BEING PREPARED

Preparing.  Depending on the type of person you are, this word could make you feel a few different ways.  For some, it brings on a feeling of comfort, like snuggling under your softest, fuzzy blanket.  Preparing helps you relax and know that you are ready for whatever lies ahead.  For others, it produces feelings of anxiety.  The stress of setting aside a moment in your busy day to plan...who has the time?!  Whether you get warm fuzzies or knots in your stomach at the thought of planning, I believe that preparing for your engagement session will ensure that your photos are everything you want them to be and more.

So why prepare?  There are so many good reasons.  Number one, these photos will probably be the first professional photos you take with your fiancé.  You want to show all of your family and friends (and friends of friends on Facebook) how happy you are in a way that totally represents YOU as a couple.  While you know all the quirky details of your relationship, your photographer may just be getting to know you.  Help them capture your personality and passions by telling them a little more about yourself before the shoot.  Do you love playing tennis together? Going on long bike rides? Do you like to paint?  Whatever it is, mention it to your photographers before your engagement session so they can suggest a cool location or props to showcase what you both love.   

This brings me to my second point.  How can you prepare for your engagement shoot?  Start by checking out other couples' engagement photos.  In other words, STALK!  Just kidding.  But you do want to search for ideas.  Potential locations, props, and cute outfits are all good things to look for.   More importantly, is the overall feel of the photograph.  Is the lighting soft and romantic, or does it have a more dramatic look?  When you see a picture you like, shoot it over to your photographer so they can get an idea of your style.

Which brings me to my last suggestion...VISUALS!  There is no better way to communicate to your photographer than to show them.  Print out or email your favorite looks to your photographer so they know exactly what you’re going for.  This will help them capture your unique love effectively, giving you that warm fuzzy feeling every time you look at your engagement photos.       

Check out the AWESOME page of inspiration Ali and Nathan put together before their NYC engagement session.

Happy Tuesday!