If you’re proposing or engaged to the love of your life, engagement sessions are the best way to feel close to your partner, get stunning photos to use for announcements, and share with your loved ones. Not only this, but you can also meet your photographer prior to your elopement/wedding which will benefit your day tremendously! You stumbled across this blog for a reason though, you are curious about how you can make sure your engagement session aligns with your relationship and your vision.
Let’s get into the 6 tips I have come up with to ensure you know how to go about planning your dream DMV engagement session!
#1
Choose a location that you both connect to
Location is SO important, it can truly make an incredible difference in your images. Thinking of locations that match your personalities is a great place to start.
Here are some other things to consider when dreaming up your engagement session location:
Do we have any locations that are sentimental to us and our story? (ex. First date, favorite hike/trail, go to coffee shop)
What emotions are we looking to evoke?
In Home: Cozy, Vulnerable, Romantic, Warm
City: Romance, Excitement, Inspiration, Ambition, can totally go from elegant to bad ass depending on what your vibes are!
Nature: Romance, Adventurous, Freedom, Calm, simply down to earth
Studio: Powerful, Bold, also bad ass
What time of year do we want to have our session?
(If you’re looking to do your session somewhere in nature, what time of year do you think fits the vibes best for you two?)
Best DMV Engagement Photo Locations
· Near the Capitol
· Eastern Shore of Maryland
#2
Visit two locations during your session + bring a change of clothes!
Okay, this tip is kind of a two in one! If you have the opportunity to choose a location that has another spot nearby to visit, you’ll open the doors for more adventure,
and a variety of scenery in your photos. One of my favorite location duos is on the Eastern Shore where you’ll get the mix of a trail in the forest and a sunset on the beach!
Ask your photographer if they allow for an outfit change! If you decide not to do a second outfit you can always bring layers to switch it up a little.
#3
Turn it into a date day/night
Because, why not?? Carry on your celebration of such a beautiful chapter in your love story and plan for a pre/post session date! There are so many fun things you can do to celebrate depending on what fits your vibes.
Here are a few to consider:
· Pick out books for each other at a bookstore, then visit a coffee shop!
· Drive to a viewpoint and enjoy the overlook
· Visit a museum
· Bowling/Laser Tag
· Rooftop Dinner
· Stargazing
· Wine/Beer tasting
#4
Be prepared for any weather
The weather can be so unpredictable here! Whether it’s snowing, raining, or the sun is shining I know your session will turn out incredible. It’s important that you prepare yourself for all possibilities and make the most of the weather!
Here are some things to pack for your session:
· Umbrellas (clear or solid black are great options)
· Hand warmers
· Layers (beanie, scarf, mittens/gloves, jacket)
· Change of shoes
· Sunscreen
· Bug repellent
#5
Wear neutral colors
This might be the least talked about, but most important! Your outfits are such an important part of expressing yourself in photos and that’s why planning ahead will allow you to have less stress and more confidence!
Neutral colors will be your best friend when getting your photos taken and here is why:
· Vibrant colors tend to reflect onto your skin, meaning if you are wearing a bright red shirt, your face is going to have red reflected onto it!
(Neutrals will help you avoid this from happening.)
· Neutrals won’t distract from your overall photos and will go well in any setting.
· Neutrals are timeless! This year you might be obsessed with the color purple, and next year you could totally hate it. You want to love your photos for a lifetime!
· Neutrals are great to wear during any season!
#6
Hire a photographer that offers unique session add-ons
Your love story is unique to you, so why not have it documented in your own unique way? I love being open with my clients about documenting their story in a way that is authentic to them. You might always take a polaroid for special occasions; polaroid's are my favorite add-on that I offer! You two love amusement parks and want to capture a fun-filled experience at your favorite park together! There are endless ways to make your session unique to your story and your love and I can’t wait to chat with you more about how you envision your session!
