E - S E S S I O N

E - S E S S I O N A D V I C E

SCHEDULING YOUR SESSION

Engagement sessions usually last 1.5 hours and are likely to be on a weekday and ideally in the evening. The best light is two hours before sunset. Even shooting at night can be really incredible and unique.

Scheduling the date for the engagement session will vary on what you would like to use the photos for. Save the Dates are pre-invitations usually sent out at least 5 months before the wedding. Since the average edit time for engagement photos is 1-2 weeks, I recommend scheduling your session at least 5 months out from your wedding date for Save the Date purposes.

While it’s not always possible to schedule on a weekday evening, the sidewalks are less busy, parks are usually emptier, and we can schedule further in advance if you’re willing to plan for a weekday.

About The Session

These sessions are about celebrating your love and life together, but also it's a chance to "unlearn" how you've previously taken photos up until now. To capture moments that tell your story, embrace individuality, showcase creativity, and illustrate the love you share.

Central Park - New York, New York

Our sessions are laid back and free flowing with a bit of quirk. The result is a collection of photos to share with friends and family. Aside from having photos of the two of you this session is when we really get to know each other. You, us, and the camera. You’ll quickly get a feel for how we use subtle direction to capture you naturally.

After the session we are always open to any feedback you may have incase we need to change anything for the wedding day portraits. Some couples prefer less kissing photos, sometimes the sessions lead people to discovering their “good side.” Whatever the case may be, it’s great practice for the wedding day photos as well . The wedding day shooting goes so much quicker and smoother if we’re all comfortable and if we know what to expect of each other. This was shot at the historic Walton House.

LOCATION

Let us start by saying that we can shoot anywhere there is good light and are often influenced by the environment in which we are shooting. It’s usually a good idea to choose a unique location that’s reflective of you both.

The colorful Wynwood Walls in Miami FL

Think about things that inspire you: consider places that have sentimental meaning for you or that’s fun or different about your hobbies, careers, or passions. Make it as personal as you can. The best locations are a mix of quirky and obscure. This is at Matheson Hammock Park

Get together and brainstorm. If your style is more modern and minimal you may want to pick a city block with modern store fronts, a building or restaurant with flare, an art museum, or a parking garage with geometric architecture, or an industrial setting, just as a couple of examples. This session was at the Ball & Chain Bar in Miami, FL

If you’re both foodies, a colorful outdoor market or a picnic may be an option. If you’re both constantly found with your nose buried in books, a bookstore, library, or a study might be right for you. This session took place at the High School Art class where they met!

Think about the colors and style of any potential locations and how you can compliment them with your outfits. If it helps, include your pets to help show who you are and what makes you different, so absolutely bring them along. On location at Disney's Magic Kingdom

Keep in mind that sometimes the best locations for a shoot are in the most unusual places. These are just a few ideas to help you get started choosing a location. Our shoot doesn’t have to be deep and conceptual, but it helps if you love where we are.

And if you have a concept or a theme you want to incorporate feel free to talk to me about what you have in mind and we can work together on executing your ideas. I’m always up for scouting new and unique locations for you.

Permits are sometimes required so check the policies for any place you have in mind.

What to Wear and What to Bring

Like the location, your outfits should also be a reflection of you. Generally we think it's a good idea to dress more casually for these as you'll be more formal on your wedding day. We are flexible with whatever you’d like to wear. This is your session and we recommend no more than two outfits in order to maximize our time together. If you want to bring more it’s totally fine, but it may have an impact on the amount of time we’ll have shooting together!

Primary colors play a big part our my photography. A touch of red, yellow, or blue can make anything pop and help you stand out from the background. Adding a pair of red or yellow shoes, or a bright blue shirt or tie will transform your outfits.

Avoid baggy button down shirts and be sure to bring a comfortable pair of shoes to change in and out of because we’ll probably do a bit of walking. Also, try to avoid any clothing that may show visible straps, tags, or semi-transparent clothing that could reveal undergarments.

During the session, plan on only carrying the bare minimum. If you can, leave purses, bags, etc in your car... or we can carry small items like makeup, cell phones and keys for you.

Remember - confidence is everything in photographs. What you choose to wear should be something you feel comfortable in. Something that compliments your physical features, your individuality, something you can move in, and something that makes you feel amazing.

This guide was written to give a few tips to help plan for your engagement session, but it’s in no way a rule book. It’s just a few pointers to help give you in the right direction to make sure you’re ready for the camera. When it gets right down to it, this is your session. Make it personal, make it about you...... and remember, above all else, have fun with it.

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Created By

Bryan Rodriguez

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