do and don't like. This is a great way for us to communicate leading up to our session. In addition to this, your questions and collaboration are welcomed and appreciated. Feel free to reach out to me with whatever you need. I send out a questionnaire to you to help gather some information that will make your session run smoothly. The more information you provide for me on there, the better.

Want to plan your perfect engagement session?! Lets do it!

Regardless of what you decide to do one of the critical points is finding a photographer that you can talk to. When you chose me I am here to bounce ideas off of and help make your engagement shoot fun and smooth! I send out questionnaires and talk to you to be absolutely positive that we capture your dream photos! If you want to know more about me click here! I have a passion for capturing emotive photographs. The kind that you look at and can feel the love radiating off of. I want to do that for you! When you are ready Inquire here and we can start planning your engagement session! I can not wait to hear from you!!

How To Plan Your Perfect Engagement Session