It’s typical for couples to become quite anxious for the wedding day; putting much effort and time to make the day as close to perfect as possible.  Though, be sure to focus some time on preparations, enjoying the experience leading up to your day including your engagement session.  Thinking about skipping it?  DON’T!  It’s the perfect way to get to know your photographer and for some of us, feel comfortable in front of the camera.  Maine wedding photographer, Audra Bayette, shares some great tips and advice to get you all ready and comfortable for your engagement session.

Getting Ready for your Engagement Session Your engagement session is the first time “official” pictures are taken of you on the way to the altar.  It’s not The Big Day but putting some planning in to your engagement session will result in gorgeous images that are a true reflection of you as a couple.

When I work with couples my goal is to record your personal history – before you are married but after you have said YES!  You are an engaged couple for a short amount of time and your images should reflect that time and who you are.   So what are some things to consider when you are planning your engagement session?  I am glad you asked!

Location, Location, Location! Select a spot that is important to you as a couple.  Maybe you met at the library or you go to a local coffee shop every Sunday or you had your first kiss on top of the ferris wheel at the fair!  These are all great spots for an engagement sessions.  Selecting a location that means something to you as a couple gives your images more personality.  Shots of you and your sweetie outside your favorite ice cream shop not only provides a great background but will tug at the heartstrings each time you look at them.

But I Have Nothing To Wear! Engagement sessions are great for showing off your personal style.  Your wedding day attire is decided but your engagement session is a blank canvas!  Selecting clothing that you love and reflects who you are brings another level of personality to your images.  This is the time to bust out the clothing that makes you feel awesome and rock your wardrobe!   Plan on an outfit change during your session will give you a wider variety of looks and result in more images to choose from.  Planning on using your images for Save-the-Dates?  Wear your wedding colors – it’s a great way to work the color palette into the Save the Dates.

Makeup On The Set Please! Be the best version of yourself!  Paying a little more attention to your hair and makeup on the day of your engagement session will pay off, eyes and lips that pop helps create images that jump out to you and say WOW look at me! During the engagement session there is lots of cuddling and getting close so giving your hair a little umph that withstand the hugs and cuddles from your finance is a good idea.  Some clients schedule their makeup trial the day of their engagement session -great idea!

Bring a Prop Your dog, your bikes, your favorite books – all great props to bring along!   If you and your honey have a hobby or something you LOVE to do together schedule the session for a time you can be photographed pursuing your passion!  Don’t let the snow in Maine stop you – a snowshoeing engagement session is personal and fun!

Photographer Chat Schedule some time to chat with your photographer about your plans.  Not only can they help you brainstorm some great ideas but they can also give you a list of do’s and don’ts to make your images rock!

Have Fun! This is the most important advice I could give.  Engagement images are about you as a couple so have fun, be silly and most importantly be you!

*previously posted on 12/23/2010

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