Engagement sessions are an awesome time for me as a photographer to learn more about my couples. It also gets couples more comfortable with being in front of the camera (and with me) before their wedding day. Engagement sessions are a bit more slow and intimate compared to your wedding day. Most of the time it’s just the two of you and me, whereas on a wedding day your whole wedding party might be there or even your guests. Here’s what to expect when you have an engagement session with me aka Sydney Marie Photography.

BEFORE YOUR SESSION

Before your engagement session you’ll receive an engagement session questionnaire in your client portal. The questionnaire has some basic and fun questions about you and your boo. I want to know what you like, what you like to do and your comfort level with PDA so I can make your engagement session as comfortable and fun as possible.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING THE SESSION

I always say the first fifteen minutes are the most awkward, and that’s okay (it’s normal I promise!) We’ll walk around the location to find a good spot to stop and start taking a few pictures. I will walk you through some basic posing and just have you naturally interact with each other. We take it nice and slow and really get you both comfortable with me and being in front of the camera.

Knowing your comfort level is huge for me, I don’t want anything to make you feel uncomfortable and I want you to enjoy yourselves. Most of my posing is more natural with prompts and slight posing, it’s all very easy and fun! The prompts are super fun and meant to make you laugh and be more natural and not stiff. One of my favorites is where I have you look at each other and without breaking eye contact tell me an embarrassing story about your partner. I’ll also ask you questions like: What are you most looking forward to about being married? I’ll usually ask you to cuddle and kiss during the session but I want to make sure you don’t feel at all self conscious or uncomfortable. The basic poses we go over are mainly for your wedding day portraits. It gives me an idea of what poses will work best for your wedding and also so you know poses if there is a time crunch or just to make your day flow easier.

LOCATIONS

I get asked by couples frequently where should they have their engagement session. I have A TON of location ideas but ultimately it’s up to you, they are your photos! We can go in a few different directions but it really depend on what look you are going for. I also like to know your comfort level with PDA (even just hand holding/hugging) in a public setting, if you’re not comfortable we’ll stay away from heavily populated areas.

I regularly look for new locations around Michigan, so I’m always happy to help find a good location based on what you are looking for. A few of my favorite locations: Downtown Grand Haven and the beach, Downtown Grand Rapids, Lincoln Brick Park, Hoffmaster State Park, Esch Beach, Downtown Traverse City, South Haven south beach and pier and Silver Lake dunes.

Think outside the box too, have a favorite coffee shop or brewery you both love? Let’s take photos there! These are your engagement photos, and I want them to reflect you as a couple.

TIME

Living in Michigan, the weather is unpredictable and we have very noticeable seasons. I have no problem taking pictures at any time of day; but the softest light can either be found around an hour before sunrise or around an hour before sunset. Whenever possible I do try to schedule sessions around these times, soft light is more flattering and creates beautiful colors and tones in the images. I do want you to be comfortable, so in the middle of winter a before sunrise session isn’t going to be the most practical. We will figure out what works best for the time of year and what works best with your schedule.

CLOTHING

First and foremost, wear something you feel comfortable in. You don’t want to be fiddling with your clothes and feeling self conscious during the session. You won’t enjoy the session as much, and it will show that you aren’t comfortable in the images.

My biggest tip is to stay away from shirts with big logos and words on them, they can be super distracting.

PRO TIP: strapless and sleeveless shirts/dresses are not the most flattering at every angle, so if it’s something you’re looking to wear bring a shawl or cardigan to wear on top.

Almost all my sessions include some form of walking a little bit of a distance, so comfortable shoes are a must. If you do want to wear heals bring them along in a tote bag, it can easily be set aside for when we are taking pictures. I do try to bring an assistant with me to help with carrying coats and other winter accessories. Again, I want you to be comfortable and as warm as possible while we are out taking pictures. I do my best to remind you, but please be mindful of any bulky items like keys and phones in your pockets. They will show in the pictures and it doesn’t look good.

Want some inspo? Check out my Pinterest board.

AFTER YOUR SESSION

Don't forget to plan a lunch/dinner date! Take advantage of the time together, you’re already going to be all dressed up! We know the wedding planning process can feel consuming and overwhelming, so take some time after the session just for the two of you to relax and have some fun together. You BOTH deserve it! 

DELIVERY

Engagement sessions are delivered within 2-4 weeks in an online gallery with digital download and print release (it’s the same style of gallery you’ll receive for your wedding!) With your downloaded photos you can order save the dates, invitations and post your photos all over social media!

A FEW MORE TIPS

• Get your hair, makeup and nails done (it can be the perfect time to get your hair and makeup trial done for your wedding!)

• Have your ring cleaned.

• DON’T get a spray tan or haircut beforehand.

• Avoid clothes that might show bra straps or tags.

• Remember to bring a bag to hold your phones/keys - do not have them in your pockets!

• Just like your wedding, the more you plan and invest in your engagement session the smoother it will go. Don't wait till the last minute for details and planning.