Over the years, we’ve learned that our job as photographers involves so much more than just taking pictures. It’s also about making you feel comfortable, finding out what makes you laugh, and discovering what angles you’re not a fan of.

And we’ve discovered that to feel truly comfortable in front of the camera, you need to have a certain amount of trust in us – which doesn’t happen in an instant.

So, before a single picture is taken, we recommend spending some time getting to know us and vice versa. That’s why we like to spend some time on a call, FaceTime, or Zoom preparing for the session long before the day.

Besides getting comfortable with us, here are three other ways you can begin to prepare (and get excited!) for your engagement session:

Outfits

Let’s start with an easy one. When selecting your outfits, consider the following:

Location, Location, Location

We’ll probably be walking a ton. So be sure to consider the setting when making your shoe selection. If we’re taking pictures in a grassy field or if we have to hike a bit to get to the perfect spot, you probably don’t want to wear heels. Or maybe you do – but consider bringing a change of shoes to make things easier on you.

Mother Nature

You won’t look comfortable in your photos if you’re freezing or sweating up a storm. So, a few hours before the session is scheduled to start, take a peek at the weather and make adjustments to your wardrobe as needed.

Trendy v. Timeless

Sure, you don’t want to look outdated, but you don’t want to select an outfit that screams 2020 either. Make clothing choices that make you comfortable, allow you to feel like YOU, and that will look good now and in 20 years.

A Perfect Match

Consider outfit options that coordinate and that aren’t too “busy”. Cameras don’t love crazy patterns and trust us – you won’t either.

BONUS TIP: Don’t keep things in your pocket. Better yet – choose something that doesn’t have pockets! You’re welcome. 😉

Emotions

We’re going to do what we can to break the ice and make you laugh. But there are a few easy ways to get comfortable with someone watching you embrace. Here are some helpful tips:

Get In the Mood

What makes you feel loved? Romanced? Is it flowers or a bath? Candles or a good Rom-Com? Whatever makes you feel closest to your sweetie, do a little of that in the hours leading up to the session to get those endorphins flowing.

Practice!

Seriously. Practice kissing in front of a camera by taking a few selfies. And bonus – you’ll have some great (and perhaps hilarious!) photos to mark this time in your lives.

Date Night

Wedding planning is stressful, you guys. You’re probably spending all your free time and extra $$ on this wedding while date nights have been put on the back-burner. Not this night! You’ll be all dressed up and you absolutely should have someplace to go.

Boundaries

Don’t care for your side profile? Hate your arms? We totally get it, and we’ll direct you in ways that make those issues obsolete. But to know what those issues are, we need you to spend a little time thinking about what you’re uncomfortable with. And sharing those insecurities with us.

This is a judgment-free zone. We have plenty of insecurities too. Everyone does! So, please share them. We want you to fully trust us.

Because once we reach that point…

It will all be beautiful