Engagement Sessions

This session is all about love! This is the beginning your love story and my goal is to tell it through the photographs we capture. I will want to know how did you two meet, fall in love & propose? Getting to know you helps me get a vision for the session that reflects your personality & interests. What do you two love to do together? Is your career your passion & something you want to incorporate into your session? Is there a hobby, craft, sport or pastime that you do in your spare time? Is there a place or event you love going to together? Let's have fun with this session and get creative! For more inspiration click here www.pinterest.com/jamiebrown/love-birds

When to plan:

Typically an engagement session is planned shortly after the proposal when the excitement of planning the wedding is in the air and so that you can use an image from this session in your engagement/intent to wed announcement for the paper... and let's be honest, for a fabulous profile pic to show off your happiness!

What to expect:

Sessions will last 1-2 hours, depending on length of session booked and the date is reserved with the session fee paid in full.  I will work with you to get a good idea of what is the best way to tell your story, using the location and any props necessary. I have some props available for you to use, but if you have any ideas please bring them along to your consultation.

How to prepare:

You will need to bring any accessories, props or clothes you'd like to use. Think about where & how you would like to use the images from your session (home, newspaper, announcements, etc) and start building the scene around that theme or location. Let's use those colors in the photo shoot to create a cohesive theme that ties in your wedding colors. 

Here is a typical photo shoot checklist :

• extra outfits & accessories If session time allows for wardrobe changes, but it's a good idea to bring a spare.
• back up shoes A lot of locations are off the beaten path in grassy fields or pastures with manure, so a good sturdy pair of walking shoes or boots to wear is a good idea. You can change into your fancy shoes once we get there.
• make up or hair brush/accessories Ladies: touch ups for lip gloss, a bit of blush & some powder are a must! Bobby pins or hair ties are also a good thing to have on hand. Fella's: a comb or lotion for dry hands is about all you will need aside from whatever items that coordinate with your outfit (hat, tie, belt, etc.).
• bug spray I am starting to carry this with me at all times, summer evening sessions in remote areas are a prime time for mosquitoes or other creepy crawlies!
• any prop or special item you'd like to incorporate we usually discuss this before hand.

Other things to consider:

• manicure or pedicure: Don't forget sometimes your hands will be posed by your face. A coat of nail polish (even clear) is something to consider before your shoot. Or at least remove the chipped remains from your last coat of paint. ;o)
• haircut or color: For the ladies, a fresh bang trim & taking care of any grown out roots can make a big difference. The bang trim is especially important for little girls who may have stray hairs that hang into their face, I want to see their sparkling eyes! ;o) And, for the fella's, take the time to at least shave the back of your neck & trim any facial hair so you have a polished look in the photo. A "5 o'clock shadow" is awesome when it is done purposefully, a great tip is to shave a clear line from the jaw line down to your collar to give it boundaries. If it's in your budget having a professional salon appointment for a style the day of the session can remove the stress of styling your own tresses. I now have salon located inside of my studio to make appointments for haircuts or hair styling prior to your photo shoot.
• jewelry & accessories: Adding a watch, bracelet, necklace, scarf, hat, belt, tie, jacket, vest, gloves, etc. can make a big impact in a photo, make it look more polished & can take your look to the next level and give it more depth with layered textures.  Don't be afraid of bold, bright pops of color!

What to wear:

Coordinating with your mate can sometimes be a tricky balance of not matching too much and looking pulled together. I thinking finding a color palette that you both agree on is the best place to start and then bringing pieces together that fit that theme that displays your sense of style beautifully. Classic & timeless pieces are great, but don't be afraid to throw in some trendy touches! I love subtle textures, rich colors and layered shirts and accessories to really bring the look together. For some more inspiration check this out www.pinterest.com/jamiebrown/wardrobe