April 7, 2017

Engagement: Everything You Need to Know

Happy Friday! If you missed our last post highlighting Cady & Drew’s Wedding, check it out here!

I have to say, this is probably my favorite time of year! The sun is shinning, it’s getting warmer, I’ve dusted off my bike and everything is beginning to bloom. : ) It’s also the time of year when lots of my couples e-mail me ready to set up their engagement shoot, the very best part of of Spring!

If you’re one of those couples, here are a few things you need to know as you prep for your engagement shoot.

1. Clean Your Ring! : Everyone has been asking and your engagement shoot is the perfect opportunity to get some macro shots of your beautiful ring so make sure to have it cleaned so there is no dust or build up that takes away it’s sparkle.
2. Hair & Make Up: Your engagement shoot is the perfect day to also do your hair and make up trial! Most of my couples do a trial, why not get photographed after spending time with your hair and make up artist. These are images you will look back on for years to come, go crazy, treat yourself to something you wouldn’t normally. : )
3. Leave Early: Whenever possible I schedule engagement shoots so that we get the best light, that’s also about 1.5-2 hours before sunset so leave 15-20 minutes earlier than you think you need to. I’ll already be there scoping out your engagement shoot location. This way, even if you hit traffic, we have time for your shoot and can maximize our time together.
4. Get Excited: I’m so excited for your engagement shoot! Every shoot is unique. If you’ve never had professional photos taken before, no worries! The engagement shoot is when I prep your for your wedding, teach you my core poses and make sure you feel confident in front of the camera. Take a deep breath and relax, it will be a fun evening. : )

Once you’ve prepared yourself, it’s time to think about what to wear. Good news, you can wear whatever you like! I always recommend choosing something you’re comfortable in, but here are some guidelines in case you’re not sure…

1. Neutrals such as blush, tan, light pinks, faint blues and teals, creams, grays and whites are colors I always recommend. They’re light and airy, which results in softer more romantic images.
2. I also recommend choosing two different outfits to be photographed in. One that is more dressy or formal and one that is more casual. It adds variety, always fantastic for engagement shoots. Start with a formal outfit and then once we’ve gotten a good number of images, I’ll have you switch it up while I photograph the ring!
3. Remember the goal of your outfits is not to match, but to coordinate. ; )
4. Ladies, wear something your comfortable in and flatters all parts of you. If you feel uncomfortable, it’s hard to look natural in your photos. I want you to feel like Superwoman or Katniss from The Hunger Games, one of my all time favorite books… shhhhh!
5. Guys, I recommend avoiding small patterns, graphic tees and gym shoes. Your fiance will love you for this and you’ll look like “The Man” at your engagement shoot.

Hopefully, you found this post helpful as your plan for you’re engagement shoot. If you’re looking for ideas on what to bring to your engagement shoot, check out this post here and make sure to let me know before your shoot so I can plan for a head. : )

Thanks for taking a second to check in! There are “Get Tos” and “Got Tos” in life. Engagement shoots are always days I’m excited I “Get To” be a part of. I hope you found this post helpful as you start to plan your engagement session and enjoy this beautiful weather!!!

Till next time,

 

 

 

PS. What do you want to hear more about? Email me at inquiries@rachaelwatsonphotography.com