5 Helpful Engagement Session Tips

I get asked this question all the time – What makes a good engagement session?

Since I’ve found myself e-mailing responses to this question so often, I thought I’d put together a quick little guide.

For me, it’s actually super simple. There are 5 Helpful Tips that really do make a *huge* difference in the results of your photos.

TIP #1 – LIGHT

The definition of ‘photography’ literally translates from Greek to drawing with light. (Photo=Light, Graphy=Drawing)
Light is a huge component of what makes a good photograph.

For engagement sessions, many people love the warm glow they sometimes see in photographs, often with sun beams coming into the shot. The best time to get this type of light is about the hour to half hour before sunset. I typically start sessions 1.5 hours before sunset to have a bit more cushion time to explore and catch different types of light.

Sometimes the skies don’t allow for these sun beams (c’mon, cloud cover!), and that’s ok. It may not even be something you like. But, don’t fret if it’s not a bright sunny day. In fact, it’s actually BETTER when the day is cloudy versus too bright. Clouds are like nature’s soft boxes, creating a great, even light. Bright sunshine (like at mid afternoon) makes people squint and leaves ‘hot spots’ (bright white areas) on your clothes & faces. Clouds or scheduling your session at a later or super early time will help prevent this.

Speak with your photographer about the best time to take your photos to get the best results. This will also depend on how your photographer likes to shoot. For me, I love the hour-ish before sunset. (This actually applies to your wedding portraits too, if possible!)

TIP #2 – PERSONALIZATION

I love it when engagement sessions reflect you as a couple. I always ask couples to tell me some things they enjoy doing together, or places they enjoy visiting. From there we can gather inspiration for little things we can add to your session to make it something you can look back on and think, ‘that was so us during that time’.

1. Comfortable: The most important thing is that you are comfortable, since it will show in the photos if you aren’t. This means wearing something that is weather-appropriate (wear layers in cold weather so you’re not freezing with hunched, stiff shoulders in the shoot!), as well as something you can move around in easily. Make sure it’s something you’d feel comfortable sitting on the ground in – something that won’t shift in awkward, possibly revealing ways (e.g. a short skirt, or a tight buttoned shirt that could pull the spaces between buttons awkwardly). Accessories like scarves and blankets can also add a cozy feel.
2. Coordinated: Make sure your outfit styles work well together. Maybe you’re both wearing earth tones, maybe you’re both slightly more formal, maybe both outfits have a bit of the same colour, or perhaps you’re wearing different yet complementing colours. The important thing is that your outfits work well together. Something to avoid is one person being super dressed down (e.g. in a hoodie or torn jeans) while the other is a bit more put together. Class it up, but also keep it relaxed & co-ordinated. (Note: Co-ordinated is different from match-y – don’t wear the same shirts and pants, since that tends to have a formal family portrait vibe.)

This goes for both the ladies and the gents. Get your hands ready for those potential close-up shots.
Painted nails look so great in photos.