Getting ready for your engagement session
The idea of having professional photos taken can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if it’s the first time you’ve done it. But fear not! This blog is meant to answer all of your questions, get your prepared and make you feel ready to make the most of your engagement photos.
The idea of having professional photos taken can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if it’s the first time you’ve done it. But fear not! This blog is meant to answer all of your questions, get your prepared and make you feel ready to make the most of your engagement photos.
Step 1: Location
First you need to consider if you have a “vision” for these photos. If so, location is your starting point. Below are some of my favorite Columbus photo locations, but we can certainly brainstorm on other locations that fit you as a couple best. Once you have determined that, you can begin to envision your color palette.
Spring
Scioto Mile
Uptown Westerville
Franklin Park Garden
Genoa Park
Goodale Park
Summer
German Village
Hoover Dam Beach
Inniswood Gardens
Creekside Gahanna
Short North
The Statehouse
Fall/Winter
Hoover Dam Woods
Jeffrey Mansion
German Village
Schiller Park
Rocky Fork Metro Park
Step 2: Outfits
Next, start with your closet. Do you have clothing pieces that you’re excited to wear for your engagement photos? If so, start there. If not, go shopping! I usually recommend starting with the person that is pickier or “harder to dress.” Once you complete their outfit, build from there.
The core styling principle I always try to stick to is “one solid, one pattern.” This means that one of you is wearing a mostly solid colored outfit, and the other is wearing a patterned clothing item that pulls from a color of the solid. I do not recommend both wearing patterns, however, it’s okay if both wear solids and then you just use either textures or accessories to elevate the look. Regardless, make sure you feel comfortable in what you are wearing and you feel great about what you are wearing.
Do you remember in 10th grade art class when your teacher tested you on color theory and you scoffed and said “when will I ever use this in life?” Today is that day, my friends! As someone who is visual in nature, I totally nerd out over this stuff. But really, I hope this will help you understand what works in front of the camera to help you make decisions that will help to create beautiful photos of this season of your life.
One would think that style is the marker of great photos, but truthfully it’s color. That’s why selection is so important. There’s the color palette, which is the colors your outfits are made up of, but there’s also the schemes, which is the logic behind how your colors are chosen.
Earth Tones
Burgundy, mustard, hunter, charcoal, olive, cream, brown, rust, mauve
Pastel Colors
Seafoam green, lavender, blush, ivory, sage, slate, robin’s egg blue
Jewel Tones
Emerald, indigo, mustard, teal, cranberry, sapphire, navy, plum, orange
Finally, make sure you pay attention to the details. The most important detail is probably the shoes. Many times, people overlook the shoes as part of their outfit, or how their shoes look together. A good rule of thumb is all shoes and belts should match for the couple. As a final note, we will be getting up close and personal with your engagement ring, so make sure you give it a good cleaning before photos!
Step 3: Mindset
The best way to approach your engagement session is treating it like a special occasion, or a date night! Girls will often shop for a new outfit, get their nails done, maybe even splurge on professional makeup and hair! Guys will often break out the fancy shoes, shave/trim up, or get a haircut.
While engagement photos are often just another item on the wedding checklist, this is also a great opportunity to remind yourselves to celebrate this season. I like to encourage my couples to turn the day into a date. You can opt to get your makeup professionally done, get a blowout, or plan a dinner date after photos. This keeps you excited and engaged (no pun intended) with the session.
Deliverables
These photos should really capture who you are as couple. Every session is different on purpose and my goal is always to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera, enjoy taking photos and love the end result. Here’s what you can expect for your engagement session: