Engagement Sessions
Your engagement session is one of the most exciting parts of the time leading up to your wedding day. Engagement sessions are the best way for us to get to know each other, for you to get some experience in front of the camera as a couple, and for you to see how I pose and photograph your relationship.
It’s okay to feel a little anxious before the session, but do not worry! I will talk you through all the poses and give you lots of direction. I will handle everything!
In order to make sure you're prepared for your engagement session, I've put together this page to give you some insight on outfit decisions, location suggestions, and some frequently asked questions.
If you ever have any questions on a specific outfit, please feel free to reach out!
FAQ’s
Can we bring our dog(s) or cat(s)?
Yes! Oh my goodness, yes. Important: My instructions here would be that we do those photos at the beginning of the session and that you bring someone with you who can take your fur babies away after about 15 minutes of photos. No matter how good of a boy/girl your pet is, trying to manage them the rest of the shoot is difficult, so having someone to take them back home is essential.
When should we schedule them?
You should reach out when you’re about one to two months away from wanting to do them.
What is the turn around time?
Sessions are guaranteed to be edited and back to you within 4 weeks of the session, but typically within 2 weeks.
How many locations can we pick?
I recommend no more than two locations, and I would try to pick spots that are close to each other to really capitalize on our time together.
How many outfits should we bring?
I suggest a max of 2 outfits. Whether that be two dressier options or mixing in a casual. More often than not, we end up loving the dressier options more, so keep that in mind!
Locations
Below is a list of locations I love to photograph around Indianapolis.
You can also view photos of certain locations using the link below.
Urban (Outdoor):
- The War Memorial/Indianapolis Public Library
- Lockerbie Square
- Mass Ave
- Fountain Square
- Village of West Clay
- Outside of the BottleWorks Building
- The Center for Performing Arts (aka The Palladium)
Parks:
- Newfields Gardens ($50 permit required)
- Highland Park
- 100 Acres
- Eagle Creek Reservoir
- Flowing Well Park (Carmel)
- Historic Ambassador House
- Holcomb Gardens
- Garfield Park and Conservatory ($75 permit required)
Indoor Locations*:
- Spoke and Steele
- The Alexander Hotel
- Patachou (Stutz Location)
- Ironworks Hotel ($150 fee)
Hotel Indy ( Fee)
Bottleworks Hotel (Must book hotel room)
*All indoor locations need to be contacted prior to the session to get approval.
Engagement Session Outfits
WEAR CLOTHES THAT FIT
Sounds so simple, right? Clothes that fit you right will look good on camera. Loose fitting, or baggy clothes can add visual weight to your body. This is true not only for tops, but pants as well. Be especially mindful of men’s chinos or dress pants.
Also, be mindful of clothes that are too tight in areas that you may not want a lot of visual attention. Find the right balance of fit! When in doubt, remember that darker colors tend to be more flattering.
DRESS IN SOMETHING TIMELESS
For ladies, think 'Little Black Dress.' Something you can look back on in 10-15 years and still find stylish and attractive. Often times this means choosing something minimal. White dresses are timeless and very bridal.
For guys, go for a classic button up. Solids are always encouraged, but classic patterns like gingham are a great exception.
EMBRACE MUTED TONES
Wearing neutrals or muted colors are the best way to ensure romantic, timeless, and visually appealing photos. Neon, bright, coral, and teal colors can reflect those colors back onto the skin. Best to embrace neutral tones the enhance, not distract.
BRING A COUPLE OF OUTFITS
I usually suggest bringing one "dressier" outfit and one more "casual" outfit. A more casual dressy, and a more dressy casual. Make sense? Dressier outfits could mean a cute dress with heels, and casual could mean jeans and cute shirt or a sundress.
WEAR SOLID CLOTHES
Most of the time, though not always, patterns can be distracting to the eye or compete with the background. The easiest solution is to wear solid colors with no patterns. Solids also tend to be more timeless than patterns that come and go with trends.
Outfit tips continued…
LESS IS MORE
Keep it minimal! The less distracting, the better. This doesn't mean you can't wear earrings or a necklace, but keep accessories to a minimum. Just the essentials.
BUTTON UP SHIRTS
Most polo shirts are unflattering in several areas they cover. Best to avoid them all together and wear a button-up which is much more appropriate for an engagement session and will looking more flattering to your body.
COMPLIMENTARY COLORS
If one person is wearing a color, the other should wear something neutral in color, or a very muted color, in order to compliment each other.
TRENDY CLOTHES
It’s okay if you want to include some trendy clothing, but try to also bring a timeless outfit. The little black (or white) dress will always be the perfect addition.
ONE LAST THING…
The most important thing is for you to feel like you. These are just tips I've learned over the years to achieve the best results. But if you feel most comfortable wearing something else, wear it! Just consider these things and find the balance.
Ultimately, your engagement session will tell the story of your relationship as it pertains to your lives right now. Your clothing helps to tell that story. Interpret that in what way feels best for you!
Need more inspiration? View recent engagement sessions on the blog:
