Engagement Session – Are they Important?

As a photographer the Engagement Session is one of my favourite to shoot.  To me they are important and if given the opportunity as a couple you should take it!  As a bride could you imagine walking down the aisle without having a fitting for your wedding dress?  It’s the opportunity to get to know your photographer,  capture some great photo’s that you can use on or before your wedding day,  and most importantly you become more comfortable in front of the camera before the big day.

Once you have decided on your photographer and have fallen in love with their style it’s time to set a date to make great images together.  As a photographer I always coach my couples. Wonderful images don’t just happen — and most of my clients aren’t models, nor do I expect them to be.  So as professionals it’s part of our job to educate, guide and direct, this enables us to capture those fabulous images that you want to see on your wedding day. Think of the engagement session as the dress rehearsal of photography.

Have fun with your sessions — you are in total control of wardrobe, location and the season.  Most couples book their photographers about a year in advance, so choose your favourite season as part of the look.  Different seasons have different looks, Spring if full of lush greens with all the new leaves, fabulous blossoms on the tree’s and beautiful warm light late in the day. Summer you can have fun at the beach, bright blue skies, sandals and sundresses. I’ve been know to trek out to cottages for that personal touch.  Fall is fabulous with all the warm colours, you can layer up the clothes and get warm and cozy. Don’t be afraid of winter, snow on the right day is a beautiful backdrop!!!

Wardrobe is also important — plan your outfits. I always suggest that couples coordinate and pull out your best street, going out on the town clothes, if you feel good in your clothes it will show in the photo’s. Also don’t be afraid to bring a change of wardrobe and props. Furry babies are always welcome, and a fun addition to a session. ALL these elements add to the overall look and feel of the session and if you are building a guest book you will have a larger variety of images to choose from.

As for locations Ottawa and its surrounding area is rich with beautiful sights. I like to choose a destination that within an hour of shooting and a bit of a walk we get a number of different settings enabling me to capture a large variety of images.  When choosing your location think of your favourite place to be…  an urban environment shooting amongst architecture, or get back to nature with all Ottawa’s pathways, parks and of course the Rideau Canal.  You may want to choose a spot that allows you to work with a combination of all the above.

Make sure you show off the images taken ~ Save the date cards, invitations, guest books, signing boards, wedding blogs and websites.  We can make ALL of these, pop by to see some samples.  BUT before that ~ enjoy your session and have fun with it!

Never hesitate reaching out with questions.

cheers,
Annemarie