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ENGAGEMENT SESSION
PLANNING YOUR
tips for choosing the perfect time, location, outfit & More!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I'm ecstatic to be working with you and I can’t wait for our time together during your engagement session! It’s quite normal to be a bit nervous about your session, but I always tell people that I still get nervous before every session as well and I do this for a living!
Personally, I am a big fan of engagement sessions for many reasons! First, they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera and with me! It takes time for many couples to warm up to being photographed and understand how I use my posing techniques. Timelines can be pretty tight on weddings days and 30 minutes may be all we have for portraits - which is why I've found that wedding day portraits turn out much better when couples do engagement sessions ahead of time.
Second, you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that truly represents the two of you - that's the secret to getting outstanding images and I excel at that!
With all of that being said, there is a lot to think about when it comes to planning an engagement session and since I get asked the same things over and over again, I thought it would be extremely beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything you needed to know and more!
I'll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and much, much more!
- ERIK
I get it, believe me. Having your picture taken for 1-2 hours might not be in your top 5 favorite things to do during your downtime. At first you might feel 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 us all to hang out a bit before the wedding day and share some laughs!
The Guys
A NOTE TO
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few days before the wedding and I've seen it all! There truly isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. However, I normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” a couple has in mind, a nature, rural, or urban setting for example, and/or based on schedules.
Sessions typically last about an hour and a half and when when I can-I prefer to photograph them when the lighting is appropriate for the light & airy feel! Shooting when the sun is lower in the sky can prevent harsh shadows and bright sun patches as well. If possible, the first two hours after sunrise and two hours before sunset are an ideal time to shoot.
I prefer 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.
A "good" time for photos?
TIME & LIGHT
While we shoot most of our engagement sessions between April and late November, sessions can take place all year. Most of our couples choose a season based on the location where they want to shoot.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Seasons
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Winter
snowfall, warm hugs and cozy coats
If you’re planning to take your engagement photos during the winter, keep in mind that if your session takes place in the evening, we could begin shooting as early as 2:30pm to catch the sunset. I recommend dressing in layers so that in between photos you can warm up.
Summer
warm sunsets and walking hand in hand
In spite of the heat, I'm a massive fan of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 6pm. If you’re taking your engagement photos during the summer, I recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session.
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If your wedding is local, save the dates should be sent between anywhere from 6 and 8 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, you’ll want to send them out 8 to 10 months before the wedding.
If you’re hoping to use your engagement photos for your save the dates, I recommend scheduling your session at least two months before you plan to send out your save-the-dates. Between inclement weather, editing, designing your save-the-dates and printing, two months is generally a safe amount of time to make sure your images and cards are ready to go!
Save-the-dates
Locations
ILLINOIS & WISCONSIN ENGAGEMENT LOCATIONS
I absolutely adore when couples choose a location for their session that complements their wedding. For example, if you’re planning a chic, elegant wedding, it may be fitting to take your engagement portraits among a classic urban downtown setting with neutrals and architecture, while a park or flower-filled fields may be more fitting for a couple planning a more rustic affair. The best session locations are often meaningful places to the couple; however, I'm also happy to make recommendations as well as accommodations. From abandoned buildings to flower fields to apple picking and college campuses, the options for engagement session locations are endless!
CLASSIC & ELEGANT
NATURE
URBAN
UNIQUE
RUSTIC
ADVENTURE
The above locations are all exquisite, but I also love exploring meaningful locations with our couples in their choosing as well!
Destination Engagement Sessions
While most of my engagement sessions are in and around the Rockford area,
I've photographed sessions everywhere from Minneapolis to Chicago to St. Louis. If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you, let me know because if our schedules align, I might be able to take your engagement photos outside of my normal area!
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and my availability.
My doggo 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 as well.
I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then either dropping them off or having a friend take them home. I won’t use the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots as well to make things run more smoothly.
If you’re going to bring a pet, I 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.
Pets
Outfits
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if the groom-to-be is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the bride-to-be 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 instead of greens, dueling neutrals, or vibrant colors that may take away from the session.
