Planning the Perfect Engagement Session

Since we’re in the heart of Proposal Season with engagements just about everywhere you look, I wanted to take a moment to share a few of my biggest tips for couples who are planning their Engagement Pictures!

Last year, I blogged about why Every Couple Deserves an Engagement Session so I feel like today’s post is a perfect followup! I absolutely love photographing Engagement Sessions for my couples because it give my couples the chance to get to know me and my shooting style. It builds trust between us. It creates a safe space to be goofy, to laugh, and to love. By the time their wedding day arrives, they have already spent an hour in front of my camera – they know my quirky jokes, my hopeless romantic streak. And I know how they met, their love story… And this makes me even more excited to capture the next step in their journey together!

Tip #1: Dress for Success

One of the biggest things that couples struggle with is deciding what to wear! The key to reducing stress the day of your engagement session is to set aside your outfits in advance – that way you have plenty of time to find the perfect coordinating ensemble and have time to pickup any additional items or accessories to complete your look!

I like to use the word coordinating when referring to the way a couple should dress, because this term involves some level of complimentary colors, fabrics, accessories, and overall aesthetic! Being too matchy-matchy or too opposite in dress can distract from the emotion, laughter, and happiness captured in your portraits! Keep the following suggestions in mind:

• Flatter your Figure – Choose outfits that truly fit and flatter you! I recommend avoiding clothing that is too tight or baggy, or that reveals too much.
• Avoid Logos + Extremes – Avoid large logos, neon colors and patterns that make you dizzy! If you’re stuck, consider simple color blocking or selecting more neutral tones for larger garments. With a more simple backdrop, incorporate vibrant accessories for your pops of color!
• Bring A Second Outfit – I recommend that all of my couples do one outfit change during their engagement session! Consider creating a more casual look and then changing into something more dressy. You can also mix and match accessories throughout the wear of a single outfit if you’d prefer not to change!
• Professional Hair & Makeup – Having your hair and makeup done before your shoot can be the little boost of confidence you need to look (and feel) your best! Professional makeup artists are familiar with creating a look that will appear perfect on camera and it allows you to relax before stepping in front of the lens!

I highly recommend doing a little research before your session – look through old blog posts, visit your favorite local retailers, do a little window shopping, find the accessories that compliment your overall look! Also consider having your hair and makeup done professionally before your session for an added boost of confidence and a little pampering!

Tip #2: Location, Location, Location

Making your engagement session personal starts by selecting your location! Each setting which brings it’s own set of aesthetic qualities and style, which contributes to the overall look that you’ll see carried throughout your images!

From Historic Annapolis to a family farm on the Eastern Shore or an urban sunset in Baltimore, the possibilities in the Chesapeake Area are endless! I also love to travel and have photographed Engagement Sessions as far as Charleston, South Carolina! If there is a place that you absolutely love, especially if it’s a beautiful place to watch the sunset, it may be the perfect spot for your Engagement Session.

Tip #3: Make it Personal & Have Fun!

Incorporating something you’re passionate about, whether it’s cooking together, trying new restaurants, sailing, football, hiking, day trips, or picnics – gives your engagement session an underlying significance and allows us to capture images that fit your unique relationship!You don’t need to create an “event” such as a hike or picnic unless that’s truly what you want, but having a general idea of what you would like to do during your engagement session makes the shoot even more fun!

Each of my couples receive these tips (and a few more) in their Wedding Welcome Magazine as part of the Natalie Franke Photography Experience! I hope that regardless of whether you’re a NFP Bride or not, that today’s post helped to give you some direction for your Engagement Session!