Rock the engagement session

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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!

 

Beauty Tips for Brides

Every bride wants to look and feel her most lovely on wedding day, working through the beauty routine can be somewhat daunting for most girls.  As a photographer, it is my job to ensure that you are reflected in your best light on wedding day.  I have developed a set of tips for clients through experience that will assist you in determining your wedding day beauty routine.

Bronzer and tanning
Avoid harsh tanning options prior to your wedding.  I am pretty opinionated on this topic because I really believe in the beauty of natural skin tones.   After photographing people for years it is amazing to me how the tones of skin are so perfectly matched to features (god gave you a perfect natural tone, for you!).  

Please, please, take this advice and step away from the self-tanner, spray tanning, and tanning beds.  It is a nightmare to correct a poor skin tone in your photos and even worse if some tan rubs off on your perfect dress.  

My tips are that a well placed highlighter and light bronzing is a great way to give a glow and retain your natural hue.   Talk to your make up artist about this and see what you like on Pinterest, in magazines, and other idea boards.

Apply in Natural lighting
This is a simple an effective way to always ensure your makeup is flawless.  Move away from the bathroom artificial lighting and put yourself near a large window and ensure light is even on your face.  Ensure you like the way the application looks in this light.  It makes a big difference,

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Go (a little) heavy on the eyes
 Eyes make your photos sparkle and shine, your eye makeup application should be heavier than you would normally apply it.  Eyeliner and mascara that are waterproof are essentials. I like eyes to pop on wedding day and that can still look natural or if you prefer you can go dramatic. 

Try it on     
Do at least one make up trial prior to wedding day - I would recommend trying three different make up looks.   You did not know what your perfect dress was until you tried on a few, I feel the same about make up applications.  If you are  going to DIY your makeup make sure you practice, practice, practice!

Go with professionals     
Indulge in a professional make up application on the day of your wedding.  This service usually includes a trial, or a trial at a reduced fee.  (Don't forget to book a date with your fiancé the night of your trial - your will be looking fabulous after all!)
Your makeup artist will ensure you are looking photo ready and gives you an extra bit of pampering on wedding day.  

If you are set on doing it yourself visit a make up professional at Sephora, Ulta, or Nordstrom.  Get assistance with application and products.  Invest in good product for your wedding day, it does make a difference!

Speak up
If you are not happy with the look you are provided by your stylist or makeup artist ensure that you tell them, it is their job.  You want to be happy with your look and ensure you are pleased with the images of your day.   Don't be afraid to ask for a tweak if you are not sure it just right

Facials
I recommend facials, they are an amazing way to relax and unwind.  Take a girlfriend with and make a date of it!  However, try to avoid having facials the week before the wedding.  Sometimes they can cause a mild disruption to your complexion.  Rule of thumb: don't do anything new the week before you get married.


This is just a handful of my favorite makeup tips, I will be offering more of these coming up along with my favorite hair tips for your wedding.  Cheers to your most beautiful you on your wedding day!

 

 

Senior Shout Out

Can you seriously believe that Summer is already winding down and School is back in session? That was so fast!

I am stepping slightly outside my normal comfort zone of couples and families the past week.  It was a blast hanging out with Jacob and shooting his Senior Photos.  

We had so much fun exploring his personality and I love the relaxed energetic vibe he brought to the shoot.  In fact, I had so much fun I am thinking of adding some Senior Packages into my September-November session line ups! 

 

Are you a Senior or a parent of one?  I am interested in doing several sessions at an amazing package cost with goodies galore.  My style is laid back, fun, and will let your personality shine for a images that are unique and fresh.  I have some awesome shoot ideas, but can't wait to hear some of yours as well!


Can't wait to hear from the class of 2015!  
Dana

Veils, Veils, and MORE Veils!

If I can allow myself to be wrapped up in just one wedding detail I would tell you that the veil holds a special place in my heart.  In fact,within this one wedding detail I am completely lost.

If you are a bride and on the fence about a veil, may I for a moment state the veils case?  Firstly, I am in awe of the veil as it plays against the light of the day and enhancing the soft glow of the bride.  Veils give an angelic appeal to the face, and when else will you ever where a veil girls?  Pretty much never. 

The tradition of being veiled for the groom is sweet and sentimental and for that reason I just love to see a bride fully veiled and revealed before her groom.  Totally breath taking every time.  

Another unique take on the veil would be a before the wedding session with the veil - for the groom as a gift.  This gorgeous session popped into my Pinterest feed and I could not get enough!  

If you want some veil inspiration check out my board Veiled in Beauty. 

 

For more veil inspiration check out my board Veiled in Beauty!  Happy planning!