Whenever an engagement shoot is approaching for one of my clients I inevitably get an email asking what makes the best location, what they should wear, if they should bring props, etc. I generally try to keep my guidance simple but the ‘engagement session’ is something I’ve grown incredibly familiar with and I want to give my clients and anyone who’s about to have an engagement session, some helpful tips on how to approach your shoot. My photography is a mix between caught moments and directed poses. I don’t simply follow you around and hope to get a photo of you both looking happily into the camera. I have to tell you to do that, but in-between telling you how to sit or where to stand, I want to capture the real you. You’re together for a reason I want that to shine through. Here’s some ideas that might make your shoot less about trying to look perfect and more about documenting the real you.

WHAT’S THE POINT? To document you— as a couple. Who you are, what your style is, your youth, and of course, the interaction between you and your partner. Sounds cheesy right? Well, it can be, but the reality is it doesn’t have to be. Every couple is different, some couples are mushy and have pet names, others high-five each other and call each other ‘dude’. Others are silly and/or like to party, and some are ubber romantic and tenderly affectionate. The point is, whoever you guys are and the life you live right now, is the life worth documenting. On your wedding day, you’ll be dressed up and although you’ll look AMAZING  you probably won’t look too much like your everyday self, especially if you’re not the type of girl to wear much make-up or the kind of guy who lives in t-shirts and jeans! So how about capturing a little bit of the REAL you— together?

HOW DO WE CHOOSE OUR LOCATION? When clients ask me where I think they should do their shoot, the first thing I tell them is to pick a place that has some sentimental value to them. It could be the spot he proposed, the place you met, your favorite bar or coffee shop, your local farmer’s market or Coney Island, or even the tiny studio apartment you share and but you know you’ll have to give up when you start building a family. With that in mind, we pick a starting place and we go from there. We’ll take a walk, maybe stop for a latte or a shot at your favorite bar. If we’re in the city we can hail a cab across town, or jump on the subway a few stops. Just think of your shoot as a little hang out session with photos snaps in-between.

WHAT DO WE WEAR? It depends, what do you like to wear normally? And if you wear scrubs everyday or a uniform of sorts, what would  you wear everyday if you could. Although, now that I say that, I might actually opt for the scrubs, damn those things are comfy! Seriously though, there are no rules when it comes to your engagement session. They are your photos, and if you want to shoot in your gym clothes then so be it. But if you’re reading this then odds are you’re looking for some advice, so here are a couple things to consider when putting together your wardrobe. For one— color coordination!! I’m not saying to get all matchy-matchy, but think green with blue or blue and yellow. Beyond that, if one of you wears a solid, the other may want to consider a print like plaid or stripes. More than anything though, make sure you both are on the same page when it comes to how dressy or how casual you are. One of you shouldn’t be sporting a hoodie while the other is rockin’ a cocktail dress. So if you want to rock your gym clothes, cool, just make sure you’re both on board.

WHAT SHOULDN’T WE WEAR? There are only a few things I suggest couples avoid. When people view your photos you want them to be able to know a little something more about you and your partner. What you don’t want is someone noticing your wrinkled kakis, t-shirt artwork, or Abercrombie & Fitch logo before they even see your happy faces. The idea here, to look like your best self without loosing yourselves in the process. For example, if you hate wearing dresses don’t wear a dress just for the sake of looking ‘nice’. You won’t feel comfortable and that will come through in your photographs. If you’re partner doesn’t really wear bow-ties, don’t make him wear one. After all that’s not who he is, right? It’s about staying true to yourselves and avoiding simple things like wrinkled clothing, t-shirt artwork, logos, and athletic shoes— unless you’re BOTH going for the ‘athletic’ look for your shoot. Lastly, you may want to avoid all white or all black outfits since you’ll no doubt be sporting that on your wedding day.

SHOULD WE USE PROPS? Props are one of those things that can date your photos and cheesify them more than anything. That said, the right prop for the right reason can totally work, but 90% of the time, all we need to make a good shoot is you, your partner, and a willingness to take a walk around, show some love, and have some fun.

…and here’s some inspiration for you!