I absolutely love the chance to shoot engagement photography for my clients. It allows me a great opportunity to get to know my clients, the way they interact, what are thier favorite things to do and most importantly how I can offer them the most amazing service.

Clothing
I like to start with the idea around casual and dressy. My favorite sessions have included both looks but I think it is totally up to my clients, If you would never find dressing up enjoyable by all means do not go that route. Me? I big time love to doll up and see my man in dressier garb (yep, bow ties get me word every time),

Always ensure your clothing allows you to move and be comfortable. Think about footwear according to our shooting locations- heels in urban locations are great but not so amazing wandering a forest. You can go for a couple looks by layering (sometimes changing can pose an issue). Girls can add jackets/scarves for a dressier look and reveal a casual top. Same with the guys – you can go with two looks by layering a tee under anther shirt. When it comes to wardrobe just think about what you love seeing him wear – it could be a jersey or a suit. We can go with both. I caution against really busy patterns and very bold colors. Something bold throws a color cast on skin in photos – think about tones that look great on you naturally. If you need help, let me know.

Here is a Pinterest board with some ideas MY CLOTHING INSPIRATIONS

There are some cute shops in my town I like if you are in the Sycamore, IL. area - STOMP, Carters Cottage, and Cracker Jax.

Some amazing places you can shop online: Anthropologie, White House Black Market, or you can do my favorite and RENT a fancy dress from Rent the Runway.

Weather wise I can handle pretty much anything with a small bit of preparation. If it rains, I carry umbrellas for sprinkles. If it downpours we will need to get creative with some indoor or covered locations (coffee shops, indoor exhibits, museums, cafes, hotel lobbies, libraries, etc). Try to think of a few of these beforehand in case we have a poor weather day.

Some girls will have their practice run regarding hair and makeup for the engagement shoot. This helps them feel a little more ‘done-up’ for the shoot and boosts their confidence. I’m not saying you should do this but it certainly feels great to be polished. However, what I can say is that in my experience shooting engagement sessions, girls want to feel pretty and confident...and sometimes spending a little extra time getting ready achieves just that.

Hope you are excited about your session and looking amazing! Your photos are such a fun reflection of the moment that you are in as a newly engaged couple. Enjoy!

Have an engagement photo shoot coming up? On the fence about whether or not you should have one? Below are some basics of the shoot to get you started with ideas and inspiration. Here is how to get the most from the event that is your engagement photo shoot.

Location
This can be a tough choice when planning your session, I get it! However, I will urge you not to stress this too much. Your engagement shoot is going to be about your story and highlights the subjects not the location. I usually like to find out a few key items about couples and then I will often suggest a place that has meaning. Some things to consider, are you outdoorsy- what types of activities do you enjoy? Where do you go on dates? What is a location you have been hoping to go to? Where did you meet? What is your favorite food? Where do you live? Yep. All of the above make amazing places to shoot, just be open minded.

Clothing
Once you pick the place, your mind starts racing about what wear, right? Ladies, think of the items of clothing that make you feel good (material textures, colors, types of cuts)and start there. Go shopping with a purpose and try to veer away from this season's trendiest patterns. Classic colors, scarves, simple jewelry and killer shoes are all things that can make an outfit look great and photograph well. Dress up, or dressed down you want to think of seeing the photos for years to come hanging in your home. For the guys, pick a complementary color and style to the outfit and give him a couple options. A sweater, button up shirt, and tee can all be worn together (if weather permits) to allow three different looks. Guys typically don't want anything fussy, just put them in something that gets your heart racing and you will be great!

Relaxing
This is where I come in to help as a photographer and help ease some of the stress of the shoot. Engagements shoots are so much fun because we get to be creative, maybe a bit adventurous, and we don't have a timeline like we do on wedding day. Enjoy each other and try not to worry about looking a certain way in your photographs. Joy comes first and makes the photos memorable.

Questioning the engagement session? Stressed about it not being perfect? Do not spend one more moment on the doubts and just get it booked! You will love having the pictures and it gives you plenty of practice in front of the camera.
Do you have any tips on rocking the engagement photo shoot? Share them, I would love to add them to my bag!

Look Your Best: Engagment Session

Rock the engagement session