Making the Most of Your Engagement Photographer

You just booked your engagement or couples session - great!! But you've never taken photos together before, and aren't sure what to expect. Read this guide on how to make the most out of your couples session, with tips on picking locations, deciding on what to wear, and preparing for the session.

Where to Shoot

One of the first things you'll want to decide on is where to have your session. Lighting is the #1 factor to consider - it can truly make a world of difference! Natural lighting is usually best, which is why outdoor locations are usually preferred. You'll also usually have a lot more space outdoors, allowing for more variety and movement. If you do decide to shoot indoors, be sure to have lots of natural window light. Here are ideas for types of locations:

COAST

BEACH

FOREST

GRASSY FIELDS

DESTINATION

ARCHITECTURE

COFFEE SHOP

IN HOME

​WHAT TO WEAR

Next step, now you have to decide...what outfit do you wear? Choosing an outfit that photographs well can make a huge difference in your photos, whether your style is more boho, city chic, or casual. Here are some outfit ideas that photograph beautifully!
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COLORS
​When picking outfit colors, you want to stick to a theme. That doesn't mean wearing the same exact colors, but rather making sure the colors mesh well together. You'll also want to think about the location. White is always a great go-to color for a romantic feel, and also stands out well against surroundings. Red or black can work well for a more bold look. If you love far away little people shots, wear all light or all dark colors so that your silhouettes stand out. Here are some color combinations to think about:

​STYLE
The next step you want to think about is what style you want to dress in. Find something that fits your style and makes you feel beautiful. No matter what outfits you choose, keep in mind a few important things:

1. Find clothes that fit well. If you're self-conscious about a certain area of your body, make sure to find something that makes you feel confident!
2. Avoid bold/busy colors and patterns. Small or single color patterns can work. 
3. Wear comfortable shoes. If the session is outdoors, I highly suggest wearing flats, sandals, or boots, as we'll likely be adventuring around.
4. Make sure you and your partner's outfits fit the vibe of your session. If you want to go casual, great! Just make sure you are either both casual or both formal.

For more ideas, check out my Pinterest Outfit Inspiration Board.

​Some great places to shop for clothes:
$: Forever 21, H&M
$$: ASOS, Lulu's, Morning Lavender (SF), Vici
$$$: Free People, Anthropologie/BHLDN (Palo Alto), Reformation (SF), Spell & the Gypsy, Fillyboo
Rentals: Claire de Lune, Flutter Dresses, Dalliance Bespoke, Revive Yo Soul
You can check out Facebook Buy/Sell/Trade groups as well: Anthro/Spell/Free People, BHLDN, Fillyboo. At the end of the day, choose outfits that are comfortable and speak to your personality and style!
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What to Prepare

1. ​Try not to bring anything with you - having to constantly put things down like your purse or bag of extra clothing down can making moving around the session difficult. The only exceptions to this would be an extra pair of shoes if you really want to wear heels, or any items that can fit in your pocket without making it bulky.
2. Double check what you look like before you leave. I, for example, hate it when there's a gap in my bangs. Those are the types of things to check for! Another common one is leaving hairties on wrists.
3. Check the weather. If it's going to be cold, either prepare yourself to be chilly for an hour or choose an outfit that will be more suited for the weather. If it's going to be warm, avoid wearing anything that would cause sweat spots. If it's going to rain, bring a clear umbrella or be that awesome couple who gets the most romantic photos running out in the rain - or reschedule if that's not your jam. 

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Last Words

Trust the photographer. Remember, the photographer usually has shot with other couples before, so he/she likely knows what looks best. I often hear worries about it being too windy or cloudy. But guess what most photographer's favorite weather conditions are? Either 1. Cloudy, foggy, and windy - which makes for epic landscapes, even lighting, and awesome movement or 2. Golden hour - which makes for beautiful warm lighting.

And finally, let loose! The best photos are the ones where you two are laughing together, having a great time, and just having fun. So don't be afraid to be your quirky, weird, awesome selves, because that's what capturing your love story is all about!