ENGAGEMENT GUIDE
ENGAGEMENT GUIDE 05
WHEN TO BOOK
08
ABOUT THE SESSION
10
WHAT TO WEAR
WHEN TO BOOK Ideally your engagement session will be on a week day in the evening or early morning. The best light is right at sunrise or two hours before sunset. As early as a sunrise session sounds, I promise, the light is perfect! Sometimes there is an early morning fog, and if it’s a mid-summer session, it’s a perfect way to beat the heat. While it’s not always possible to scheduled on a week day morning or evening, the sidewalks are always a little more clear, parks are usually less crowded, and we can schedule further out in advance if you’re willing to plan for a weekday.
The ideal time to schedule your session will vary on what you would like to use the photos for. If you plan to use the images for save-the-dates, we suggest that you shoot your engagement photos 5-6 months before the wedding. If you intend to order a guest book or an engagement album to display at the wedding, I suggest no later than 3 months before the wedding so that we have time to edit, design, proof and order the guest book or album in time for your wedding.
ABOUT THE SESSION These sessions are really just about celebrating the two of you together. It’s a chance to capture moments that illustrate who you are individually, and who you are together. For an engagements session, I typically like to keep things pretty laid back. I want you to feel as comfortable as you can behind a camera! The couple of hours that we spend together will allow me to learn more about your personalities, and the way you interact with each other. It’s the perfect opportunity for you to become really familiar with the way that I work before your wedding.
When choosing a location, I always ask couples to think of a place that is unique to you. What inspires you, or has sentimental meaning. Think of your hobbies, passions, or other details that will make your session personal. Try to avoid monuments or landmarks. The best locations have great light, and subtle details to ensure that nothing is taking away from the two of you.
WHAT THE WEAR Like the location, your outfits have a tremendous impact on your images. You’ll want to keep in mind how comfortable you are, as well as location in mind when you’re planning what you want to wear. My rule of thumb is, if you feel uncomfortable, you will look uncomfortable! I’ve put together an inspiration board to help show some items that work well in photos here: https://www.pinterest.com/brittlatz/clientinspiration-engagement-photos/ You will notice that a lot of the color & pattern combinations that work well never take away from the subject. My images have a very simple, clean, and organic style to them which works best with outfits that fit that same style. Most of the combinations that you will see on the Pinterest board are a perfect mix of soft colors, subtle patterns, and touches of color in the jewelry. A couple of simple rules for picking the perfect attire: • Soft, flowing fabrics are always a win for the gals! They create beautiful images and are typically really comfortable. I really suggest against tight fitting clothing. Very few women feel that their images look best when they are in something skin tight (like spandex), because it won’t be forgiving at all in your images. That certainly doesn’t mean that your clothes shouldn’t fit well. •
Mix it up! If you are wearing a dress for part of the session, wear something a bit more casual for the second half. This will give you a great combination of images, as well as allow you to be a bit more comfortable for some of the pictures.
• Compliment one another with your style. Try not to dress the exact same for your photos, but pick outfits that work well together. If he is going to wear a pattern, go simple and add in touches of color with your jewelry. (Note: Never, ever, ever have both people wearing patterns) • Horizontal stripes have a tendency to be unflattering as they give an illusion of width. If you love stripes, we suggest a pin stripe polo for your guy, or incorporating it into accessories. • Please be careful of clothing that may show visible bra straps, tags, or semi transparent clothing that could reveal undergarments. During the session, plan on only carrying the bare minimum- if you can, leave purses, bags, cell phones, etc. in your car. I often recommend scheduling your make-up trial for the same day as the shoot. It is amazing what great hair and makeup can do for your confidence during a shoot! It makes your best features stand out and allows you to enjoy the day getting ready for your session. I ask that every couple to bring four complete outfits with them - everything from jewelry, shoes, undergarments, and cloths. I will help you put together what will be most flattering in the images! If you have any questions while you are planning for your session, please don’t hesitate to ask!
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