Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I am so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait for our time together during your engagement session! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. I always tell people that I still get nervous before having my photos taken - and I do this for a living!
I am a big fan of engagement sessions for a few reasons. First, they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera. It takes time for most couples to warm up to being photographed and understand how we pose. Timelines can be pretty tight on weddings days and 30 minutes may be all we have for portraits - which is why I have found that wedding day portraits turn out so much better when couples do engagement sessions ahead of time.
Second, you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you (and even include pets!). While they’re great for save-the-dates, I have taken engagement photos anywhere from 18 months in advance to a few weeks before the wedding.
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session and since I get asked the same things over and over again, I thought it would be the most beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
I will cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and more!
- Amber
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few days before the wedding. I have found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. I normally plan sessions based on a particular “vibe” a couple has in mind.
Sessions typically last about an hour and fifteen minutes and when I can—I love to begin sessions about two hours before sunset. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot.
I schedule sessions during what I believe will be the best light of the day - which means that it’s super important to be on time. If you’re late to an evening session, we could run out of light before we’ve finished shooting and if your session takes place in the morning, the sun gets more harsh as it rises.
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
TIME & LIGHT
While I shoot most of our engagement sessions between late April and mid November, sessions can take place all year. Most of my couples choose a season based on the location where they want to shoot.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Seasons
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Winter
snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats
If you’re planning to take your engagement photos during the winter, keep in mind that if your session takes place in the evening, we could begin shooting as early as 2:30pm to catch the sunset. I recommend dressing in layers so that in between photos you can warm up. Make sure you bring a little extra makeup and tissues in case your nose begins running.
Summer
walks on the beach hand in hand
In spite of the heat, I am a big fans of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 6:45pm. If you’re taking your engagement photos during the summer, I recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session.
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If your wedding is local, save the dates should be sent between 6 and 8 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, you’ll want to send them out 8 to 10 months before the wedding.
If you’re hoping to use your engagement photos for your save the dates, I recommend scheduling your session at least two months before you plan to send out your save-the-dates. Between inclement weather, editing, designing your save-the-dates and printing, two months is generally a safe amount of time to make sure your images and cards are ready.
Save-the-dates
Locations
Cincinnati and surrounding area ENGAGEMENT LOCATIONS
I love when couples choose a location for their session that complements their wedding. For example if you’re planning a chic, elegant wedding, it may be fitting to take your engagement portraits among the beautiful architecture in downtown, while a local park or flower-filled fields may be more fitting for a couple planning a more estate vibe wedding. The best session locations are often meaningful places to the couple; however, I am also happy to make recommendations. From downtown to hotel rooftops to parks and college campuses, the options for engagement session locations are endless!
Cincinnati Art Museum
Dayton Art Institute
Lytle Park Hotel
Memorial Hall / Music Hall
Hamilton County Court House
The Cincinnati Club
Several Downtown Buildings
CLASSIC & buildings with greatarchitecture
Eden Park Overlook - twin lakes
French Park
Ault Park
George Roger Clark Park
Washington Park
Parks
Sailing/ Boating
Pool day
Tennis date
Golf outing
Adventure
The above locations are all beautiful but I also love exploring new locations!
Destination Engagement Sessions
While I take most of my engagement sessions in the Cincinnati area,
I photographed sessions everywhere from Florida to Utah to Denver, Colorado. If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you, let me know because if my schedules align, I might be able to take your engagement photos outside of my normal area.
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and my availability.
My dog is a huge part of my family, which is why I love when couples choose to incorporate pets into their session.
I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then having a friend take them home or keep them for the remainder of the session. I won’t use the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots.
If you’re going to bring a pet, I recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing your pets favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot.
Pets
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
It’s typical for us to reschedule if the forecast is calling for rain. Because of this it is always smart to leave time for a reschedule date.
I will check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for engagement session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain.
Let me know what works best for the two of you - but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, I typically try to make the call at least 6 hours in advance.
Champagne
is always a good idea