are you ready to have
so. much. fun?
...lets get sexy...
We are excited about your engagement session and we want you to feel prepared and as excited as we are! The best engagement sessions are those where the couple is there to have a great time. They may think a lot about where they want to shoot and what they want to wear, but when they arrive they are down for pretty much anything. We are here to help make this happen. This guide was developed not only to help you plan, but to help you relax and enjoy the process.
Tips & Tricks to help you plan
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
We love when a couple dresses up! You will have two photographers there to photograph you... HAVE FUN WITH IT! We suggest 2 outfits each, we normally start with the more casual of the two outfits first, and then finish with the dressy outfit at sunset. Many of our couples have 2 very dressy outfits (suites, dresses, gowns) - that is fine as well! Other couples want to keep both outfits casual. Save your most favorite outfit for the second change.
Solid colors usually photograph the best. Wear colors that enhance your coloring and bring out your facial features. For many, patterns or colors that wash them out and just don't photograph well. We want to notice your face first and your outfit second.
Make sure your clothes fit correctly. When you sit do the buttons pull? If so, then maybe get a better fit. We won't look at the size, so get what fits correctly, not the number on the tag. Going up a size will make you look slimmer vs getting the number you dream to be in and look heavier in the picture.
Look for outfits that you feel AMAZING in. When you put it on you just feel right. If you are pulling, tugging, or constantly shifting, then you will see that in your face in the images. You know when you put on something that just works.... you see it in your face and feel it all over.
Click on the links below for some of our favorite small businesses!
Together Collective
Midtown sacramento
Identity Boutique
Downtown Sacramento
Baltic born
online only
OUR FAVORITE SHOPS:
8 local vendors with tons of incredible pieces!
A Fun boutique for those downtown vibes for men and women!
tons of gorgeous flowy dresses for everyone!
Terra cottage
Folsom & Roseville
Our Team's favorite local boutique with tons of personality!
What's under counts
Undergarments can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Make sure they fit properly and do not show. This includes bra straps, spanks, slips and underwear. Guys should consider wearing an under shirt to avoid swear marks when it is hot.
Bring an additional bag for your keys, wallets, and cell phones. You do not want them in your pockets... they will show in your final pictures!
Bling bling
Accessories are fun and encouraged, however, to much may distract from the main subject... YOU! Hats, sunglasses, shawls and beads can works as fun props for pictures, but if we ask you to take them off for a few shots it's only because we want to variety of looks and styles.
Heals or flats?
Both! Since we are an on site photography studio we advise you to always have comfortable shoes to slip on if we have to walk to another location (or climb a small mountain). We LOVE shoes and often they become the subject of many of our pictures, however we want you to enjoy yourself, so having a comfortable pair of flats to slip into will only aide in the experience. Guys should match their socks to their shoes (no black shoes with white socks).
Do I need to change?
Depending on the length of your shoot will determine if you will have to change. If you have a 2 hour shoot you will have time for 2 outfits. We recommend starting with the more casual outfit first and save your dressy outfit for sunset. If your shoot is less than 2 hours then a change of clothing will more than likely not be advisable unless it can be done in 3-4 mins. If you are bringing different outfits and will need to change, make sure to think about this when looking for your location. Also, think about walking shoes and props and where/how you plan on using them. You can always talk to us to get advice on what will and won't work.
Some of the best locations that we recommend have multiple areas that have two different vibes to them. Making it perfect for two different styles of outfits.
Where will we photograph?
Over the years we have had to opportunity to photograph at hundreds of locations. Picking the perfect place can be daunting and a bit overwhelming. We travel from Sacramento to San Francisco and up to Donner for engagement photoshoots. If you would like a farther location we can usually accommodate that, however we do charge a travel fee. Depending on the length of your scheduled shoot, driving between one location to another should be considered. If you want 2 different locations we highly recommend they are no farther than 10 mins from each other.
Here are a few things to think about when deciding on where you want to shoot. Look at the descriptions after the label and see what appeals to you. Then you can find locations that fit the style. Also think about your sunset! If you want to try and get a killer sunset shot, we really need a horizon line, meaning if we are in the middle of the woods, it is sometimes impossible to get a full and open sky at sunset. These can still be amazing shoots, however a sunset in the woods will look different than a sunset on the beach.
