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WEDDING + LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER 

I'm passionate about capturing each season of life


Engagements, weddings, motherhood, families, seniors, & branding photography 

Lake Alvin Photographer

What to Expect from Your Engagement Session

Engagement sessions are so fun because at this point is when the wedding journey starts to settle in and feel so real. During your engagement session we will capture some candid and casual shots together and get you both comfortable in front of the camera. My engagement sessions are about an hour in length and by the end of it, you will be pros. Here are all my three top tips for the best engagement photos.

Engagement sessions are one of my favorite things to photograph, and although most of my couples feel the nerves at first, they always disappear within minutes. Once you get your photos back you’ll be asking yourself, “How is that us?”

1. Do An Activity Together

What do I mean by doing an activity? Do you like to skateboard? Canoe? Or even just eat ice cream together? You can incorporate that into your engagement session! And heck, it doesn’t even have to be an activity, but also a location. Where was the proposal? Do you guys have a special place you always go? Ask yourself questions like these and you will have an engagement session to remember.

Engagement sessions are supposed to be all about you. This sounds obvious, I know; however, I know how easy it is to scroll on social media looking at photos and thinking that your engagement pictures should look a certain way. Social Media and Pinterest are filled with inspiration which is all good and well, but don’t forget about what makes you two special. Think outside of the box. If photos are kind of nerve-racking for you, do an activity together that you love. We can, of course, throw in some formal photos for “mom and dad” shots but we are going to find the perfect poses to bring out your personalities and capture your love in the most authentic way. Need more ideas for activities to incorporate? Here is a link to a full list of engagement session activities.

top engagement photoshoot tips sioux falls engagement photographer

Photo taken at the Minneapolis Institute of Art Museum

2. Nerves Are Totally Normal

Please know it’s totally normal to feel a little (or a lot!) nervous at your first photo shoot, but I’ll be there to help – and make you laugh – every step of the way. If you didn’t feel nervous, that would be more out of the norm. Give yourself a few minutes for me to loosen you up and you will be a pro in no time. We could incorporate some champagne or fancy cocktails into your session too to loosen up — or you could have some beforehand! Think of it like having fun with your best friend like always, while someone happens to be taking photos. No sweat. And to top it all off, we will play some music and pretend we are in our own little music video. Soon you will forget the camera is there and it’ll just be fun from there on out.

3. Deciding What to Wear

Figuring out what to wear can be kind of stressful, I get it! Outfits really can make or break your photos. Don’t be afraid to send your photographer (hi, me) a whole fashion show to find the perfect outfits. I will always be honest! Even if a outfit is super cute, it may not photograph the best with my editing style. Neutrals are always the way to go for me as they photograph beautifully no matter what. Patterns aren’t always bad; however, they can be a distraction. Overall, wear what you feel best in. If you don’t feel confident, that is a big no, no. So let’s swap out for something you do feel confident in! I have another post all about deciding what to wear to your session here to give you more tips.

top engagement photoshoot tips sioux falls engagement photographer

Let’s plan your dream engagement photoshoot!

Let me know if you have any questions on these top tips for your engagement session! If you’re feeling unsure or want some more help feel free to shoot me a message and I can help! A lot of my couples will share a Pinterest board with me or send me photos that inspire them over DMs – the more I know what vibe you’re hoping for, the better I (or any photographer) can serve you. Check out my go-to engagement session Pinterest board for more ideas. You are now one step closer to getting those dream engagement photos you’ve envisioned with your lover.

Ready to get the best engagement photos and do a session?

Let’s do it! Contact me to get your engagement session scheduled at rccphotography.co/inquire. I can’t wait to create those jaw-dropping couple photos with you!

Lake Alvin Photographer

What to Expect from Your Engagement Session

Engagement sessions are so fun because at this point is when the wedding journey starts to settle in and feel so real. During your engagement session we will capture some candid and casual shots together and get you both comfortable in front of the camera. My engagement sessions are about an hour in length and by the end of it, you will be pros. Here are all my three top tips for the best engagement photos.

Engagement sessions are one of my favorite things to photograph, and although most of my couples feel the nerves at first, they always disappear within minutes. Once you get your photos back you’ll be asking yourself, “How is that us?”

1. Do An Activity Together

What do I mean by doing an activity? Do you like to skateboard? Canoe? Or even just eat ice cream together? You can incorporate that into your engagement session! And heck, it doesn’t even have to be an activity, but also a location. Where was the proposal? Do you guys have a special place you always go? Ask yourself questions like these and you will have an engagement session to remember.

Engagement sessions are supposed to be all about you. This sounds obvious, I know; however, I know how easy it is to scroll on social media looking at photos and thinking that your engagement pictures should look a certain way. Social Media and Pinterest are filled with inspiration which is all good and well, but don’t forget about what makes you two special. Think outside of the box. If photos are kind of nerve-racking for you, do an activity together that you love. We can, of course, throw in some formal photos for “mom and dad” shots but we are going to find the perfect poses to bring out your personalities and capture your love in the most authentic way. Need more ideas for activities to incorporate? Here is a link to a full list of engagement session activities.

top engagement photoshoot tips sioux falls engagement photographer

Photo taken at the Minneapolis Institute of Art Museum

2. Nerves Are Totally Normal

Please know it’s totally normal to feel a little (or a lot!) nervous at your first photo shoot, but I’ll be there to help – and make you laugh – every step of the way. If you didn’t feel nervous, that would be more out of the norm. Give yourself a few minutes for me to loosen you up and you will be a pro in no time. We could incorporate some champagne or fancy cocktails into your session too to loosen up — or you could have some beforehand! Think of it like having fun with your best friend like always, while someone happens to be taking photos. No sweat. And to top it all off, we will play some music and pretend we are in our own little music video. Soon you will forget the camera is there and it’ll just be fun from there on out.

3. Deciding What to Wear

Figuring out what to wear can be kind of stressful, I get it! Outfits really can make or break your photos. Don’t be afraid to send your photographer (hi, me) a whole fashion show to find the perfect outfits. I will always be honest! Even if a outfit is super cute, it may not photograph the best with my editing style. Neutrals are always the way to go for me as they photograph beautifully no matter what. Patterns aren’t always bad; however, they can be a distraction. Overall, wear what you feel best in. If you don’t feel confident, that is a big no, no. So let’s swap out for something you do feel confident in! I have another post all about deciding what to wear to your session here to give you more tips.

top engagement photoshoot tips sioux falls engagement photographer

Let’s plan your dream engagement photoshoot!

Let me know if you have any questions on these top tips for your engagement session! If you’re feeling unsure or want some more help feel free to shoot me a message and I can help! A lot of my couples will share a Pinterest board with me or send me photos that inspire them over DMs – the more I know what vibe you’re hoping for, the better I (or any photographer) can serve you. Check out my go-to engagement session Pinterest board for more ideas. You are now one step closer to getting those dream engagement photos you’ve envisioned with your lover.

Ready to get the best engagement photos and do a session?

Let’s do it! Contact me to get your engagement session scheduled at rccphotography.co/inquire. I can’t wait to create those jaw-dropping couple photos with you!

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