Crafting Your Engagement Session: Tips from a Seattle Area Wedding Photographer
Your engagement session is not just another photo shoot—it’s a chance to capture your unique love story. As a Seattle area wedding photographer, I understand the importance of personalization in every aspect of your journey towards marriage.
This summer, I had the pleasure of working with a couple, we’ll call them T & S, who were able to do just that. They knew which parts of their love story they wanted to incorporate and made choices that highlighted those details.
Check out their results below along with some tips on how to make your engagement session truly yours:
1. Location, Location, Location
Seattle is a city with a rich tapestry of neighborhoods and landscapes. Choose a location that resonates with you both as a couple. Whether it’s the iconic Pike Place Market, the tranquil Discovery Park, or the bustling streets of Capitol Hill, your chosen backdrop should reflect your shared experiences and the essence of your relationship.
Make It Meaningful
Having spent many years as a Greater Seattle Area wedding photographer, I have experience with all kinds of shoot locations. That’s why I offer my couples assistance with finding the spot that’s perfect for them. I went through T & S’s location criteria and provided a list of suggestions tailored to them — they ultimately chose to start their session at this amazing gothic library that opened in 1926.
2. Bring Your Story to Life
Incorporate elements into your session that hold special meaning to you as a couple. Maybe it’s the café where you had your first date, the bookstore where you spent hours browsing together, or even the park where you love to walk your dog. These personal touches add depth and authenticity to your photos, making them truly timeless.
Make It Personal
T & S were so excited when they saw the photos of this library, but their choice wasn’t only based on the fact that it’s a beautiful location. During their session, they shared with me that reading is a big part of their relationship. It’s why they wanted to incorporate their favorite book into some of the photos. Even before selecting a library, they know their save-the-dates would be printed on bookmarks. This spot couldn’t have been more perfect!
3. Dress to Express
Your engagement session is the perfect opportunity to showcase your personal style as a couple. Whether you prefer formal attire against an urban backdrop or casual outfits that reflect your laid-back vibe, choose clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Coordinating colors and styles can also help create a cohesive look for your photographs.
Utilize Your Outfit Changes
Deciding what to wear for your engagement session and how to coordinate can be difficult. All of my couples receive a style guide on that very topic. Plus, my Silver Package and Gold Package portrait sessions include 1 and 2 outfit changes, respectively. This is so that you can try out different aesthetics to ensure you find the right look.
4. Embrace the Season
Seattle’s distinct seasons offer a variety of natural beauty throughout the year. Whether you prefer the cherry blossoms of spring, the lush greenery and wildflowers of summer, the vibrant foliage of fall, or the serene landscapes of winter, choose a season that resonates with your vision for the engagement session. Seasonal elements can enhance the mood and atmosphere of your photos, creating a captivating visual narrative.
Prepare for Weather Changes
Depending on how long you’ve lived in the Seattle area, you know the weather can be difficult to plan for, especially when it comes to rain. I typically recommend being flexible with your dates, meaning planning well in advance of when you think you’ll need the photos, or choosing an option that protects from rain. With session for T & S, they chose an indoor location and an area with archways to protect against the rain.
5. Have Fun and Be Yourselves
Above all, your engagement session should be a reflection of your love and joy as a couple. Relax, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company during the shoot. A skilled Seattle area wedding photographer will capture those candid moments of connection that truly encapsulate the essence of your relationship.
6. Trust Your Photographer
As your Seattle area wedding photographer, my goal is to create a personalized experience that exceeds your expectations. I will work closely with you to understand your vision, preferences, and unique story as a couple. Trust in my expertise and allow me to capture the beauty and authenticity of your love through photographs that are unique to you.
Start Crafting Your Love Story
Your engagement session is a celebration of your journey together—a prelude to the beginning of your life as a married couple. By personalizing every aspect of your session, from location and attire to meaningful details and seasonal elements, you create a memorable experience that is uniquely yours. As your Seattle area wedding photographer, I am committed to capturing these precious moments with creativity, passion, and attention to detail.
Ready to personalize your engagement session? Contact me today to schedule your consultation and begin planning an unforgettable experience that celebrates your love story in the heart of Seattle.