Grand Rapids Engagement Photographer // Your Engagement Session!

Your engagement photos are some of the most important photos you will take.  There are lots of decisions to make when it comes time to take these images, but the decisions don’t have to be difficult.  Today, I wanted to share a few tips and ideas on how to make the process a little easier and dare I say, fun, for you and your spouse-to-be!!

Location / Time of Year

The first thing to think about when scheduling your engagement session with your photographer is what time of year you want your photos taken in.  Now, sometimes you don’t have many seasons to choose from if your wedding is only four months away, but quite often, many brides and grooms have an entire year or so until the big day.  Do you want pretty blue skies in the summer, maybe colorful trees in the fall, trees full of blossoms in the spring or even, yes….I’m going to say it….a winter scene full of snow?  We have photographed in every season and each has their pros and cons.  It really comes down to what best represents the two of you.

Location.  When choosing a location, I usually like my couples to decide this on their own because when the location has meaning and significance behind it, I know their true personalities will shine through.  However, if you just want pretty landscape that fits in with our natural style…I’m happy to offer suggestions.

Outfit Choices

I know….this one is tough.  When my family of four has our family portraits taken, I swear I order clothes from ten different websites usually returning most of it in the end because it is so hard….I totally get it.  My best advice here is to wear something that you are comfortable in.  When you are comfortable and relaxed, it will show.  Confidence is always your best accessory!  Long flowy dresses are currently a favorite of mine for the ladies and something coordinating for the hubby-to-be.  Coordinating is always preferred over matching.  Materials that can catch the wind always make me and my camera happy.  If you feel like wearing one casual outfit and one a little dressier, then please do!  That will give me a little time while you are changing to photograph your sparkly new ring!

Engagement Ring

And while on the topic of rings…..make sure to bring yours.  We love to take a few shots with it either on your hand or off by itself in some fun way that ties in with the surrounding area.  Here is a shot of one of our favorites….Jamie’s engagement ring from Blue Nile.  Isn’t is so unique and gorgeous?!

My Biggest Piece of Advice

Don’t skip out on an engagement session!  I know to some it’s tempting due to a lack of time, funds, desire to be in front of the camera, etc….but these sessions are for more than just the sake of taking pretty photos.  This is the time for you to get to know your photographer and become comfortable with him/her.  It’s the time where you start to learn their lingo and posing strategies so you don’t have to worry about any of that on your actual wedding day.  Taking the time out beforehand will surely make the wedding day go so much smoother and much more enjoyable.  This is the ultimate goal!  The more relaxed and comfortable you are with your photographer, the better your photos will be in the end resulting in gorgeous heirlooms for you to pass down for generations.

I hope you found this helpful!  Have a wonderful day, friends!!