the
HANDBOOK an engagement session guide
contents
04 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . When to Book 08 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . About the Session 10. . . . . . . . . . . Choosing the Location 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What to Wear 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This and That
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WHEN
to BOOK
Engagement sessions generally last 1½ hours and are likely to be on a weekday. While I’m always willing to shoot at any time of day, the best light of the day is the two hours preceeding sunset, therefore evening shoots are preferred. Shooting on a weekday typically affords us emptier streets, sidewalks & parks. And, for weekday shoots, we can schedule you further out than normal. When scheduling your engagement session, please let me know how you would like to use the engagement photos, as scheduling the date for your e-session will depend on what you would like to use the photos for. Modern etiquette shows Save the Dates being sent at leas 4-6 months prior to your wedding. As editing time for your engagement session can take up to 2 weeks, I recommend scheduling your e-session at least 5 months
before your wedding day. If you are receiving or purchasing an engagement album to display at your wedding, I recommend scheduling the session at least 60 days before the wedding: 2 weeks to edit, 2 weeks to design your book; 3 ½ weeks to have your book manufactured. Also, for clients with engagement albums, please allow up to an additional 90 minutes at your session: sometimes it takes a little longer to create enough content to fill 20 pages of super-awesome-book-space. Lastly, please remember that if your engagement session was included in a package, it is your responsibility to ensure we schedule it. There will be no refunds or exchanges for complimentary services.
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ABOUT the SESSION Engagement sessions are intended to record a small glimpse of the scope of your love and life together. It’s a chance to capture your joy and adoration for each other, share your story, embrace each of your own individuality and illustrate the love you share. My sessions are laid-back and free-flowing: we generally take a walk together, getting to know each other. At this time, I’m also mentally scouting different mini-locations/backdrops that I might use later. When we start shooting my goal is acquaint you with my style of direction and to get you comfortable with me & the camera around you, focused on you, so that on your wedding day, my presence is merely an afterthought.
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If you’re having trouble letting go of any insecurities, I’ll walk you through a few cues to lead you toward your natural self. In any case, we’ll create a variety
of photos that reflect you and get in all the practice you need for your wedding day. While you’re learning about me, I’m learning about you: how you ineract as a couple is my biggest take away from the session. Some couples prefer lots of lovey-dovey, kissing shots, while others give each other lots of sass. In either case, please just come to the session relaxed and prepared to let your guard down. At our session you should just... Be. And, with that in the bag, we’ll be able to make short work of the bridal & couples portraits on the Big Day, speeding you along to more celebration with friends & family. Now that you know the goals of the session, on to a few particulars of planning...
CHOOSING the LOCATION Somewhere along this journey, you might hear me say: I pick a great background, then just put you in it. And, that, pretty-much, sums up my shooting style for portraits. But, always, the location for your engagement session should be reflective of who you are as a couple.
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Think about the things that inspire you: consider the places you have shared sentimental moments, or somewhere that is fun and reflective about your hobbies or passions. For some, the best places are
often those that are unique and obscure: in the silence they can let it all go and truly be together. While for others, they can find solace even amongst the throngs and masses, to hold hands and steal away into their own little world. Get together with your partner and pitch-ideas back and forth. If your style is more modern and urban, choosing a quiet city block with cutsie shops, an art museum, major monument, or even an old industrial building may be for you. If you both love food, an outdoor farmer’s market, your favorite cafÊ for Sunday brunch, or a picnic basket and
gingham blanket at the “perfect spot” is the way to go. If you’re more of a quiet couple, and love to read, libraries, bookstores or a modern study would be a supurb option. Camping, surfing, go-kart racing, or putt-put golf: whatever you love to do, together, let’s do that! After deciding upon a location, thing about the colors and style of that particular spot. When considering your wardrobe, be sure that it is refective of the environment and situation: you wouldn’t wear lace tights out in a blizzard, right?
Now, keep in mind that sometimes the best locations for a shoot are in the most unusual places. These are just a few ideas to help you get started choosing a location. Our shoot doesn’t have to be deep and conceptual, but it helps if you love where we are. And if you have a concept or a theme you want to incorporate feel free to talk to me about what you have in mind and we can work together on executing your ideas. I’m always up for scouting new and unique locations for you. 11
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WHAT
to WEAR
Like the location, your outfits should also be a reflection of you.
that may show visible straps, tags, or semi-transparent clothing that could reveal undergarments.
I’m flexible with whatever you’d like to wear. This is your session and I recommend no more than two outfits in order to maximize our time together.
Tip 3: Always, think of the complete look: Adding a pair of red or yellow shoes, a complimentart or contrasting tie, and the right baubles, bangles and bling will transform your outfits!
Classicly casual outfits that reflect an ideal version of your personal style are always a winner. Tip 1: If you are stuck and feel like a little shopping is in order, I sugget using your favorite brand’s lookbook for inspiration. If you can separate yourself from you, and think of yourself like a mannaquin, remember: there are professional wardrobe stylists who create the complete look for your favorite brand: just buy the outfit on display in the store. If it looks good on them, it will probably look good on you, too! Tip 2: Avoid baggy button down shirts and any clothing
During the session, plan on only carrying the bare minimum – if you can, leave purses, bags, cell phones, etc in your car or I can carry them for you. Remember, confidence is everything in photographs. What you choose to wear should be something you feel comfortable in, something that compliments your physical features, your individuality, something you can move in, and something that makes you feel amazing. When you own it, you shine.
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THIS and THAT A few last notes about engagement sessions: Pets: You love animals? Hey, me too! I often get asked if it would be ok to include a pet in the photos. The answer is “Yes.” But... I would like to know to what extent you want to include your furry companion in the action. Just looking to sneak in a “family portrait” with Fido at the start or end of the session? No problem. Or, are they to be more involved?
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If you opt to bring your pet, you need to know two things: you’ll need a buddy to watch/walk your pet while we’re not using them. And, be prepared for absolute
chaos and/or uncopperative behavior: you never know how an animal react around a guy they’ve never me before waving a big ol’ camera around. So long as you’re aware of the support needed and the risk of the attempt totally bombing, I’m down for anything. Except camels. Nothing that’ll spit on my lens please... ;) Editing, Delivery & Production: As always, my current workload determines the exact turnaround time for editing, but it is generally no more than 2 weeks from the date of your session.
Once edited, your proofs will be published to my online gallery at http://photos.krisrae.com. You may download screen-resolution files from the gallery for sharing on social media/the interwebz. You must provide appropriate credit & links in the description for all online postings. Make sure you like or follow my social media profiles for proper linking and tagging. To use the photos for Save-the-Dates you may download up to five full-resolution images free-of-charge via my online gallery’s ordering system. If you are receiving/purchasing an engagement album, your design will be made ready to proof no later than
6 weeks prior to your wedding date. You may make a single round of change requests included in the price of your album. Additional changes are $5000 per round. All change requests and approvals must be made no later than 20 business days before your wedding date in order for your book to be at your wedding. If you have any questions as you prepare for your engagement session, please don’t hesitate to ask. I look forward to photographing you soon!
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This guide was written to give a few tips to help plan for your session, but it’s in no way a rule book. It’s just a few pointers to help guide you in the right direction to make sure you’re ready for the camera When it gets right down to it, this is YOUR session. Make it personal, make it about you... ... and remember, above all else, have fun with it.
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