5 Tips On How to Rock Your Engagement Session-La Jolla, CA

Congrats! You’ve said Yes, and have started creating a Wedding Pinterest Board, touring venues and checking out photographer’s work (Thanks for stopping by). As you’ve scrolled through Pinterest you may have started dreaming up the engagement session you and your fiancé will have. There are a lot of reasons why taking engagement pictures is a great idea. First, it’s a way to share your love with your family and friends, happy moments that you’ll look back on for years, and most important, a great way to get to know your wedding photographer. During an engagement session, you’ll get to vibe with me and work together. I will also learn a lot about you as a couple, and the best way to capture your vibe (My Favorite thing to do!). Are you upbeat and spunky or more intimate and romantic? The more you learn about each other, the more natural and relaxed you’ll feel in front of the camera on your wedding day.

HERE ARE 6 TIPS ON WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PLAN OUT YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION:

1. Be You 

Every couple has a vibe and your engagement session should reflect it. A cozy and cuddle vibe is great for a picnic, walk in the park/beach or even an in-home session. Up for an adventure, let’s do it! A hike anywhere from the mountains, desert and cliffs or even roller skating or surfing by the waves. If you can dream it, I can create it.

2. Wear something that represents you

Choose your outfits that make you feel like a million bucks. It’s always best to bring two outfits-one casual and one formal. A casual outfit that you can accessorize with a hat, jewelry or shoes and that formal outfit within that picturesque location. If you’re buying an outfit, make sure you wear it beforehand to see if it’s something you’re comfortable in. If it’s too tight or too short, you’ll be pulling at it the day of your shoot and won’t feel comfortable. Take a couple selfies with it on to make sure you like the way it looks. This will leave you feeling confident, comfortable and enjoying the moments on the day of your shoot.

3. Consider Professional Hair and Makeup

If you feel confident in hair and makeup you can skip this tip. However, if you’re like me and really never know what to do with your make up and hair you may want to look for a hair and makeup artist (I always hire them when I take photos too). Photos require your make up to be a bit more saturated so you don’t look washed out. It’s also a great day to do a hair and makeup consultation with your stylist.

4. Go for the “Golden Hour”and Avoid the Crowd

Whenever possible, try to make your session during golden hour. Golden Hour is either one hour after sunrise or one hour before sunset. The lighting is magical with the sun rays peaking through and you’re usually not too cold or hot. If you’re choosing a tourist location, aim for a weekday rather than weekend. You’ll have the place to yourself and will feel more comfortable just being you during your shoot.

5. When in Doubt, Kiss it Out

If you haven’t spent a lot of time in front of the camera (most couples haven’t) you might be pretty nervous about your session. A quick way to loosen those nerves while still getting incredible pictures is go in for a kiss. This will help you connect with your partner and makes your photos more natural.  

P.S. -I love kissing pics so I’ll have you doing this whether your nervous or not.