How to Prepare for Your Engagement Photography Session
I tend to get a lot of questions from couples before engagement sessions, and I love that they want to come fully prepared! This is just a nifty little guide to help you and your boo before we meet up for your big photoshoot!
1. Location
Okay so this is always a fun one! Whether you’re a Memphian through-and-through or just here for the photos, I will ALWAYS ask which parts of town hold meaning to you, and I can recommend some great places there that I think will photograph well (and you’ll be comfortable)! Did you meet somewhere downtown, or have your first date at a classic Midtown hotspot? No matter what, I will find some really fun places for you and your S.O.!
2. Styling
As for makeup, a few of my brides have even done their trial makeup for their engagement photos. It’s a great way to get two birds with one stone by picking out your MUA for the wedding day AND pampering yourself to a little makeup sesh before the photos! Wondering which outfits you two should wear? Definitely choose something you’re already comfy in, make sure to de-wrinkle those clothes, and choose colors that complement each other. (Matching can be fun too!) Bring a few options, a mix of some more casual looks and others a little dressier!
3. Scheduling
You’ll wanna get your engagement photos done ASAP, especially if you’ll be using them for your Save the Dates (which are best sent out about 6-8 months before the wedding). So as soon as you got that ring on your finger, start reaching out to your favorite photographers to make sure they’ve got availability that fits with yours!
4. Best time of day
Almost every photographer will tell you the best time to get that chef’s kiss perfect lighting is during the Golden Hour. It’s that time right before sunset when everything has that extra magical glow. It’s the best time to take the best pictures, but remember that this will vary from season to season! For example GH in Summer will be later, about 6:00-8:00 PM, whereas Winter will be much earlier, about 3:00-5:00 PM. So make sure to account for this when you’re scheduling with your photographer!
5. Make a Day of It
Why not make it a fun date with your NEW fiancé/fiancée? After the engagement session, treat yo’selves to a nice dinner or a fun date night. You’re already all dolled up, and you want this day to be enjoyable and one to remember! It’s already gonna be tons of fun being models for a few hours, so take the time after to really enjoy each other’s company and bask in that" “just engaged” glow!
Just a few more lil tips for the engagement session:
Clean your ring/get a manicure! There will be a lot of shots that involve those hands, and that dope bling, so make sure they look their best!
Trust the photographer, this is why you hired me after all!
Give yourselves enough time to get ready, get there, without rushing and don’t be hangry. Trust me, a good meal beforehand is a good idea!
Be yourselves! Have fun with it!
