Why are engagement sessions so important?

To start things off, the Engagement Session is usually the first time you will be working with me. Once your wedding day rolls around you and your fiance will have a good feel of how I shoot, and will also be more relaxed in front of my camera. That's really important to me, because I want you to be comfortable! 

Also this is the first time I'll be working with you! So I'll get to see how you interact with each other as well. Some are more conservative and shy and have no intention of kissing in front of the camera...where others have no issue and almost forget that I'm there!  Regardless, I'll be better equipped to work with you to get the best images possible.

Where to take Engagement Photos?

Another question that gets asked often is where the photos will be taken. I do have certain places that I love to shoot Engagement Sessions that have worked well for me but...I always ask my couples where their favorite spots in the area are. Is there a special place that has meaning to you both? Sometimes it's the place where he proposed. Sometimes there's just this spot that makes you happy. My thing is, if the location has meaning to you...then the photos will also have a deeper meaning to you.

What do we wear!?!?

OK, this is the big one right?

First, lets start with something comfortable. If you are not comfortable in your clothes...the pictures will look like you are not comfortable in your clothes. We don't want that ;)

Second. Coordinate your outfits together. I don't mean matchy-matchy though. What I mean is, where clothes that are the same level of formality. Wear similar shades and tones that compliment each other.

Third. Matching your clothes to your surroundings is an extra step that can do wonders. If we end up doing a session in the mountains like Bishops peak, or Madonna...wearing natural tones would be perfect. If we go downtown SLO, then bolder urban colors would be awesome.

Some tips...

One person wearing striped patterns, next to the other with flannel patterns...will clash badly. If one of you wears a print, the other should wear a solid.

Fluorescent clothing usually casts a color on the person next to you. Wether on their hair, neck, or face. Best to avoid these.

If you want to go with colorful outfits, check out a color wheel. Match a primary color with a complimentary color (one on the opposite side) and problem solved. ;D

For men, have a clean shave and haircut. Unless you usually rock a beard.