Everything to Know
This blog posts is a comprehensive guide on all of the things you should know about your engagement session with me. Things to keep in mind, how to plan your outfits, what to expect from me, etc.
Questionnaires
i need all the info!!
I'll send over a questionnaire for you to complete before your session. This is so I can get to know you better as a couple, and so I can make this the best possible session for you! This helps so that there is no confusion or missed information before our shoot, so you need to fill this out before the session!
Before the Session
There is a lot to do to prepare for your session coming up! First, please be sure to pay the remaining balance, you can check how much you owe by reviewing your invoice. Be sure to steam or iron your outfits, and have a backup outfit planned just in case! Have a tote bag packed with some essentials as well.
Including Your Pets
I am ALL for including your dogs or even your cats in your session, I just try to incorporate them at the beginning of the session and then have a friend or family member take them home or for a nice long walk around our location while we continue shooting.
Having an additional person to hold your pets is crucial if you want to incorporate them so we all aren't chasing and watching them throughout the session. Also- bring your pet's favorite toy or treats, and go on a walk beforehand!
Be Prepared
What to Bring to the Session
- First, I recommend bringing a basic large tote bag ( think the ones you'll find at grocery stores/Marshalls checkout aisle)
- If you are wearing heels, bring some slides/sandals to wear while we walk around the location.
- Any lipstick/lipgloss for touch-ups
- If your hair gets messy/tangled super easily, bring a comb or brush!
- Sunglasses can add a really cool vibe as well, depending on the session
- Cash for parking fees (if applicable, I will always let you know ahead!)
- Something personal: Whether it’s flowers, a newspaper, a bottle of champagne, or a blanket, even incorporating just one extra styled item, could be a fun way to make your session more unique and personal!
Note: You don't need to bring all of these! Typically, just your phone, keys, and lip product touch-ups are perfect.
Trust me, I know that on a typical date with your partner you aren't usually running around holding hands, being thrown into dip kisses, etc. So I say to just think of it like a movie or music video!
Posing
My priority is for you to feel confident and comfortable at all times! I have a variety of poses I use for every engagement session, plus I'll even pull up inspo from your Pinterest board during our session if needed. I'll always tell you how to pose, so never feel pressured or worried about that. Your job is to be happy and in love- that's the best way for it to show up in the photos!
Trust me I know none of this feels natural, but I will guide you and prompt you in all the best ways possible to get the best photos in the end! Sometimes if I tell you to do something funny, that means I've got a crazy idea or I'm just finding a way to make you laugh. Sometimes it may feel weird but it looks really good on my end so don't stress!
I'll do my best to keep an eye on your hair, makeup, and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
The Best Ways to Prepare
Clean Your Ring
I always try to get a nice photo of your ring during our session if I can, so be sure to clean it before so it's sparkling just right for these pics! There are ring cleaners on Amazon, and you can do it at home by soaking it in warm dish soap and a little Windex for 25 minutes or so. Then brush the stone with a toothbrush and let it dry!
Get Your Nails Done
I love getting close-ups of my couple's hands to really let that ring shine. That's why I always recommend that you either get your nails done or get a set of press-on nails, just be sure to bring backups in case there's a mishap!
This is a Date Night!
I know that taking photos might be a little awkward at first if this is all new to you but think of it as a date! I always recommend my couples plan a dinner date or an outing afterward that you can do together, you're already looking nice!
Beauty Tips & Prep
Some clients choose to get their hair and makeup done for the engagement shoot and I'm all for you feeling your best! So, if you’re planning on getting your hair and makeup done, treat your engagement session as the perfect excuse to pamper yourself, and do a trial for who you may book for your wedding day to do your hair and makeup. Don’t feel pressured to go all out, choose a look that feels like you, just a little more polished.
A clean ring, fresh nails, and a simple touch-up kit with lipstick or powder can make a big difference in your photos. And don’t forget to consider the season because humidity, wind, or cooler temps can all play a role in your look. Whether you keep it simple or go professional, the most important thing is that you feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera.
Your Outfits
You want to feel comfortable and confident in your outfits. This will help you relax and enjoy the photoshoot, which will ultimately result in better pictures.
Make sure that your outfit complements your partner's. You don't want to clash or look like you're wearing completely different styles.
Coordinate your colors and styles so that you look like a cohesive unit. Keep the word complement in mind rather than match. Think of color families and color palettes as well, there are great ideas on Pinterest I have saved here! I have another blog post that goes in depth on how to find your perfect engagement shoot outfit you can check out here.
Tips for Creating Your Look
First, try on your outfits ahead of time, and if you want, feel free to send me photos of what you're thinking, and I will help you in any way I can! Comfort is key! Choose outfits you can move in easily since many poses involve sitting, walking, or even a little running around. While shorter dresses can be adorable, they can sometimes limit your movement and pose options, so keep that in mind.
When planning a more casual look for your engagement session, you can’t go wrong with jeans and a nice top. It’s a classic combo that works in almost any setting and can easily be dressed up or down with the right accessories.
For a dressier vibe, consider a flowy dress or a button-down/collared shirt paired with dress pants.
One of my top outfit tips for any session: bring layers! Jackets, cardigans, scarves, or even a simple sweater can add variety and dimension to your photos. Layers give us extra options, especially if you’re sticking with one main outfit.
If you want even more ideas, I have an entire blog post with additional outfit tips to help you feel your best on your engagement session day!
Consider your inspiration when selecting your outfits. Do a lot of the pins/ ideas you save to your mood board result in a lot of couple's wearing a certain type of outfit? If you want a whimsical, flowy, session then I would suggest a flowy dress or more loose items to wear!
Your moodboard & outfits
Consider your inspiration when selecting your outfits. Do a lot of the pins/ ideas you save to your mood board result in a lot of couple's wearing a certain type of outfit? Maybe start to plan your outfits based off of your moodboard and go from there to make it your own!
More Outfit Tips
- Avoid, big bold patterns
- Avoid bright, neon colors
- Wear simple hats and accessories
- Try, neutral and muted colors
- Wear different textures
COLORS THE CAMERA LOVES
- White
- Black
- Beige
- Stone & Navy Blue
- Sage/ Forest Green
What about Weather?
I am always checking the weather app leading up to our session. I will shoot in the rain or the snow if it's light and not downpouring/ a crazy blizzard. Rainy sessions can be so magical in their own way! If it's looking super crazy with downpours or whatever, I will reach out with next steps on rescheduling.
after the session- getting your photos
After our session, I'll go home and edit all of the beautiful photos! Depending on my schedule and your package, this can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks but I do my best to keep you updated! You will get your gallery through a online link via email where you will get a step-by-step process on how you should download your photos and access to my print shop linked to your gallery. Please refrain from screenshotting your photos, that ruins the quality and you deserve to appreciate your photos to the highest quality!
To keep your photos forever, I recommend downloading them through the Google Photos option on my site! Keep in mind I will archive galleries as time goes by so please download your photos ASAP, I'll give you a warning email when your gallery will be archived.
After the session
Please don't alter your photos in any way ( filters, face tune, etc) If there is a problem, let me know ASAP and I can do my best to help figure it out! Keep in mind this is in the contract that you signed!
photoshop requests
I can photoshop unwanted objects out of photos, acne, etc. I can't make you into Bella Hadid or a Kardashian, I'm here to capture the REAL you!
social media
Please tag me in any social media posts afterward! @kaitlynchabotphoto Social media and referrals are a photographer's best friend and help so much! ( plus I want to hype you up!)
Let's Do this!
I am so excited for our session together and I hope this guide has helped put you more at ease and prepared for your session with me. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me!