TIMING IS EVERYTHING
You may have heard of the golden hour. It's the time when the sun is just rising, or near setting and the light is pure magic. For this reason I like to begin shooting in the afternoon about 2 hours before sunset, as most people prefer to shoot in the afternoon rather than the morning.
APPROACH 1: LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION
There are two ways to approach creating your perfect engagement session. The first, build it around a gorgeous location. As you know, Newfoundland has no shortage! I've compiled a list of places I'd love to shoot at. I'm always willing to go any distance to get that epic shot. Below is a list of my dream locations to shoot! Maybe you know a hidden gem!? I love to explore new locations!!!
APPROACH 2: LETS DO SOMETHING!
The second way to approach an engagement session is to build it around an activity. An activity is a great way of distracting you from having your picture taken and can also lead to fun candid moments. You can do something that brings you both together like a shared interest or passion. You can recreate a favourite date or maybe a cozy day inside your home. Below are examples of sessions I've done in the past.
PAST ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS
KYOKO & HECTOR’S BICYCLE DATE
This adorable session was built around the couples mutual passion for collecting classic bicycles. We took our time, peddling around a couple city blocks. In this picture we found these amazing steps which made me think of a New York City stoop. I had to sit them down for a shot and I love the results!
Of course it doesn't have to be bicycles. I've built sessions around a couples love of movies, horse riding, cooking, golfing or music to name a few. The more personal the better.
ANNE MARIE & JACOB’S FALL COLOURS
Fall sessions make for some of the most beautiful engagement photos! It can be tricky to book these sessions far in advance. As you know the perfect time to shoot fall colours can change year to year. If you really want those prime fall colours, it's best to watch, wait and be prepared to shoot on short notice.
CHRISTINA & STEVE’S CAMPING TRIPS
Camping trips in themselves have SO many opportunities for great candid moments. You could clumsily build the tent together, hike, fish, warm up by the fire and roast marshmallows! If we are really lucky we could wait for the stars to come out (I've always wanted to do that!). We can stage it or just invite me out to your campsite mid-trip.
KATIE & JACOB’S INSANE WEATHER
When I first pulled up to shoot this session, it immediately started to dump snow like I've rarely seen. I thought that when Katie & Jacob arrived they would surely call it off. To my surprise they were happy to push on and I'm so glad they did. Though it was hard to focus and at times I couldn't see them 6 feet in front of me, this session turned out GREAT! Shooting despite foul weather is a great way make for your engagement unique and memorable!
JILL & SEAN’S IN-HOME
Jill and Sean JUST finished the final touches on their brand new house so they were so excited to show it off. In-home sessions are great for a number of reasons. You are much more comfortable in your own home. You don't have to get too dressy and you can shoot rain or shine. There are also lots of fun things you can do like cook, laze on the couch or snuggle in bed. If you don't have a house pulled from Pinterest, you can always rent a cute but cheap Air B&B (and just stay for a romantic weekend staycation) or borrow a friends house for the afternoon.
WHERE YOU GO, I GO
I've asked my clients to do a lot of crazy stuff for photos like climb down a cliff or swim in October. One important thing you should know is I'll never pressure you to do anything you don't want to do. Also, I'll never ask you to do anything I wouldn't do myself- that may mean me climbing a 60' silo or taking my camera into the water. If you're the adventurous type, don't be afraid to throw your ideas at me. I've never turned down a great idea, the more out of the box, the better!
THINGS TO KNOW
Bring a pair of regular shoes. Some locations can be difficult to traverse if you're in fancy footwear, so it's nice to have a pair of runners to get you to those perfect locations.
Wear something you're comfortable in.
Don't worry, I don't expect couples to pose themselves. I'll give you all the direction you need!
If you'd like different looks, by all means, bring a change of clothes.
Don't over think it. The most important thing you can do is just enjoy your partner's company and have fun. Chemistry is KEY!
Consider professional hair and makeup for your shoot. You could even try to schedule your makeup trials the same day as your session- that way your glamorous look doesn't go to waste!
THINGS I’D LOVE TO SHOOT THIS YEAR
Gorgeous Newfoundland landscapes.
Flowy dresses in the wind.
Couples on a boat.
Couples with an iceberg in the background.
Couples in a VW Bus or Airstream
Couples in a helicopters
