With the engagement session season approaching, we thought it’ll be a very timely post!

First, let us tell you why you should consider an engagement | portrait session:  having fun together,  getting to know us, allowing us to get to know you,   celebrating your relationship,  using photographs for announcements – save the dates – sign in books – gift prints –  art prints for your walls +  just about displaying them everywhere you can!

LOCATION: Everyone will tell you,  to make the location special.   Well, yes and no – if you have a particular location in mind- great …if not- do not worry!!!   Just let us know, what appeals to you; farms? parks? city scape?  nature? architecture? old buildings? new buildings?  Try not to think of the usual locations, be creative…lets talk about it…we’ll help find the right place… one good location is better than five… we don’t need to travel through town just to get another background - remember this is about you and appreciation of your relationship.   You are the most important thing.   Your love.  Locations are cool, but we don’t need fancy ones to make this session special!

PERSONALITY: We always say that, the work you see us produce is not mare talent and tricks we have up our sleeves but a collaboration and trust with our clients.     This is the single most important aspect of our photography.     Prepare yourself to show us your love…   through quietness, hugs, soft touches… a smile or a look…. a silly game, laugh – whatever makes you – you.   We strive to make both of you as comfortable and at ease as possible but you have to come with open mind and open hearts.    We promise it’s going to be a good experience and you will have fun … the photos are going to reflect that.

TIMING: While we love to be able to shoot anytime; there are better times in terms of light than others [early mornings or afternoons are the best].  We also have limited availability during weekends in spring/summer.

CLOTHES: Again, this is all about you!  We want your personality to shine..if you like red; wear red…if you want to wear black;go ahead!    Don’t try new things or drastic changes in your look that day…stay true to your style [and we can't say our client's don't have style- you are really quirky fashionistas and we adore that!].  Most clients keep one set of clothes throughout the shoot, but few change from casual to formal – it’s your call.

{We have tried to find some good articles on the internet for your reference; unfortunately without much success… all pointers are specific on what to wear, to bring props, to find a romantic extravagant locations and include sample photos that are just so staged and boring etc…. we don’t agree with most of it!   we allow ourselves to be redundant and say this session is about YOU and your relationship and love…  so the only good reference for you we can offer are sample of recent sessions from us High Line Hillary +Mike and Central Park Aileen + Steve and another portrait session of Jean + Frank

IF YOU ARE OUR CLIENT, CHANCES ARE WE’LL BE SHOOTING THIS SESSION SOON…IF YOU HAVEN’T ADDED IT YET, PLEASE CONSIDER DOING SO, IT’S REALLY FUN!   IF YOU ARE JUST PASSING BY, OR CONSIDERING DOING AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION or PORTRAIT SESSION [YOU CAN BE MARRIED FOR A YEAR, TWO OR TEN IT'S ALWAYS NICE TO CELEBRATE YOUR LOVE] JUST LET US KNOW.  WE ARE HAPPY TO SHOOT IT, WE LOVE DOING SO.

***Edited to add v1:   For more read about the subject and wonderful Photography check out Seattle Wedding and Portrait Photographer,  Kip Beelman’s blog post about Engagement Sessions

***Edited to add v2: Another addition is a clarification about “props” – in the past year or so…internet has been flooded with inspiration Engagement Shoots with theme [recurring ones such as vintage suitcases, vintage picnic etc.] we are definitely not against props; although we feel that you don’t need them if they will be just meaningless cute props and similar to all the stylized shoots popping all over the place.  If they fit your personalities, if you have beloved things that you want to include such books, toys, bikes etc.  by all means, yes! Here are two sessions we have done that ….have some props that were just an addition to highlight the personalties/relationship of the couples NOT be the highlight of the shoot Liz + Todd Engagement and recent Valentines Day Shoot

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