Top Tips for Your DC Engagement Session |
A D.C. Wedding Photographer’s Guide
Your engagement photoshoot is just around the corner, and it's time to ensure you're looking and feeling your best. Trust me, as a seasoned DC wedding photographer specializing in high-end wedding photography, I've seen it all!
So where do we begin?! For some couples this is their first time ever having professional photos taken. It can be overwhelming, or maybe even scary, and I want to prepare you as much as possible for a fun and easy shoot! These are mostly for the bride BUT don’t you worry because I have a whole blog dedicated to my grooms right HERE ! So read these together to get started!
Ok so before the session…
I always suggest having your nails done for every session! We will be taking bunches of photos of that gorgeous ring and want to make sure everything is cleaned and polished!
Speaking of the ring, make sure to take the ring to the cleaner 5 days before your session! This is normally complimentary at the place of purchase!
Photography captures colors slightly different than how we see it and because of this I heavily recommend having your makeup professionally done for your photos! There are certain ways a professional can apply makeup that photographs much better than your every day makeup! This is a great time to work with someone you are vetting for your big day! If you need recommendations I have several amazing artist I work with I can send your way!
Professional hair is optional, however if you don't love to style your hair on your own, I HIGHLY recommend schedule an appointment with a professional hairstylist. This could even be the best time to test out the stylist that will be doing your hair for your wedding day.
If you are a spray tan kind of girl, it takes up to 40 hours to develop to its full color so I suggest this 3 days prior to our session!
Eyebrow or facial waxing can cause some redness to your skin so make sure to have this done at minimum 3 days prior to your session.
Let’s Talk Wardrobe…
Focus on only one of you wearing a pattern at a time (i.e. If you wear a floral dress, your fiancé should wear a solid shirt. If he wears a checkered shirt, you should wear a solid dress!). Aim for light colors. Don’t try to MATCH!
Pick outfits and accessories that coordinate instead.
If you're able, wear heels! It aids in perfect posture & angles. I always suggest bring some flat/slides with you while we walk to and from locations.
You're welcome to have 1 or 2 outfits for the session - one casual, one dressy is my suggestion! One outfit MUST be dressy. Long dresses add another beautiful dimension to the session. If you do 2, make sure to arrive wearing your dressy outfit first. Try to keep your hair off the left side of your face since we will focus a lot on your ring hand side.
Nerves + Worry…
Yes. If you’re a bride that is a little anxious about how your partner is going to react to this whole “picture” thing, you’re not alone. I receive so many emails from brides who are worried that their partner won’t be into it and I have great news for you.... you both are more photogenic than you think!
I am constantly surprising couples by discovering their hidden modeling skills and our most common response from our grooms is “That wasn’t as bad as I thought! It was actually fun!"
Boom! Mission accomplished!
When the groom says that taking pictures was FUN, I have done my job well! Your engagement session is supposed to be fun and relaxed and not forced or awkward.
In summary, preparing for your engagement photoshoot should be a fun and exciting experience. With the right planning, a touch of grooming, and the willingness to relax and be yourselves, your engagement photos will beautifully capture your love story. As a high-end wedding photographer, I know that each couple is unique, and your photos should reflect that uniqueness. Trust your photographer, communicate openly, and let your love shine through. The engagement season is the shortest part of your journey together but it deserves to be celebrated! So take a breath and soak it all in and enjoy the day.
If you're looking for a talented DC wedding photographer specializing in high-end wedding photography, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'd be honored to be part of your love story and capture the magic of your engagement and wedding day so reach out and let’s create some beautiful memories together!