It helps to get rid of those in-front-of-the camera pre-jitters during your engagement session. Often couples tell me they are worried about feeling awkward or nervous in front of the camera. This is not only 100% normal and human but also a good thing. Those nerves will only add to the adrenalin rush you will probably experience during your shoot and I encourage you to let go and embrace it. Think of the session as a spontaneous date night where you both get to lounge a little, kiss a lot, and be adventurous together. I promise to thoughtfully guide the both of you through the process initially but then I will let the rest flow naturally. Below are some quick tips for your engagement session.

Location. I completely encourage you to choose a location that suits your personality. Some couples like to choose an adventurous background, while others like to go to a place that’s special to them. Either way, find a location that’s separate from your wedding venue so your engagement photos have a different look, feeling and backdrop than your wedding photos.

Props. While props are not necessary, they can help keep you focused on something other than your nerves. Think about what you love to do together and anything that comes first to mind, bring.

Clothes. This is the time to wear that outfit that you’ve been dying to wear! Something that makes you feel good and that you can comfortably move around in. For my own engagement shoot, I wore jeans and a cream lace sweater for my causal outfit and a soft tule skirt paired with a Free People top for my special occasion outfit. Yes, bring a few change of outfits so you can have a different looks. It also helps if both of you are wearing neutral colours and only one of you wears a pattern (do not wear flannel as your partner wears stripes). Jeans, leather shoes, same finish accessories, rompers and dresses. Avoid hats, logos of any kind and revealing undergarments. I recommend wearing your outfits at least once before we shoot in order to make sure everything feels as good as you look. I trust your style, so break the rules if you want to. You’ll look incredible.

Hair & Make-up. Consider having your makeup and hair for your engagement session. It’ll make you feel confident and help you look your best on camera. You can also scheduling your make up trial before your engagement session so you can see what it looks like in photos.

Breathe. There’s always a bit of nerves at the start of an engagement session, but once things get going you will start to feel like it’s just another date night and confidence will sink in.

Kelly Jean Xx