8 TIPS TO NAIL YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION.
When I first started a wedding photography one of my first sessions was an engagement session. I was very excited because I have the chance to connect with my couple on a personal level, but I wasn’t sure how to prepare. After years of experience as a wedding photographer I discovered that preparation for a successful engagement session is a first step to make sure your couples feel happy and well take care of. And that’s my goal. Today, I would like to talk about a few tips how to rock your engagement session.
1. LET YOUR CLIENTS KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT
We often think that our clients know what to expect from their engagement session, but the truth is they don’t. How could I expect my couples to know how important is to arrive on time, because I’m a natural light photographer, what to wear, or how to act if I didn’t explain it to them in advance? Let you couples know what to expect so they are ready and feel comfortable for their session.
2. LOCATION
There is not really right or wrong in order to choose the right location. The most important thing is for your couples to be able to freely express their affection and love. Make sure you ask your couples why they like the certain location. Sometime it’s just because it’s picturesque but sometimes it means something more to them. The key is to understand location like they actually see it.
3. LOCATION SCOUTING
Once I scout the engagement session location, I create a mental notes, where I want to start and finish my engagement session. I love to know where the sun is going to be at any given time. When will the sun rise, when will it set? Only “special” tool I use is the compass on my iPhone.
4. TIME
Most of the time I start shooting 1.5 hour before the sunset. However, I ask my couples to arrive 2 hours before the sunset, so we can chat a little before their session.
5. WHAT TO WEAR
Engagement sessions have the ability to showcase your personal style and your real life together. Wear something you feel confident and comfortable. Ask your couples if they are going to bring a change of clothes so you can plan accordingly. I always ask them to send me a few photos of their outfit ideas.
6. MAKE-UP, HAIR AND MANICURE
From my experience, girls want to feel beautiful and confident so sometimes spending a little extra time getting ready can achieve that. Also, a fresh manicure will show off their beautiful engagement ring.
7. HAVE FUN
Once your couple arrives to the session, the biggest key is just to relax and have fun with it! If your couples come to the session determined to just have a good time, believe me, their images will be AMAZING. If they are goofballs, introverted or serious let them be themselves and try to capture it in the best of your abilities. The more your couples let go of their insecurities, the more their joy and love will shine through in their pictures!
8. PRINT
Ok, your session was awesome and you have all of these great photos…now what? There are a few options.
WEDDING GUEST BOOK: I am so delighted to offer the photo guest books to my couples as they are made to the highest standards. The photo guest book is designed with the perfect amount of white space to allow all your wedding guests to share their love.
SAFE THE DATE CARDS: I often create a personalized safe the date cards for my couples. However, if they want to design their own, I recommend to use the Paperless website. With our easy-to-use online tools, they will be able to customize a design and hints at the style and tone of their wedding.
That’s it, friends. I hope these few tips will help and you will be able to apply them to your business. If you have questions, feel free to ask!
