How I Direct Engagement Sessions
It’s totally normal to be nervous about your engagement session, especially if you haven’t had professional photos taken before.
I’m hoping this post will help give you a better idea of what to expect, mostly that there’s no need to be nervous! None of my couples are professional models. We’re just gonna hang out, and I’m going to be a very talkative third wheel. Anything new is awkward for the first 20 minutes, so go in expecting that and then you’ll warm up and get used to the camera, I promise!
The number one question I get from my couples is about posing.
“Posing” seems to have developed an ugly connotation, calling up images that are stiff and unnatural. So instead, let’s talk about direction and prompts.
Being on the other side of the camera is nerve-wracking enough already without having the pressure of once in a lifetime moments too! Talk about stage fright. My directions and the prompts I give you aren’t about cookie-cutter shots, and nothing in photography is “one size fits all.”
I’m all about translating your personality on camera, telling your story, and capturing emotion. Some of that is clean and crisp, some of that is messy and blurry, and all of it is beautiful.
My directions and prompts aren’t meant to limit you, but to ease any nervousness you might have and to zhuzh little details to make sure you are having fun and look your very best!
My goal with giving you direction and prompts is to keep moments candid, without leaving you wondering what to do with your hands.
Here are some types of photos you can expect:
Formal Portraits - all direction.
Think about the traditional smiling photo that your mom is going to hang in the hallway.
Games - fun, silly and sweet.
We’re gonna play tag, have a tickle fight, and do a three-legged race. We’ll whisper silly things, talk about your favorite memories together, and dance like no one’s watching. Whether you’re feeling loud and goofy, or flirty and romantic, we’ll have a little bit of everything.
Quieter moments (AKA I run away)
When the moments right, we’ll slow it down and let you soak in in each other and the nature around us. In these moments where I sense you’re super comfortable, I’ll have you stay put while I retreat back and take some really epic wide shots.
Activity-based sessions
Having a picnic on the beach, taking the canoe out on your favorite lake, apple picking on a fall day, or playing your favorite records at home - AKA activity peppered with directions. We’ll actually be able to pick apples, go hiking, and drink beers, go to a book store. That’s all stuff you do on your own. And then occasionally I’ll pick spots for us to take formal portraits and do a game or two.
What about candid moments together?
During engagement sessions, I’m not stepping in to document a normal day in your life. We’re telling your story together in a limited amount of time, and I’ll work with you to bring out that emotion. Sure, I gave you a prompt or direction to start with, but how you are around each other is always going to be candid to me. You’ll loosen up over your session, get more comfortable with me as a third wheel, and all of your glances, laughs, kisses, and in between moments will feel so natural when you see them in print.
For example, on this day I had Cloyne and Nick sit in the sand dunes together at Cannon Beach. I picked this spot because of the sea grass and the direction the wind was blowing, had Cloyne wrap up in a blanket, and helped them place their feet so they wouldn’t look stiff, and had them wrap up in each other in a way that was comfortable and looked great. So while this exact moment didn’t happen naturally, it has happened countless other times on their many trips to the coast when I wasn’t their with my camera. My engagement sessions are emotion-driven, and you can bet that when they look back at this photo in 10, 20, or 50 years, it will make them feel exactly as they did this day.
Some other directions and prompts I might call out:
Walk away from my camera, and be yourselves. Hug the way you hug, hold hands the way you hold hands, and don’t worry about posing for the camera.
Walk towards me like you’re tipsy leaving the bar.
Throw them over your shoulder!
Scoop your partner up!
Sneak up behind them!
Piggy back rides, or maybe even hop on their shoulders.
Kiss their temple as many times as you can in a minute!
And of course, the signature champagne pop!
FAQ
What should we wear?
I suggest one "date night" outfit, and one "casual saturday" outfit. Wear what you would ACTUALLY wear on a date, and what you would ACTUALLY wear to the farmers market. If you try to dress somewhere in between it usually ends up feeling like it's casual Friday at the office, and that's a little stiffer than what we're going for :) Here's my Pinterest board for inspo if you want it!
What should we bring?
Bring a big bag that you can keep a water bottle, accessories, layers of clothing, comfortable shoes, extra make up, etc. in. If you want “props” like a blanket or champagne, be sure to bring those too.
Any tips if we’re nervous?
Take a shot of whiskey or down a glass of champagne before (or during) our shoot-- whatever you need to do to loosen up a little bit. No one looks good totally wasted, but a tiny bit of liquid courage never hurt! Seriously-- I’ll toast right along with y’all before the shoot!
When will we get our photos?
Sneak peeks (3-5 images) will be delivered via email/text within one week, and your final gallery within 30 days of your session with me.
