HELLO!
I'M SO EXCITED TO BE WORKING WITH YOU AND look forward to OUR TIME TOGETHER DURING YOUR upcoming SESSION! IT’S TOTALLY NORMAL TO BE A LITTLE NERVOUS ABOUT a SESSION - I AM CAMERA SHY TOO! however, I'M A BIG FAN OF couple's SESSIONS FOR A FEW REASONS; but my favorite is simply because you both CAN SHOWCASE YOUR PERSONALITIES IN A MORE CASUAL SETTING THAT IS SIGNIFICANT TO THE TWO OF YOU (AND EVEN INCLUDE PETS). THERE IS A LOT TO THINK ABOUT WHEN IT COMES TO PLANNING A SESSION AND SINCE I GET ASKED THESE QUESTIONS OFTEN, I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE BENEFICIAL TO PUT TOGETHER A GUIDE THAT WALKS YOU THROUGH EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW. I'll COVER WHAT TO WEAR, WHETHER TO BRING PETS AND HOW TO MANAGE THEM, LOCATION IDEAS, AND MORE!
But before that, A quick Note For The fellas...
I get it. Having your picture taken for 1-2 hours might not be in your top favorite things to do during your downtime - or at all. At first you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera, but I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought, and you even had a little fun. I look forward to it because it’s a great opportunity for you and your fiancé to connect and great some extra cuddle time! ;)
I love when couples choose a location for their session that complements their wedding. The best session locations are often meaningful places to the couple; however, I'm also happy to make recommendations. I've put together a map with popular locations around Phoenix that will give you some ideas depending on the look you are going for. You are by no means limited to these locations, so if you have somewhere else in mind - let's do it!
* Check out the map here! *
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and availability.
Sessions typically last about an hour and a half and when I can, I love to begin sessions about two hours before sunset. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot, so I try to schedule sessions during what I believe will be the best light of the day - which means that it’s super important to be on time. If you’re late to an evening session, we could run out of light before we’ve finished shooting and if your session takes place in the morning, the sun gets more harsh as it rises.
When it comes to posing, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a bit funny, it’s probably because it’s going to make the two of you laugh - and that’s the photo I'm actually looking for. Throughout your session, I’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
WHEN PICKING OUTFITS I RECOMMEND KEEPING IN MIND THE WORD “COMPLEMENT” RATHER THAN “MATCH.” FOR EXAMPLE, gentlemen, if you will be WEARING A BLUE AND PINK PASTEL PLAID SHIRT, ladies MAY WANT TO CHOOSE A LONG, SOFT BLUE DRESS. IT CAN ALSO BE A GREAT IDEA TO CHOOSE “COLOR-FAMILIES,” SUCH AS PASTELS OR JEWEL TONES. GENERALLY COUPLES PICK TWO OUTFITS FOR AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION: A MORE FORMAL OUTFIT AND A CASUAL OUTFIT. I RECOMMEND SAVING YOUR FAVORITE OUTFIT FOR LATER IN THE SESSION, WHEN COUPLES USUALLY FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA.
SCROLL THROUGH THE SLIDES BELOW FOR SOME GLAM TIPS!
WARDROBE TIPS
FOR THE GENTS
You can’t go wrong with a suit and tie. Consider pulling out that suit you had to wear last time you were a groomsmen! Layer with a blazer and a fun tie - you can even wear jeans with this look. Bowties are always a good idea.
Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy. Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin.
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Also, DON’T FORGET TO BRING A FEW ACCESSORIES! STATEMENT NECKLACES, CUTE SHOES AND CLASSIC WATCHES ARE GREAT WAYS TO ADD DETAIL TO OUTFITS.
If you’re anything like my husband and I, you probably don’t get dressed up all that often. Which means that the day of your session is the perfect occasion for a date night (or brunch if your session is in the morning!). This day is an opportunity to celebrate your love and heading off to dinner is a great way to end the session!
My dog is huge part of my family, which is why I love when couples choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location. I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and having a friend take them home. We won’t use the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him/her in between shots.
If you’re going to bring a pet, we recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing your pets favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot.
