Style + Preparation Guide
Engagement + Couple
I am so excited to celebrate with you!
Engagement and Couple photoshoots are some of my favourite because there’s no pressure! Your photoshoot is less stressful since you don’t have to worry about what is happening during your wedding day & you can both be completely YOU without worrying about anything. These photoshoots allow you to have as much fun as possible, laugh more and even get a bit dirty. I always suggest making it a fun date night!
If you’ve hired me for your small wedding or elopement this will give you an idea of how I work and what you can expect for your special day
Posing + Direction
I understand the pressure couples feel when it comes to “posing” and this is why I don’t really pose you! I will guide + direct you during the photoshoot but I won’t typically have you pose in one spot and for a long period of time. The more comfortable and fun you’re having the more the photographs will feel like you! Don’t worry - I will always make sure the lighting looks good and I will absolutely tell you what to do with your hands! You two just need to show up, be yourselves and your love
What’s the vibe?
There are a couple of important things we need to figure out before we move onto the outfit suggestions.
1st - What is the vibe you’re going for? What do you want to see/feel when looking at the photos? Do you want the fun/adventurous side or more of a romantic + loving vibe? Often times introverts want more of a quiet and romantic vibe while extroverts tend to love the fun, adventurous and laughter filled vibes.
2nd - Think about the location of where and when you’d like your photos. Are you wanting mountains, lakes, field, hoodoos, sandy, city vibes etc. The season’s also play an important role! Do you want spring, summer, fall or winter? Perhaps you start off with romantic loving photos along the river and end in a mud fight having fun! Maybe you’re skinny dipping in your favourite lake near the mountains. Perhaps you’re at home during the winter and painting together.
The options are truly endless so find what speaks to you both the most. If you have any inspiration from my work or elsewhere feel free to send that along so I can get a better idea of what you’re hoping for!
The Seasons
Summer
The summer season you can expect it to be hot and probably dry. I suggest wearing light layers and having more flowing outfits. This will help you be able to breathe more in the clothing and hopefully sweat less with the heat! Wearing darker colours in the summer will help mask the sweat that may show through clothing. Wear a lot of sun screen prior to your photoshoot so there aren’t any harsh sun burn or tan lines as these can’t be edited out! Also - avoid spray tanning or tanning lotions as the heat will literally melt it off ;)
Fall
This is the perfect season to do photoshoots as the weather isn’t too hot or too cold and the colours of nature are beyond beautiful! I always suggest wearing neutral colours and layers for this season.
Winter
The winter season is a tricky one, while it sounds incredibly beautiful, it’s a season that needs flexibility. The weather can be incredibly cold so you will want to layer up, a lot! Wear fleece leggings under dresses or pants to keep you extra warm.
Spring
During the spring season you can expect almost every season in one! It can be anything from +20 to snow falling and chilly. It will likely be muddy out and depending on the date there may be trees/flowers blooming. If you’re deciding to do spring photos I suggest bringing layers, good shoes, hats and a blanket to sit on. During this season there may be rain but don’t worry, rain can look amazing in photos and I have plenty of clear umbrellas for the photoshoot!
What feels like you?
The most important thing about your couple or engagement photoshoot is that you feel like YOU in them all. You want to be comfortable in what you’re wearing and to also see yourself in them.
While these are all suggestions for what looks best in photographs, at the end of the day I want you to feel comfortable. The more comfortable you are, the more your personality will shine through in the photos!
Home
Having your photoshoot in your home can be soooo special! You have created a life together in this space and there isn’t another place that will share your story better than your home! This is a space that most likely brings you comfort. Everyday activities are romantic and this is a great way to embrace them!
