Plan Your Perfect Engagement Session
Let’s Plan Your Engagement Session
The best way to start thinking about your wedding photos is with an engagement session! This is a wonderful opportunity to capture some candid and casual shots together as a couple, something we rarely find time to do – it’s also a great time to get to know your photographer a little better and learn how to get 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.
01. Location
I’m sure by now if you know one thing about me, you know that nature is my jam. I love beautiful scenery – mountains, oceans, trees — it’s all photogenic and stunning. So of course, my recommendation is always to choose a beautiful outdoor location. BUT I don’t want you to think you can’t get good photos if your backdrop isn’t so scenic. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable. SO if the outdoors isn’t for you or if you don’t want to drive too far, or it’s cold outside, choose somewhere that’s special to the two of you – maybe it’s your home, or the diner where you had your first date. Whatever location you choose, just make sure it reflects your personalities.
02. Outfits
This is possibly the most important part – choosing what to wear. It’s important because the colors, patterns, and textures of your clothes should compliment your location. That might sound overwhelming, but I have a full style guide that I will send you that goes over all of this. But I will give you the one tip here – dress like yourself. Wear what makes you feel good, and what you feel comfortable and confident in. And of course, if you need outfit tips, just ask me! I’ll be able to tell you which specific colors will look good in the location you chose, and if you send me photos of your outfit options I’ll give you my honest opinions..
03. Timing
The time of day that we take your photos is so important – because while I could take photos in harsh sunlight and they would look good, they might not give the soft glow that we could get at certain times of the day. The best times of day are sunrise and sunset – I recommend starting either half an hour before sunrise, or an hour before sunset for the best lighting. That way, there won’t be any shadows, and we’ll get that gorgeous glow that makes everything look soft and pretty. I like sunrise because there tend to be fewer crowds, especially if you choose a popular location. But I can’t blame you if you’re not into waking up before the sun does.
04. Have fun!
I know I said outfits were the most important part, but I take it back. This one is just as important. I know wedding planning gets hectic, and you might be worried about how you look or how your engagement photos will turn out. But leave that to me – I’ll do the heavy lifting to make sure you look your best, and I’ll make sure you have a good time. SO just relax, enjoy the moment, think about how you’ll be married soon, and have fun! Photos are best when you’re genuinely enjoying yourself – and a lot of my job is to help you do that and make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. So come to me with a positive attitude and come exactly as you are, and leave the rest to me.
A few of my favorite locations for engagement & couple photos…
Looking for a photographer for your engagement session?
I would be happy to capture the beautiful and sentimental moments that make up your love story during your engagement session. Fill out my contact form linked here to get in touch.
Need help planning what to wear to your engagement session?
Click here to see my Pinterest board of engagement photoshoot outfits for more inspiration.
Let’s Plan Your Engagement Session
The best way to start thinking about your wedding photos is with an engagement session! This is a wonderful opportunity to capture some candid and casual shots together as a couple, something we rarely find time to do – it’s also a great time to get to know your photographer a little better and learn how to get 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.
01. Location
I’m sure by now if you know one thing about me, you know that nature is my jam. I love beautiful scenery – mountains, oceans, trees — it’s all photogenic and stunning. So of course, my recommendation is always to choose a beautiful outdoor location. BUT I don’t want you to think you can’t get good photos if your backdrop isn’t so scenic. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable. SO if the outdoors isn’t for you or if you don’t want to drive too far, or it’s cold outside, choose somewhere that’s special to the two of you – maybe it’s your home, or the diner where you had your first date. Whatever location you choose, just make sure it reflects your personalities.
02. Outfits
This is possibly the most important part – choosing what to wear. It’s important because the colors, patterns, and textures of your clothes should compliment your location. That might sound overwhelming, but I have a full style guide that I will send you that goes over all of this. But I will give you the one tip here – dress like yourself. Wear what makes you feel good, and what you feel comfortable and confident in. And of course, if you need outfit tips, just ask me! I’ll be able to tell you which specific colors will look good in the location you chose, and if you send me photos of your outfit options I’ll give you my honest opinions..
03. Timing
The time of day that we take your photos is so important – because while I could take photos in harsh sunlight and they would look good, they might not give the soft glow that we could get at certain times of the day. The best times of day are sunrise and sunset – I recommend starting either half an hour before sunrise, or an hour before sunset for the best lighting. That way, there won’t be any shadows, and we’ll get that gorgeous glow that makes everything look soft and pretty. I like sunrise because there tend to be fewer crowds, especially if you choose a popular location. But I can’t blame you if you’re not into waking up before the sun does.
04. Have fun!
I know I said outfits were the most important part, but I take it back. This one is just as important. I know wedding planning gets hectic, and you might be worried about how you look or how your engagement photos will turn out. But leave that to me – I’ll do the heavy lifting to make sure you look your best, and I’ll make sure you have a good time. SO just relax, enjoy the moment, think about how you’ll be married soon, and have fun! Photos are best when you’re genuinely enjoying yourself – and a lot of my job is to help you do that and make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. So come to me with a positive attitude and come exactly as you are, and leave the rest to me.
A few of my favorite locations for engagement & couple photos…
Looking for a photographer for your engagement session?
I would be happy to capture the beautiful and sentimental moments that make up your love story during your engagement session. Fill out my contact form linked here to get in touch.
Need help planning what to wear to your engagement session?
Click here to see my Pinterest board of engagement photoshoot outfits for more inspiration.
Hi, I'm Raquel. Nice to meet you —
I'm here to capture your time-stopping special moments — from getting engaged to the fleeting moments of your little ones growing up too fast.
I want to capture your story exactly how it feels to you, no awkward poses or forced smiles, instead I will photograph the timeless emotions and beautiful you. Your big and small moments deserve to be documented for how they are into heirloom art.
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Thank you for checking out my blog! I hope to share any photography expertise and inspiration to make planning your photoshoot seamless for you. I'd be honored to be a part of telling your beautiful story. From getting engaged to the fleeting moments of your little ones growing up too fast.
I want to capture your story exactly how it feels to you, no awkward poses or forced smiles, instead I will photograph the timeless emotions and beautiful you. Your big and small moments deserve to be documented.
WEDDING + LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER
BASED IN SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA
Shania & Pierre / Sioux Falls / 2022
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