What is your style?
Urban - buildings, metal, glass, alley, brick
Country - orchards, fields, barns, wood, rock
Water - ocean, beach, lake, river, sand, rock
Forest - trees, hills, greens, dirt, moss, ferns
Downtown Sacramento locations
Greater SAcramento locations
What will the weather be like?
This is a biggie when it comes to wet weather shoots. We can and have shot in light rain and in fact they have been some of our favorite shoots, however, not everyone is a fan of getting wet. If it is really raining we will want to move your shoot to another day, because grey skies just aren't the prettiest. If there are open clouds and streams of light, with a bit of misting then that will work if you guys are down. This also goes for snow. We don't mind shooting in snow if you are ok with it, however if the light is flat then the pictures will be as well. We also need to consider safety driving back and forth, so we will go over this with you if the weather is varying a lot.
The heat can be a beast to work with. We try not to shoot engagement sessions on days that are over 95 degrees. It is just TO DARN HOT! You will be sweating and red and just plain uncomfortable. During the super hot season (June - August) we tend to shoot either in the Sierra's or on the coast where the weather is considerably cooler.
Did I sit on something?
We may ask you to sit on a rock, bench, grass, or anything else that looks awesome. Sometimes objects in the public are not as clean as we may like. Here are a few ideas to help:
1. Bring a blanket you don't mind getting a little dirt on, but still looks good in pictures.
2. Bring a very small rag/handkerchief to put under your outfit so you don't get it dirty.
3. Don't care!
Can I bring my dog-cat-bird-snake?
Yes! We love to photograph your fir babies. They are very often apart of your families and should be in your pictures. We do ask a few things as to not distract form your overall experience and take away from your time.
1. Bring another person to help contain the animal when they are not to be in the shot.
2. Bring treats and/or toys to help us get the pet to look where we need them to look.
3. Bring a leash/carrier
4. Check to be sure your location is cool with pets. Some locations may specify 'no animals'.
Should I bring Food?
Yes! Water and snacks are advised. Drinking water throughout your shoot will help keep you going and make for better pictures. Eat a good meal before your session so you have a lot of energy and you "hangry". High protein snacks, like nuts, work great because a little goes far and they do not melt.
Can I bring props?
Yes! Props are a blast! Wine with glasses, flowers, chairs, umbrellas, hats, jewelry, balloons, instruments, signs, chalk... you name it and we are game. If you are planning on bringing any props just let us know when we show up. We only ask so we are sure to photograph you with them.
You do NOT NEED to bring props... this is just an option and NOT a requirement.
What should I expect?
Engagement shoots can be a bit overwhelming and let's be honest, you will have people looking at you. We come with lighting and a pretty hefty camera, so we tend to draw a little attention. Don't worry though, we promise you will have fun. The best pictures are the ones of you guys just having fun. Laughing, kissing, hugging, thinking. We WILL pose you when needed and direct you throughout the day. THAT IS OUR JOB! You show up and just enjoy. We are hired to get great images, and we always do. Don't over think it. Time flies and at the end of the day you will realize it wasn't so bad, and that you actually had a great time. Just trust us when we ask you to do something that may be a little out of your comfort range. Most of the time we are trying to get a genuine smile and connection.
But Dee & Kris... you don't understand... I am REALLY stressed out about this shoot!!!
Then drink! LOL.... kidding ... not kidding. Everyone over thinks their engagement session a bit to much. We know you are not a professional model and that being in front of the camera is scary and can make you feel extremely vulnerable. Why do you think we are photographers?! We rather shoot than be photographed. WE GET IT!! Sometimes a quick drink can help calm the nerves and even if you don't drink, after about 20 mins you will see how fun it is. We do these shoots every week and have worked with every kind of body type, personality, and fear. So, feel free to express your concerns.... Tell us your fears.... then let loose and just have a BLAST!!
Jessa & Brian's Midtown Engagement session
Holly & Matt's Downtown Engagement session
cristina & Frank's san francisco engagement
Jamela & Genesis's UC DAvis
Engagement session
Amanda & taylor's yosemite
engagement session
Kelly & Josh's Roseville Engagement session
