WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Preparing for your Engagement Session: When, Where, & How

An engagement shoot is a great way to get to know your photographer before your big wedding day. You can also use the photos for your Save the Dates, Wedding Invitations, Wedding Website, Décor and Table Numbers!


If you're worried about feeling awkward in front of the camera, don't worry, I got you! I keep it fun and simple for my couples so that they feel at ease to be themselves. I'll also give you easy prompts like "hold hands and walk towards me," "kiss her cheek a billion times," or "walk like you're drunk" and so on whilst cracking some jokes that will naturally make you smile.


I'll also help you pick a location if you're having trouble choosing. I've put together my favorite locations here, but I'm always open to new locations as well. Maybe you have a location that's special to you where you want to take your engagement photos. I'm game!


Another option is to choose an activity you like doing together. For instance it could be going to a museum, a movie theatre, a café or bar, maybe it's playing golf together, cooking, playing board games or doing pottery! I want you to be able to look at your photos and think "that's SO us!"

1.Pick a Location


There are lots of great parks, gardens, and beaches around Long Island for engagement shoots. Some are free and others require permits. There are a lot of NYC options as well! Check out the link below to see some options:


LOCATION IDEAS


2.Determine Date & Time


Golden hour is considered to be the best time to take photos because the sun is close to setting and casts a much softer shadow. It also gives us an opportunity to capture the sunset on a clear day! If that timing doesn't work for you, a cloudy day is your next best option. Clouds disperse light evenly and is ideal for portrait photography.

3.coordinate your outfits


Pick what you're wearing together. Avoid clashing patterns and branded clothing (or anything with recognizable characters). Be comfortable in your clothes, consider the weather and the terrain you're going to be on. When in doubt stick to neutral colors:)


SOME INSPO

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And when you're ready to put together your Save the Date cards, here are some of my favorite places to shop & print:


Minted

Artifact Uprising

Papier


If you can't find a design you like on any of those sites, you can always design your own on Canva. They also have some free templates to help you start off. For inspiration, check out this Pinterest board.

@caroline.kratky