How to Get the Most Out of Your Engagement Session

Wedding season is in full swing, and that means that engagement season is here too!  I love engagement sessions for so many reasons, and always want to make sure my couples are prepared so that they can enjoy it as well.  Today I’m sharing some practical ways you can get the most out of your engagement session. 

Number One: Get on the same page.

It’s pretty common for the bride-to-be to pick the photographer and schedule the engagement session.  And while brides have usually spent hours on Pinterest browsing poses and outfit ideas, grooms usually have no idea what they’re getting into!  When the groom finds out that the session is going to be 90 minutes spanning two locations with an outfit change, they tend to get a little grumpy. 

So ladies, prepare your man!  Tell him the locations we’ve discussed.  Show him some of your favorite engagement shots and ask him what he likes and doesn’t like.  Chances are he might want to be more involved than you think!  Be honest about how long it will take and what your hopes are for the session.  Trust me – he will thank you for the heads-up!

Number Two: Don’t worry!

Your engagement session is probably the first time you’ve had professional portraits taken together.  With that often comes a lot of worry.  What if we look awkward?  What if our outfits are wrong?  What if the location we picked is crowded with other people?

Just relax! 

It’s NORMAL for you to think about those things because you don’t do this everyday!  But guess what?!  I DO!  I have tons of experience getting couples to relax in front of the camera.  I have plenty of posing ideas in case you hate one pose.  I know all about lighting, so I can help find a location that’s away from the crowd, but still gorgeous.  And I always send recommendations on outfits so that you come prepared and looking beautiful.  

The bottom line:  I got this!  You’re job is just to have fun!  Which brings me to…

Number Three:  Make it a date night.

So many times engagement sessions are seen as just another item on the wedding to-do list.  But it doesn’t have to be that way.  Plan ahead and incorporate the session into a special date night.  

Think about it… You’re already dressed up and looking your best.  You’re doing an activity – just the two of you (and me, but I hardly count!).  You’ll probably be visiting some of your favorite local places.  Why not add a nice dinner on afterward and make a night of it?!  Chances are by the end of the session you’ll have a few new things to talk (or laugh) about!  And you’ll probably be hungry too, so head to your favorite restaurant and spend some quality time together before the real craziness of the wedding begins!

If you make this to-do item into a special experience, you’ll not only be looking forward to it, you’ll also remember it fondly for years to come!