I love shooting engagement sessions- it's such a great way for me as a photographer to get to know a couple before their wedding day, and it gives couples an idea of what to expect from me on their big day. Here are some ways you can make your engagement session the very best it can be!
1. Prepare to be affectionate. Consider this session a date. It's meant to celebrate this season of your life together and show how excited you are about your future.
2. Choose clothing that you feel good about wearing- things that you know look nice on you. Think about the outfits you have worn that have received compliments. Maybe there's a specific color that really accentuates your eyes or a certain style of dress that makes your waist look smaller. These items are your best friends today.
3. Wear colors in the medium-darker range. Generally, brighter colors can be distracting and take away from the focus of the portrait- you!
4. Don't dress like twins, but coordinate your clothing with your fiancé. Keep the same level of dressiness, color tone (bright vs. dark), and color family.
5. Solids or large patterns on your clothing is best. Be careful with patterns, though, because they can be distracting- especially smaller ones (very thin stripes or plaids, for example). Absolutely no large logos or words!
6. Get plenty of rest. Try to avoid scheduling a girl's night out or long day of activity before your session. My engagement sessions usually involve a lot of walking, playing, and for the guys- sometimes even lifting. It's smart to be well-rested for your best photos.
7. If possible, schedule the engagement session during the week after "that time of the month." Your skin will be clearer, you'll have more energy, your belly will be flatter, and you're less likely to be cranky with your man. And even if it's not that lovely time, it's wise to avoid salty foods for a day or two before your session anyway.
8. If you generally like to wear your hair up, consider wearing it down first, then pulling it back part way through the session to add some variety to your photos.
9. Speaking of variety, consider changing clothes or locations, too! Especially here in Knoxville, there is a wide array of settings for your session- many even within walking distance of each other.
10. Clean your engagement ring, or have it cleaned. I have found that a toothbrush designated specifically for ring cleaning and some warm soapy water (like dish soap) work wonders!
11. Be intentional about what's on your wrists. Rubber bracelets, hair elastics, and casual wrist watches can be distracting. Only keep your watch on if it's a nice one. (Apple watches do not qualify! Consider what you would think if you looked at a portrait from 1987 and saw a calculator watch on someone's wrist!)
12. Carry a bag with you that will hold a change of clothes, the uncomfortable shoes that go with your outfit (walk in the comfy ones, of course!), makeup, mirror, mints, phones, sunglasses, keys, and whatever else you may need.
13. Don't chew gum! Nothing ruins an otherwise great candid shot faster than one person being mid-chew, or having a bright wad of gum sticking out the side of their smile. Have a mint instead if you're concerned about your breath, and eat it while walking between shots.
Above all, have fun! This is a unique time in your relationship- enjoy it! And give Jaclyn Paige Photography a call when you're ready to schedule your East Tennessee engagement session!