I’m available for engagement sessions throughout the year, indoors and out, rain, snow, or shine, but it seems that most couples prefer to wait for slightly-warmer-than-winter weather to schedule a session. If these past few days have been any indication, I’d say it’s starting to feel more like springtime here in Boston (though I may very well be jinxing it as I write this), and this means I’m starting to get more engagement session inquiries. I thought I’d answer a few of the common questions about my engagement sessions here.
Why do an engagement session? I would say the main reason why couples have done sessions with me is simply to have some great images of them as a couple at this point in their lives, in the city that they live in, fell in love in, etc. If you’re like me, most of the photos you have of you and your significant other include one of your visibly outstretched arms and there’s also a good chance that your posed, smiling faces take up the majority of the frame. While it’s great to have these types of photos in your collection, I think it’s also great to also have some high quality images that show you in your element, with the person you love, minus your outstretched arm.
Another reason is to have images for formalities such as save the dates, wedding announcements, guest books, etc. Another is to get comfortable with being in front of a camera before your wedding day, and, if you choose to hire me as your wedding photographer, it gets you comfortable with working with me, too. On my end, shooting an engagement session for a couple whose wedding I will be also be shooting allows me to have some familiarity with the way a couple interacts and responds in front of the the camera. This helps with getting even better shots on the wedding day.
What goes on during a session? I know there is nothing more unnatural than having someone follow you around with a camera pointed at you, but my sessions are very informal and I try to let things flow as organically as possible. There is always lots of chatting, laughter, and exploring of the environment. My couples aren’t professional models and I understand that they might need some guidance, so I often help direct couples on how to position themselves to get the most flattering angles and light. Still, the majority of the session involves me capturing the natural interactions between couples as opposed to the posed. I take into account any specific images a couple might like for me to capture, but for the most part they put a lot of trust in my eye and give me free reign during the session.
Where and when does it take place? The session will take place in the location of your choice, indoors or out. It can be in a location that has meaning to you, such as the neighborhood you both live in, the park that you had your first date, or the campus of the university where you met. It can also be any other location that is pretty, has interesting colors/textures, is reflective of your personalities, or simply has great light. It’s really up to you! I love to be involved in coming up with a great location, especially when couples are less sure about what they are looking for.
In terms of timing, I’m available year-round for shoots. I can work with any lighting situation at any time during the day, but I often suggest starting as close to sunrise or sunset as possible. The sun is lower in the sky at this time and casts a warmer light and is much more flattering to work with than, say, the harsher, white light that usually occurs closer to noontime.
Last but not least, I call these “engagement” sessions, but really they can be done at any point in your relationship, whether you’re engaged, married, or just plain old smitten with each other. They’re for couples in love!
If you have any questions or are interested in booking a session, please e-mail me directly!
