The Engagement Session
The engagement session... This is probably the one thing (besides the schedule of the wedding day) that I get the most questions about. When starting the whole wedding planning process it's SO exciting to choose your photographer and start planning your engagement session. You've seen tons and tons of pictures on facebook and Pinterest of awesome engagement shoots so you're excited to get yours underway... But then reality sets in. Being photographed for an hour and a half can seem terrifying. Most people aren't models. Most people have only been photographed with iphones or their parents whatever cameras during proms and whatnot. This is totally different.
The good news is it's only awkward the first few minutes. If you choose a great photographer who you're comfortable with this whole thing is super easy! I always tell my couples not to worry about a thing because if they don't know what to do I'm there to guide them. That way there's never that moment where you realize you have no idea what to do next.
Alcohol helps. I always ask people if they drink. If they say yes I immediately get excited and tell them that they're more than welcome to have a drink beforehand (if they're not drinking and driving) because it makes the whole process much easier for them. Everyone is always a little more relaxed after a drink. Plus we can always start the engagement session at a cute bar and then head outside after!
Another question I get is "what should we wear?". That totally depends on you! If you're having trouble deciding you can always bring two outfits. Sometimes people bring something more casual to start and then change into something dressier (or the other way around!). That makes for a good compromise. If you're worried, have your friends snap a few pics of you on their phone before making final decisions. Sometimes something looks great in the mirror and then you see it in the pictures and think "Ohhhhh... Ooops". And please don't ever match! I've never had it happen but I have nightmares about it. You can coordinate but if you show up wearing matching blue v-neck shirts and khakis or something equally horrifying I will be very displeased. And colors and patterns are fine as long as you stay away from anything super super bright or neon and stay away from tiny polka dots and tiny stripes (sometimes it creates a weird effect).
I love these two and I love their outfit choices! One is more casual and one is dressier.
Location location location. Another big question! There are so many gorgeous locations in Columbus, Ohio! I love both indoor and outdoor locations. Sometimes combining the two is great as well! I love starting off inside and then ending the session outside. The location you choose is totally up to you! Most people don't have a preference... They just want something pretty. Or they'll say that they just want something with trees or fields! That's easy enough. Some people have locations in mind that are special to them! Below are pictures from an engagement shoot we did at Capitol University where the couple met <3
Here are a few more pictures that were taken in places special to the couple:
Pictured above is a couple of awesome attorneys! They met in the law library at The State House so shooting here was really special to them.
The two above have been together since middle school! They spent so much time at her parent's house during their relationship so it was really the perfect spot for them to have their pictures taken!
These two are getting married in Toronto but met in Columbus. They knew they wanted to get pictures with the Columbus sky line because this is the city that brought them together!
What season is the best for pictures? Well... All of them? I absolutely love all of the seasons here! Each one has so many advantages. Just try to avoid really hot days and really cold days. No one wants to sweat during their engagement session... Or freeze!
When planning your engagement session you might wonder what you should bring. Honestly, I'm fine if you bring props, but I'm also fine if you don't bring anything at all. I love blankets though! There's a lot we can do with blankets, especially if it's cold. Or if you don't want to sit on the ground :)
The most important thing is to remember to enjoy it! You get this amazing hour and a half to just hang out and kiss in front of a semi-stranger with a camera, who will most likely be ooohing and ahhing over how amazing you two are. Then when it's all over and done with you get to go home, hang out, and think about all the amazing pictures you're going to get! I always feel like it's Christmas morning when I'm done editing. It's so much fun looking through the pictures and knowing that two people are going to be very very excited when they get their little parcel in the mail.
If you have any questions about engagement sessions let me know! I'm always here to help and I love answering questions.
Visit www.asteriaphoto.com for more information on this Columbus, Ohio wedding photographer!