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. Also, don’t forget to bring a few accessories! Statement necklaces, cute shoes and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits. But most importantly, if you have other ideas on outfits that may better represent yourselves, don't hesitate to let me know !
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Make sure to wear shoes that show off your personality, but make they are comfortable as well. If need be, bring an extra "comfortable" pair to wear in-between locations/shots.
I love the way larger patterns photograph - just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy and it could take away from the overall "look" of the photo.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin.
Wardrobe Tips
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
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Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress or overall outfit! Lace and tulle look amazing in photographs as well!
Dresses and shirts with lace sleeves are a great way to help slim arms.
Depending on your location, you might want to consider a fit and flare or a flow-y dress!
Dresses look great in walking and photos with movement. However, choose an outfit you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up, or both!
Accessories
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Mod Cloth
Altar'd State
Banana Republic
Gap
Target
Levi's
Lord + Taylor
Macy's
Vans
Favorite Shops
Urban Outfitters
H&M
Forever 21
Zara
Nordstrom
Guess
Talbots
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Engagement sessions are the perfect time for a hair and makeup trial! Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better for humidity and wind. However, this is just a potential guideline and I fully support your decision to do what you'd like as we'd make it work regardless!
I believe it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your engagement photos - and if you’re planning to do a hair & makeup trial anyways, the engagement session is a great time to test how your hair & makeup look on camera.
Hair & Makeup
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
There will probably be times during your session when we’re shooting your hands holding or the engagement ring on your hand - which means it’s a good idea to clean up your nails before your session (this applies to the guys too!).
However, feel free to save some extra $$ if you want to do this yourself! I can make magic happen with my lenses & angles regardless! Also, if you have dry hands, consider bringing a bottle of lotion with you if you want your hand shots to be absolutely perfect.
Manicure
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Consider pulling out that blazer or sports-jacket for a more formal look with an open button shirt! You can even wear jeans with this type of outfit! However, I always want you to feel comfortable and if your style is completely different, that is not a problem!
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.
Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
find it fast
J. Crew
H&M
Target
Urban Outfitters
Clarks
Nordstrom
Gap
Macy's
Vans
Levi's
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
It’s typical for me to schedule two engagement session dates, mainly in the Spring. Regardless, having two dates helps me make sure that your photos happen in a timely manner. Coordinating schedules can be tough and I've found that the best way to make sure my couples get the look they have in mind for their photos is to schedule two dates at the same time. However, this is not crucial, just a safety measure.
I'll check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting at as well as the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for an engagement session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain.
Let me know what works best for the two of you - but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, I'll typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance.
When I can, I always try to take a photo of your ring during your engagement session - so it’s a good idea to have it cleaned or clean it yourself before your session! To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed! Believe me, it makes a world of difference!
Ring Cleaning
Props
added spice is always nice
If you’re planning to bring props to your engagement session, I recommend including them only if they’re meaningful to you. Shots of drinking coffee at a local coffee shop would be cute if that’s where you met; however, trying to fly a kite together when it’s not a part of your relationship may come off as contrived.
When it comes to posing for your engagement session, 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 little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make the two of you laugh - and that’s the photo we’re actually looking for! Not only that, but I play many fun games that couples love. They are a secret, but it includes messing around and having fun!
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!
"What do I do with
my hands"?
"What do I do
with my hands"?
POSING
Date Night
If you’re anything like my wife and I, you probably don’t get dressed up all that often, which means that the day of your engagement session is the perfect occasion for a date night (or brunch if your session is in the morning!)
The engagement session is another part of celebrating your love and heading off to dinner is a great way to end the session!
As soon as possible after your session is complete, I will begin to download your photos and sort them. Work will begin that day or even the next, unless it is a prime time in the season, say October. Unless I have a holiday closure, you can expect to receive your engagement photos between 1 and 2 weeks after your session.
When to Expect Your Images
I know that this guide is long, but hopefully it covers everything you need to know on how to prep for your engagement session! However, if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email me!
hello@erikanderson-photo.info