5 Tips For a Perfect Engagement Session

You've found the One, you're keeping them forever, and now you need some stellar photos to share the big announcement with the world. This is pop-the-champagne-worthy exciting news! For those of you out there planning a surprise proposal, we're going to write a whole different blog on the best way to do that and buy them a diamond, so that blog post will be for you.

Today I'm going to talk about something that's both exciting and terrifying, and that would be your engagement session. Really, this is just a big 'ol excuse for the two of you to do some kissing and snuggling at sunset, so try not to get too freaked out about it. The truth is, if you've picked the right photographer, then chances are that on the drive home in your car, you'll be talking nonstop about how much fun you had, and that's our goal.

When I first connect with a couple, and they've said "I do" to hiring me or one of the super-talented ladies on my team, then they can rest assured that they're in very competent and creative hands. Planning and making sure that we see your vision is crucial to a happy couple who loves their portfolio of images. But no matter who you choose, with some good communication and planning, your session is going to go smoothly.
You don't need to reinvent the wheel, engagement sessions are pretty straight forward. Unlike a surprise proposal where one of the people having a photo session that all of their friends and family will see, isn't even aware that they will be photographed that day! In your case, you have the advantage of being able to fully participate and prepare for the experience.

1.Share your vision with your photographer. We send our couples a questionnaire to make sure we're on the same page . It's also very helpful to share a Pinterest board. You can load it up with any poses, location settings, props and outfits that you might want our input on. It's kind of like mini-wedding planning, and it's really fun.
You've most likely already seen the locations that your photographer likes to showcase and you can let them know if you love them, or feel someplace else would be a better fit. Pinterest is a super-easy way to point us in the right direction for your engagement photography session. Or maybe you have friends that got recently engaged and loved their locations? Ask them what they loved or didn't love about the spot. In the end, you'll find there are so many stunningly beautiful places in northern California, it's more about narrowing the choices down than trying to find enough places.
The adventure photography movement has really caught on in a big way, and you've probably already seen some of those stunning images on Instagram from areas like Yosemite and the Redwood forests, or coastal cliffs. Even though they look like everyone just hopped out of their cars and took those pictures, a lot really went into creating some of them. Let your photographer know if you are experienced hikers, and you're up for miles of trail before your session, or if you'd rather have the look and feel of rugged landscape, but ultimately need a location that works well if you're wearing high heels.
2. Book a hair and make up an appointment. It's legit to spoil yourself on a little girl time before a professional photo session. This isn't something you do every day, and it's going to help you feel your most confident. It's a great opportunity to see if you like a particular hair and makeup artist, and if you'd also like to work with them on your wedding day. Most photographers have a short list of vendors that they work with and trust. Our company offers all inclusive weddings, so we've got a solid list of contacts baked into our brand.
Some brides feel extremely comfortable doing their own hair and make up and that's fine. If you're going to do your own hair and make up on your wedding day, then it's perfectly reasonable to do it for your engagement session. One comment that I hear a lot, is that brides worry that their artists won't have the experience for their particular ethnicity. That's a valid concern. Make sure you check ahead of time, and ask to see images from the artist you're going to work with. There are always some new vendors out there that just want the work but don't have the experience for your needs. Don't be shy about asking.

3. Be aware of lighting and timing. I know some of you want to shoot for the moon and have everything from cityscapes, running down beaches, popping the bubbly at sunset and standing on a mountain top while gazing lovingly into each other's eyes. You can absolutely have all of that. But not in a one-hour session.
Have a frank discussion about your number one and two most important locations, and how much time that will realistically take to accomplish your goals. Most engagement pictures look so sweet and effortless, but being a model for a day does take a bit of work and it definitely takes time. You don't want to be under a lot of pressure or rushing through locations on your way to the next spot. Keep it simple and take your time, it's so much easier to be snuggly when you're relaxed.
Photography is so much about the lighting. We can fix a lot in editing, but if you give us a nice soft, beautiful light to work with, we can really create some magic. If you possibly can, the hour leading up to sunset and just after, are when you're going to want to be out in nature. If you're doing an urban session, you can get away with brighter light.

4.What are you going to wear?Wear clothes that make you feel like yourself. If you're both super laid back, don't go for a sequined ball gown and tux. The idea is to show the best version of yourselves but still stay in your comfort zone. You know that one outfit in your closet that you always have the BEST time in? Wear that, or something like it. Wear clothes that compliment each other but don't match. You wouldn't wear the same outfits when going out on a date, so don't do it for your engagement session either. Compliment each other in solid colors, and try to stay away from busy prints that could be distracting in your pictures. Lighter shades like pastels, and cool or neutral tones look the best and work on most skin tones. The connection and chemistry between you should be, what stands out most when you look at your final images, not a particular bold piece of clothing. Keep it seasonally correct. Don't wear a strapless dress or halter top and bare legs outside in November. Being physically comfortable is just as important as being emotionally confident during sesh. Seasonal looks that play up what time of year it is, actually adds a really nice layer to the whole look. Layering is also another great way to change up your look, just by removing or adding a coat or cute scarf and mittens if it's winter, or chunk jewelry and a straw hat with a ribbon if it's warmer. If you want something new but don't want to buy it, there are some great clothing subscription sites like www.renttherunway.com.

5. Personalize it. Is there someplace special that the two of you call "your place", or maybe your first date was someplace special that you'd like to revisit for your engagement session? Settings that evoke happy memories bring your whole relationship full circle and remind you of your journey together as a couple. Think about the things you love to do together. Maybe it's attending a Giants game, riding bikes through the wine country, or snuggling on the couch watching movies with a huge bowl of popcorn. All of these are things you can work into your plan. Cute, sweet, and quirky are just as good as the most amazing scenery. Props are also great. If you know somebody with an old rusty truck in a field, a classic car or even pastel pink mopeds these could all be nice backdrops. Often you can find items for rent or borrow them from friends or family for a few hours. Use your imagination but also make sure it's really you. And if it is, then you can't go wrong.