Is there a best time to take photos?
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few days before the wedding. I’ve found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. Photographers normally plan sessions based on a particular look a couple has in mind- woodland, gardens, or ocean-side are a few examples.
Sessions typically last about an hour and a half and when we can— I love to begin sessions about two hours before sunset. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot.
Choosing your outfits
When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if one person is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the other may want to choose a long, soft blue dress. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or earthy tones.
I like for my couples pick two outfits for an engagement session: a more formal outfit and a casual outfit. I recommend saving your favorite outfit for later in the session, when you feel more comfortable in front of the camera. And don’t forget to bring a few accessories! Necklaces, cute shoes and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.
Choose soft colour tones. Bright red, blue, green are lovely, but they don’t photograph well. Bright colours can reflect poorly on your skin tone in a photograph. For example, red will reflect on your skin-tone. Flowy dresses always photograph beautifully, especially in a coastal location. They look great in walking photos, and photos with movement. Choose a comfortable outfit, and don’t be afraid to dress it up!
For the men
You can’t go wrong with a suit and tie. Consider wearing that suit you wore last time you went to a wedding! Layer with a different, maybe casual button up shirt. You could even wear jeans with this look.
Be careful not to choose a shirt with too small of a pattern. Small patterns can make the image look too busy. Soft, pastel colours or earthy tones are the way to go.
Cozy sweaters layered with a button up shirt are a great way to look well-dressed and still cozy during the cooler months.
At the end of the day, your engagement is your own - and it should reflect your style. Definitely communicate with your photographer and get creative with it!
You could go skating in the winter if that's something you do together, you could have your engagement at a coffee shop - you could even go fishing, swimming, hiking - the possibilities are endless. I personally don't like doing the same session every time, so if we can brainstorm some fun ideas and get out there and do something new and exciting!
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