What to wear at home
If you’re going with doing the photoshoot in your home then I suggest wearing any of the following; casual clothing, bare foot, sleep shorts, cozy sweaters or shirts, slippers. These are typically a more cozy and comfortable vibe so embrace it! Don’t be afraid to show more skin
Accessories
Stacked Rings + Layered Necklaces / Simple = More
Layers - Sweater layered over dress, long coat, cozy sweaters etc
Leather or Denim Jacket
Hat(s)
Sentimental Pieces - Jewelry or Clothing
Props
These are things that gives you both something to do not your typical “photo-booth” props. Plan a little activity that would be fun or has meaning to you! If it doesn’t feel like YOU then you wont see yourself in the photographs so find something you both love to do.
Some Ideas:
If you enjoy camping - we can find a campsite to make smores or your favourite lunch!
Do either of you play instruments? Bring that along
Pack a romantic picnic and head to your favourite scenic location to enjoy it together
Do either of you paint? Perhaps you paint together and it can get a bit messy + romantic
Is pottery your thing? Let’s go to your personal or favourite pottery location and get a bit messy for the photos + capture the romantic part too
Do you both enjoy canoeing together? Let’s head to one of your favourite lakes (or a new one) for a canoe ride
Tips + Advice
Create a colour palette. Select 2-4 colours as this will create a cohesive look
Less patterns the better. if you’re going to wear a pattern have the the other person wear solids that compliment it.
Pick outfits early so you have time to change them if you emd up wanting something else
Don’t “match” - have them compliment or harmonize
If you want a colour have the rest of the outfit(s) be neutral to compliment it.
Wear undergarmets that won’t show or crease. Nude colours will be best
What to avoid
Bright colours (reds, pinks, oranges, greens, yellow) these will leave a colour cast that can’t be removed in editing so it’s best to avoid these bright colours.
Tight fitted clothing, the more it flows the better! This will help create movement in photographs and you’ll be able to move around better
Large logos, text or graphs
Don’t be too “matchy” - if you’re wearing the same outfit or similar ones you will likely blend into each other. This will be hard to tell who’s limbs are who’s in the photographs. We want you to look like your own self while looking cohesive
Where to Shop
Edmonton
Sustainable + Size Inclusive
Extras
Other places to look - Posh market, thrift sores, consignment stores.
Need Inspiration? Check out my Pinterest board below!
FAQs
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Heck ya!! I absolutely love when couples include their fur babies in their photoshoot. If you plan to bring your pet I highly suggest bringing a friend/family member to hold them when they aren’t in the photographs.
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I rarely reschedule due to weather but there are a few times I will reschedule. If it’s too cold out to the point where my equipment doesn’t work properly or if there weather is dangerous! it’s always better to reschedule + be safe than not to.
If it is lightly raining or windy (within reason) we will continue on with the photoshoot. The weather can make photographs that much more dreamy if we work with it + embrace it
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If you’re in the planning process for your elopement or wedding I highly suggest doing your makeup trial on the same day of the photoshoot! This will help you decide if you like the look or not.
I always recommend hiring a makeup artist to glam you up to your comfort level. Professional makeup can enhance the photos that much more.
Edmonton Makeup + Hair Stylist Suggestions:
Sero Beauty Co
Sheena Rae Beauty
BB Beauty Boss
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The first reschedule is complimentary but any reschedule after that there is a $150 fee per reschedule.
If we plan to reschedule due to unsafe weather there is no fee
After the Photoshoot
Enjoy the rest of your day/evening and go out on a date! I will go home and cull the photos + show you the soft edited gallery. You will be able to select the amount of photographs that is included in your package + purchase additional if desired. Once you have selected the photographs I will do retouching on all of them! This includes softening skin, acne removal, bruise removal, distracting object will be removed and more.
If you have a specific editing request please ask me prior too, I will see if I can accommodate the request or not. I do not do body modifications, at all! I do not remove any thing that is permatiely apart of your body unless requested.
Once I begin editing your photographs you can expect them to be delivered within 8 weeks. It all depends on my work load at the time. Once they’re done I will deliver them to you on an online gallery for you to download + purchase prints if desired!