What

Engagement photos are an additional portrait session to commemorate and celebrate a couple's engagement.

why

The primary purpose of engagement photos is to capture the excitement and joy of the couple during this special time in their relationship, and to use in wedding save-the-date and invitation stationery, and decor at the wedding, like a signing guestbook with photos.

When

Typically around 6-9 months pre-wedding, this photoshoot takes place in a location that holds significance for the couple or reflect their personalities and interests, or where they’ve spent time during their relationship. If the couple doesn’t have any locations in mind, we have an inventory of spots that photograph well that we use regularly. Another favorite is to schedule a meeting at the studio to meet up and talk beforehand, look at product samples, and snap a few shots in our courtyard before heading to a local midtown favorite area.

Specifics

The style and theme of the photos can vary widely, ranging from formal portraits to casual, candid shots. We get a bit of everything so that you can get to know how the posing process takes place, and how to create organic, real connected images together for the wedding day. You might even discover that you have a preferred side, way of standing, or that you like a particular smile.

First we determine the location, and it will likely begin around two hours before sunset.

We also include a questionnaire in your client portal to jog some ideas and get to know you as a couple before the shoot.

Tried and True Tips

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs is great for smoothing out any leg imperfections when you're wearing a skirt/dress.
If you're planning on two outfits, you can probably plan to wear the dressier one first.
See if a hair/makeup artist can do your wedding trial earlier that day, and then have them style your hair loosely and change the lip color at the end of appointment (kill two birds with one stone)
If you need any help with wardrobe, We are happy to give our opinion on what we think will photograph well if you want to text or email photos. Great resources for coordinating looks are obviously pinterest, but for more "buy-able" looks, check out instagram accounts for Banana Republic, J Crew, Lulu's, H&M, Modcloth, Asos, Zara, and JCrew Mens.
If either of you wear eye glasses, remember that there may be glare in some of the shots. If this bothers you, see if your optometrist has some frames without lenses to borrow (or wear an old pair and remove the lenses).
Remember that this is our chance to try lots of different types of poses and looks, so don't feel pressure! You don’t have to do anything but connect and have fun. We direct you the whole time.

what you use the photos for

The engagement photos are used on your wedding website, social media announcements, save-the-date cards, wedding invitations, signing guestbooks for the wedding, welcome signs, and to share with family and friends.