It’s always a little intimidating to have your picture taken. We want to look nice, make sure nothing is in our teeth and that our hair is behaving! I realize that preparing for your engagement session can be a little overwhelming. Here are my top tips for outfits, handling nerves and recommendations that will make your shoot the best it can possibly be!

Empty your Pockets

Empty your pockets. Literally! We don’t want to have key chains or phones showing through your pockets. You can leave them in the car or I can throw your keys and phone in one of my pockets if needed! You can also bring a small bag that we can take from place to place with us.

Watch the Clock

 The timing I choose isn’t random, it’s totally on purpose. I plan our sessions based on the sunlight, so it’s important that we are on time! The sun sets and rises quicker than you think!

Clean your Ring

I love giving your bling the spotlight in engagement photos! I also love to do a few shots of the ring solo, so make sure you clean that bad boy! Here’s my favorite ring cleaner from Amazon.

Think About Where You’ll Change Clothes

As much as I would love to say that there’s always a bathroom or something to change in, more often than not, my couples end up changing in their car! It works, but can get a little complicated, so think about this ahead of time and even think if there’s a way to make changing easier!

Take a Deep Breath

I’m here to help you along the way and it’s going to be a blast! I promise you won’t be awkward like you probably think you are. Enjoy this time together, and make a date out of it! Plan dinner afterwards and celebrate!

Grab some Change for Parking

This may not apply to your shoot, but it might be a good idea to plan in advance for a cash-only parking fee that we may encounter especially if we are doing your session downtown where you might have to feed a meter!

Plan your Outfits

I go into this in more depth in my Wedding Guide, but sometimes our couples like to bring more than one outfit! If you’re unsure about a few pieces, feel free to bring all options and I can help you decide. Also, remember that changing outfits can take some time, and when you’re up against the sun setting this can be a game changer. So, I always recommend we stick to only one outfit change.

Remember your Lip Stick and Hairspray

You may need to apply more lip color after one outfit change and a few smooches. PRO TIP: If you choose a bold lip color, go for a matte finish so it won’t transfer to your partner! Also, bring along that hairspray if we’re shooting in any humidity or wind!

Dig out your Flip Flops

If you’re wearing shoes that are difficult to walk in or heels that you haven’t broken in yet, bring some comfy shoes to change to while we walk to each shooting location!  I recommend flip flops because they’re easy to slip on and off!

The most important thing on this list is deep breaths. This will be so fun and you’re going to kill it!