Engagement Session Tips: How to prepare for your session

Congratulations! You are engaged! Now it is time to start planning for your engagement photoshoot session. But where do you even start? Sometimes the stress of trying to plan your photoshoot might even make you wonder:

Why do I even need to have an engagement session?

Meeting your photographer before your wedding is great planning, as you want to make sure that you are on the same page and have the same vision to create the perfect memories for this special season. As Calgary wedding photographers, we include engagement sessions with our wedding packages as we believe it's so important to meet your photographer before your wedding day!

One of the things we hear often from our couples is that they feel awkward when taking photos. Engagement sessions are an amazing way to get comfortable in front of the camera before your big day. Another great reason to have engagement photos taken is that you can use them for “save the dates” or for your wedding guestbook, to name a few ideas. Without further ado, here are our tips on how to prepare for your engagement session.

Come prepared for weather

One of the worst things that can happen in an engagement session is an unexpected change in the weather. If you live in Calgary or area you are well aware that we could have all four seasons in one day! When you are not prepared for the weather to change from hot to cold and vice versa that can put a complete damper on how you feel emotionally and physically, therefore, its reflected in your final pictures. So, trust me when I say, you can always take off layers, but you cannot put them on (unless you have them to put on).

Pick your outfit beforehand, not the day of

Do a little fashion show at least the day before your engagement session is booked for. This way you will have a better idea of what is comfortable and how you want to look in your pictures. And you can hopefully have a little fun modelling some of your favorite outfits around the house. If you need a little help, ask your photographer for some ideas (check out our blog on what to wear for your photoshoot).

Consider hiring a professional hair and make up artist for your photo session

I always recommend doing your hair and make up wedding trial for your engagement photoshoot. That way, you can try a different look for your wedding day, or know for sure that's what you want your wedding photos to look like. Plus, you can than make an entire day out of your hair and makeup trial. After you have done your photoshoot, seeing as you are already all glammed up, why not head out for a romantic dinner together, or cook a fancier meal at home (not in your sweatpants) take advantage of being dolled up, however that make look!

Manicures

This day is about the ring so I can promise you that your hands will be in the shots! Having nice nails really compliments your ring and makes your engagement pictures look all the better. No matter if you prefer shorter or longer nails, make sure that the manicure you get makes you feel confident to show off your new sparkly bling! If you are someone who has never worn nail polish, that is 100% okay as well, I want you to be authentic to who YOU are. But, I do recommend maybe shaping them a bit or filing down super long nails.

Have your ring cleaned just before your session

A macro shot is extreme close-up photography of, usually, very small objects. I love macro shots of rings, but you would be surprised what little fibres and dirt macro shots will show off! Sometimes, the jewelry store that you bought your ring from will allow you to go back for free cleanings. So, make sure that you have your engagement ring cleaned before your engagement session.

If you need help planning & documenting your beautiful elopement or intimate wedding day please do not hesitate to reach out. We are Krystal & Mike, a Husband and Wife Calgary Wedding Photographer team that offers our couples both photo and video, as well as planning and logistics! We have some awesome all inclusive elopement packages to help couples navigate through all the craziness and would love to chat with you! Please feel free to contact us here, or check out our work at - www.flyfreephotos.com