ENGAGEMENT SESSION TIPS

Engagement Sessions can feel a little bit overwhelming. Clients come to me with questions beforehand and I’m sure there are lots of people who are too shy to even ask. I thought I would take some of the uncertainty out of your engagement shoot ahead of time so that you can just relax and have fun!

WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?

First and foremost you want to wear something you are comfortable in. If you aren’t comfortable it shows on your face. That being said, don’t go overboard and wear workout clothes (unless you both are known as famous fitness instructors or found love at the gym). Try to find a happy medium.  Make sure you can also move around in it. Some girls wear tight dresses and they wind up looking stiff in their photos. Long flowy dresses look great on camera because it has movement.  Here is a link to a Pinterest board to give you some ideas.  http://pin.it/HYrz7em

• Wear Clothes That Make You Feel Like You.
• Complement Each Other, But Don’t Match.
• Choose Pastels, Cool Colors, and Neutral Tones, if you pick a bold color make sure just one of you is wearing it.
• Tie Everything Together With a Color Scheme.
• Opt for Classic Rather Than Trendy Looks.

HOW MANY DIFFERENT LOOKS SHOULD WE PREPARE?

I like to keep it to two looks. One look that that’s cute for a date outfit and one more formal outfit. This will give your engagement session two different looks. I would start with date outfit first.

SHOULD I GET MY HAIR AND MAKEUP DONE?

Yes! Unless you are really good at doing your own makeup and hair I highly suggest you get your hair and makeup professionally done. Most of the time the makeup and hair person that does your wedding will offer a trial so take advantage of that! If you need suggestions for a hair and makeup artist I know a lot of good ones and will be happy to refer you to some.

FUN PROPS TO THINK ABOUT.

A Champagne bottle and some glasses is always fun for photos. Also if you both want to wear sunglasses that’s also cute for photos.

TIPS FOR GUYS

Remember to take everything out of your pockets.

WHERE SHOULD WE TAKE THE PHOTOS?

It’s always nice to pick a location that’s special to you as a couple. If you can’t think of anything though don’t stress. Here is a list of great places I recommend:

Beach

LOS ANGELES 

Venice Beach and the canals

El Matador State Beach (permit required)

Manhattan Beach Pier/ Redondo Beach

Malibu State Beach Pier

Adamson House ($200 permit fee)

Santa Monica Pier

Venice Beach/ Venice canals

Solstice Canyon

ORANGE COUNTY

Victoria Beach Laguna Beach (permit required)

Crystal Cove State Park (permit required)

Treasure Island Beach

Newport Beach Pier

Balboa Island

Huntington Beach Pier

Dana Point Harbor Beach

Little Corona Del Mar

Main Beach in Laguna Beach

Balboa Island

City/Buildings

LOS ANGELES 

Walt Disney Concert Hall

The Arts District

 Vista Hermosa Park

Grand Park

Greystone Mansion ($299/hr)

Union Station Downtown LA

Grand Central Station

LA Public Library

Pasadena City Hall

Chinatown Downtown LA

ORANGE COUNTY

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Old Town Orange

Lido Marina Village

Newport Island

Schools

Los Angeles and Orange County

UCLA

USC

UCI

Chapman University

Claremont Colleges

Caltech Pasadena

Park or Garden

Los Angeles

Descanso Gardens ($300 permit fee)

Arboretum of Los Angeles ($50 permit plus entrance fee)

Malibu Creek State Park ($250 permit M-F only)

Solstice Canyon (permit required)

South Coast Botanic Garden ($50 permit plus entrance fee)

Topanga State Park ($100 permit and 4 weeks notice)

Griffith Observatory

Oak Canyon Nature Center ($20 permit photo fee)

Irvine Great Park (permit required)

Thomas Riley Wilderness (permit required)

Northwest Open Space (Flowers usually bloom mid March and April)

Laguna Niguel Regional Park

Amusement Park

Disneyland (must pay park ticket for the photographer)

Las Vegas

Las Vegas Strip

The Neon Museum

Mount Charleston

Other locations

($50 gas fee for these locations)

Joshua Tree

Palm Springs

Lake Arrowhead

Big Bear

SHOULD I PLAN POSES AHEAD OF TIME?

If you have a Pinterest board with some poses that you like make sure you share that with me. Otherwise, I will guide you on the day of.

CAN WE BRING OUR PET?

YES! I HIGHLY suggest you bring an extra person to help stand next to me with a treat or hold them so we can take some photos of just the two of you.