Preparing for Your Engagement Session With Mike Staff Productions
Fast Facts:
Your photographer will contact you to schedule your session.
Engagement sessions are generally done during week-day afternoons or evenings.
Your engagement session will be one hour long.
Select one or two locations.
Plan for two outfits: casual and formal options.
Props are encouraged but not required.
Relax, this will be fun! The best images come from having a good time.
What to Wear
Choose simple patterns or solid colors that complement each other.
Medium to dark shades create a timeless look.
Soft shades enhance lighter backgrounds.
Long-sleeved shirts are best since short sleeves can be distracting and sleeveless tops can look too casual.
If you want to wear a sleeveless shirt, bring a sweater or jacket for some of the images.
Select small accessories that do not detract, such as simple earrings, pins and necklaces.
Your shoes will show in some of your images, so it might be best to leave the old sneakers behind.
Cosmetic Tips
If your makeup artist for your wedding day offers a trial run of your wedding day look, consider doing so for your engagement session. If you’ll be doing your own makeup, you may want to amp it up a bit.
Playing up your eyes is great for photos so going a little heavier with your shadow or using false eyelashes can be a great look.
Glitter products and mineral wear makeup may reflect light in an unnatural way so you might want to use them minimally or not at all.
Lip gloss is great until you’re outside on a windy day. Choose your lip wear carefully.
What to Expect After Your Engagement Session
2 Weeks After Your Session
You will receive an email link to your online digital proof gallery. You may share your link and password with family and friends if you like.
All proof images from your online gallery will be included on your flash drive. The files come with full personal copyrights for you to share, print and use the files as you wish. If your wedding photography package included additional engagement products or you choose to add them on before your engagement session, our design department will contact you with further information.
Engagement Session Tips from a Pro
Our Director of Photography, Chris Ziemann, has the engagement photo tips you need to know to achieve engagement photo perfection.
What recommendations do you have for couples that aren’t used to being photographed?
“The reality is 90% of couples are not used to being photographed, who is? So, it’s all about making the bride and groom feel comfortable. All of our wedding photographers know it’s important to just be themselves and make the session casual and fun, then the client (hopefully) can be at ease! Best thing to do is talk with your photographer about what you’re looking for what you like and where your comfort levels are but keep in mind some of the best moments aren’t planned.”
What do you take into account when choosing a location for an engagement shoot?
“When choosing a location for your engagement photos I always recommend comparing it to the location you’re planning to use on the day of your wedding to have a chance to get variety. The first thing to ask yourself is if you want a city style look or a nature style look. I think the location should always be a reflection of the client style.
Select a location that tells a story about the two of you. Consider choosing a theme for your session, maybe a season you love, or let your photographer guide you through the choices and offer suggestions. There are many ideal locations for your engagement photos. Is there somewhere special – maybe where you met or got engaged? Your photographer will be happy to suggest a location, if you have trouble deciding.”
We all know that outfit choice is key. What do you suggest couples wear for their engagement shoot? Do you encourage props?
“I always think it’s great to have one more formal outfit and one casual more comfortable outfit. Select solid colors or simple patterns that complement each other. If one of you wears a solid color, the other would look great in a pattern. Softer shades enhance lighter backgrounds while medium to dark shades create a timeless look.
Ladies, if you decide to wear a sleeveless shirt, bring a sweater or jacket for some of the images to create different looks. Select accessories that do not overpower, such as simple earrings, pins and necklaces.
As for props, they are so popular and fun but I never encourage them because I never want the client to feel obligated to try and come up with something that could take away from the couple. But if the props are their idea and fit the style or theme of your wedding and absolutely let’s make it happen. Looking for prop ideas? We happen to have 6 ways to incorporate props into your photo session!”
How is working with your photographer for an engagement session beneficial?
“I think everyone should consider doing an engagement session. It’s a great way to get more comfortable in front of the camera and a great way to get to know your photographer. This is also a great way for the photographers to get to know you and learn about what you are comfortable with to help them photograph you in your most realistic style on your wedding day.”