If you are reading this and you are recently engaged CONGRATULATIONS! I’m sure you’re thinking “oh my gosh I have so much to plan and think about.” My hope is that this blog will take some pressure off all those little details you are thinking about while planning your engagement session.

Before we dive right in, I want you to promise me something! Are you ready?

Please remember that your engagement photos only happen once, and you want them to be special.

In order to help you keep your promise, I am giving you my best tips on planning your engagement session and finding your perfect photographer. It would be a shame to have any regrets, and I am going to do my best to help you not have any!

5 THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN
PLANNING YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION

ONE: FIND YOUR INSPIRATION

First things first – PINTEREST IS YOUR BEST FRIEND WHEN PLANNING YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION!

Make all the Pinterest boards for your day to help you visualize your style and theme for your engagement photos and wedding.

Next, I definitely recommend styling your engagement session around the vibe you want for your wedding day. In the end, it looks so cohesive with your save the dates, wedding invites, and overall feel for your day.

Here is a link to my Pinterest (a combination of my photos + photos that inspire me). This will give you an idea of boards I like to have for my clients to look at.

TWO: PICK A PHOTOGRAPHER THAT MATCHES YOUR AESTHETIC

Once you have your vision board, start searching for photographers who fit your vibe.

Instagram is one of the easiest ways to search for photographers. When searching, start with photographers from the location you want photos done in. For example, with my location, I would recommend searching, “California Wedding Photographer.” Trust me, you will have plenty of options to choose from. 

You could get even more specific with your searches if you need to through the use of hashtags! Find which ones match your inspiration and go from there.

KRISTA, NOW WHAT?

You’ve found a photographer for your engagement photos (maybe even your wedding too)! Yay! That is so exciting, and it’s starting to get REAL! The first thing I like to ask my couples is their inspiration and location preferences. 

Sometimes couples know exactly what they want and where they want to go. Others need some help. No matter what, I am more than happy to help plan every little detail. Photographers who specialize in a specific area usually have the inside scoop. Even if you think you know what you want, it could be beneficial to ask your photographer questions.

That leads us to the next on our list for planning your engagement session!

THREE : NARROW DOWN YOUR LOCATION

There are a few ways to go about choosing a location.

The first one to consider is if there is a location that is sentimental to you and your partner. If that location goes with the vibe you want for your photos then move forward with it. 

If sentiment is not a priority for the location, solely focus on the aesthetics.  Want to run around on the beach as the sun sets? Or do you want more editorial/urban vibes by strolling in the city? Frolic through some golden fields sound of music style? There are SO many great options!

As a photographer, I love a location that offers beautiful lighting, space to move around, and enough privacy (aka not touristy) for my couple to feel comfortable and intimate.

FOUR: STYLE YOUR OUTFITS

The most important word you will read on this entire blog is NEUTRALS!

Neutrals will be your best friend and the most timeless option for the colors you choose for your outfits. Ask your photographer if they have a styling guide to see more tips and tricks for outfits that will fit the location.

HERE ARE A FEW OF MINE

Neutral Colors (B+W and Earthy Tones)
Comfortable Fabrics
Little to No Patterns 
Authentic to YOU

I love when my couples decide on two outfits when planning their engagement session. Doing this brings out two entirely different feels for the session. If you go this route, I recommend bringing one casual outfit and one formal. 

FIVE: PREPARE MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY

Make your engagement session fun.

You already will be getting dressed up and ready for photos so why not make a date out of it with your significant other. Plan out a fun activity to do before or after the shoot. Also, you heard it here first, grabbing a drink before is always a fun way to loosen up and set the mood so you feel comfortable during the session.

 For my clients, my number one goal is to offer a comfortable and fun space for couples to be their best, confident selves.

It is normal to show up to your shoot nervous and not knowing what to expect. The best thing to remember is – you know how to love your partner. I mean you are engaged to each other! Try to imagine yourself on a date with your person and that your photographer is just third-wheeling you. The rest is up to the photographer to style and pose you during the engagement session.

Trust the process and focus on having a fun time.
The more relaxed you feel, the more relaxed you will look.

There you have it.

I hope these few simple steps to planning your engagement session will help you! When in doubt, just remember that your engagement photo session experience should be fun and easy.

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STORYTELLING FOR THE MADLY IN LOVE