Angled Light Photography

You’ve finally picked your photographer and set your engagements date! Now that the hard part is over let’s talk about the upcoming shoot.

Tip #1 – Think about what to wear.

My favorite photos are the ones where the couple looks and feels like themselves. Wearing an outfit you’re comfortable in will only accentuate your style and personality. No matter what you wear, if your clothes make you feel confident, your happiness will show through and influence the overall mood in the photos.

I always suggest that couples wear something that will be timeless. Whether you’re going formal or casual, solid colors are a must. Here are a few other things to consider:

• Wear Solid Colors – The biggest reason to wear solid colored clothing is that we see both faces and one person doesn’t stick out over the other. 
• Choose Muted Tones – Muted tones are a bit subdued so that you are the subject, not your clothes. Bright colors project, which also makes you look larger. 
• Choose Similar Tones – Choosing similar tones for your top and bottom (both dark or both light) means one doesn’t look bigger than the other. White top, dark pants will make your top look bigger. White pants, dark top will make your bottom look bigger.
• Choose 1 – 3 colors – pick only a few colors for your clothes… ones with similar tones that go nicely together. Having everyone work within that color palette will result in a more cohesive, balanced look, without having any one person stand out. 
• Choose dark socks and footwear (unless we’re on the beach!) 
• Keep your jewelry ultra-simple and minimalistic because too much draws attention from your face.
• Style it up, this really makes your photos sing!

Also, be sure to leave your cell phones, keys, and other stuff in the car! There’s nothing worse than a great photo ruined by awkward cell phone bulges out of jean pockets. For the ladies, be sure to leave purses in the car too. You’ll feel much more comfortable without having to haul it around during the shoot.

Tip #2 – Photographers don’t read minds… although it would be cool if we could!

Everyone is different! If there is something about your appearance you’re uncomfortable with (maybe your have a better side you like to have photographed) let your photographer know! We are there to help you document and preserve this pre-wedding time together and we always want you to feel comfortable in front of the camera.

It’s also important to let us know if you have a special shot in mind! We love it when couples are as excited as we are about getting great images and will always try our hardest to pull it off beautifully. If you have some props you want to incorporate or you saw a cool photo online that inspires you, just let me know. But remember… if a shot requires planning, be sure to let me know ahead of time to ensure we have the equipment and location figured out.

Tip #3 – The best photos usually tell a story.

On every engagement shoot, I always like the approach:

The best photos don’t just capture what people look like..they show who they are and how they feel about each other too. 

Don’t worry about posing. Try to ignore your gut reaction to smile and say “cheese” in front of the camera. Just enjoy the moments with your significant other. We’ll work to get a few formal shots of you two for the fam’ but for the most part we’re looking for the photos that capture your personalities and relationship together.

Some of the best kind of engagement sessions are shot with the couple doing some kind of activity. They give you something fun and natural to do while making the shoot different and interesting! You could go rowing, horseback riding, visit an antique market, or go on a picnic or a trip strawberry picking. Think about what you both enjoy doing together and places that are meaningful for the two of you. The rest will take care of itself! 

Tip #4 – The time to meet is important. Don’t be late!

This is huge! The best time of day for sessions is always during sunrise and sunset… this means we have a small window of time for the shoot to get the best possible light. If you are running 15 minutes late, that’s likely 15 minutes of photos that we won’t have the change to get. 

Tip #5 – Get excited and expect to have fun!

Try not to be nervous about the shoot!  We’re going to work together to make great images of you and your significant other to hold onto for the rest of your life… that’s really exciting for me as a photographer. I know I want you to have some great images to share with your children and grandchildren in the years to come. It’s going to mean a lot to them to see what you both looked and acted like when you were their age!