I can't wait to work
with you...
Welcome to my engagement session prep-guide. I'm so excited to get to know you guys and to capture your relationship through my lens.
I want your experience to be easy and enjoyable from beginning to end, so I've put
together some helpful information that will prepare you for your upcoming session. If you have any questions or concerns at any point please don't hesitate to reach out!
Welcome to my engagement session prep-guide. I'm so excited to get to know you guys and to capture your relationship through my lens.
I want your experience to be easy and enjoyable from beginning to end, so I've put together some helpful information that will prepare you for your upcoming session. If you have any questions or concerns at any point please don't hesitate to reach out!
xoxo
Melissa
fun
let's have
An engagement session is the perfect way to prepare for being photographed on your wedding day. I love these sessions because I really get a chance to get to know you as a couple... which allows me to capture your relationship in a more personal way. And this goes both ways too! I want you to feel like I'm a friend and not just someone you hired. This will help us all to be more comfortable working together on your big day, which will result in the most natural and organic imagery possible.
Photo sessions shouldn't be stiff and awkward, you should feel relaxed and free to just have fun and be yourselves. It's these candid type of images that you will truly want to put on your wall.
After your engagement session I can guarantee you will feel more at ease about what to expect for your wedding photos. Most people don't feel comfortable being photographed, I get that... but I promise that once you get to know me it will just feel like hanging out with a friend who happens to have a camera around her neck.
01.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE DOGS! I HAVE NO PROBLEM WHATsoEVER INCLUDING YOUR POOCH IN THE SESSION. i do ask though that you arrange to have another adult come along to manage the leash when we are doing photos without the dog.
PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE AT THE SESSION LOCATION AT LEAST 20 MINUTES EARLY TO LET PUP EXPLORE AND SMELL ALL OF THE SMELLS. WE WILL HAVE A LOT MORE SUCCESS IF THEIR CURIOSITY AND EXCITEMENT LEVEL IS AS LOW AS POSSIBLE.
furry friends
tell me more
02.
your engagement session will consist of a variety of different poses in a variety of different spots that showcase your affection and love for each other. it is most common to keep it simply at that.
if however you have a unique idea, or you would like to bring along a prop, you are more than welcome to. I have had couples bring blankets to sit on, or a picnic basket snack to share. i have also had couples do an activity together like visit an ice cream parlour or a local fair.
props & activities
tell me more
fun
let's have
An engagement session is the perfect way to prepare for being photographed on your wedding day. I love these sessions because I really get a chance to get you know you as a couple... which allows me to capture your relationship in a more personal way. And this goes both ways too! I want you to feel like I'm a friend and not just someone you hired. This will help us all to be more comfortable working together on your big day, which will result in the most natural and organic imagery possible.
Photo sessions shouldn't be stiff and awkward, you should feel relaxed and free to just have fun and be yourselves. It's these candid type of images that you will truly want to put on your wall.
After your engagement session I can guarantee you will feel more at ease about what to expect for your wedding photos. Most people don't feel comfortable being photographed, I get that... but I promise that once you get to know me it will just feel like hanging out with a friend who happens to have a camera around her neck.
03.
digital processing will include exposure balancing, colour and contrast correction and minor retouching of things like garbage cans or litter in the background.
editing does not include things like wrinkled clothing, untied shoelaces, unruly hair or a bad spray tan. these types of custom edits are only available at the photographer's discretion and are subject to a custom retouch fee.
come prepared and looking your best!
post processing
fun
let's have
An engagement session is the perfect way to prepare for being photographed on your wedding day. I love these sessions because I really get a chance to get you know you as a couple... which allows me to capture your relationship in a more personal way. And this goes both ways too! I want you to feel like I'm a friend and not just someone you hired. This will help us all to be more comfortable working together on your big day, which will result in the most natural and organic imagery possible.
Photo sessions shouldn't be stiff and awkward, you should feel relaxed and free to just have fun and be yourselves. It's these candid type of images that you will truly want to put on your wall.
After your engagement session I can guarantee you will feel more at ease about what to expect for your wedding photos. Most people don't feel comfortable being photographed, I get that... but I promise that once you get to know me it will just feel like hanging out with a friend who happens to have a camera around her neck.
ordering products
If you are considering ordering any products from this session, be sure that you have allowed enough lead time.
For Save-the-Date cards I recommend that your session be booked at least 4 weeks before you want to have the cards in the mail.
For a Guest Book (for the signing table at the wedding) I recommend that your session be booked at least 8 weeks before the wedding.
Any products ordered through me have a 1 week turn around time, but that doesn't include the design process.
If you are considering ordering any products from this session, be sure that you have allowed enough lead time.
For Save-the-Date cards I recommend that your session be booked at least 4 weeks before you want to have the cards in the mail.
For a Guest Book (for the signing table at the wedding) I recommend that your session be booked at least 8 weeks before the wedding.
Any products ordered through me have a 1 week turn around time, but that doesn't include the design process.
If the forecast isn't looking like it's going to cooperate with us I will contact you prior to your session to discuss rescheduling.
Overcast skies are good for photography, but if there is a decent chance of rain then we will have no choice but to re-book. Another factor that sometimes comes up is high winds. I do not edit flyaway hairs so if it's a very windy day then rescheduling may be the best option.
In the winter I will not shoot below -10 celcius. Red ears and hands and runny noses aren't a good look for anyone.
I would highly recommend scheduling your engagement session during 'golden hour'. Golden hour is the last hour in the evening before the sun goes down. The light at this time of day is by far the prettiest and most flattering.
In Ontario in the warmer months this usually ends up being a session start time of somewhere between 7:00 and 8:00.
If golden hour isn't an option for your work schedule then you will want to choose a location that has shaded options for a midday session.
tell me more
golden hour
weather
01.
golden hour
I would highly recommend scheduling your engagement session during 'golden hour'. Golden hour is the last hour in the evening before the sun goes down. The light at this time of day is by far the prettiest and most flattering.
In Ontario in the warmer months this usually ends up being a session start time of somewhere between 7:00 and 8:00.
If golden hour isn't an option for your work schedule then you will want to choose a location that has shaded options for a midday session.
tell me more
02.
weather
If the forecast isn't looking like it's going to cooperate with us I will contact you prior to your session to discuss rescheduling.
Overcast skies are good for photography, but if there is a decent chance of rain then we will have no choice but to re-book. Another factor that sometimes comes up is high winds. I do not edit flyaway hairs so if it's a very windy day then rescheduling may be the best option.
In the winter I will not shoot below -10 celcius. Red ears and hands and runny noses aren't a good look for anyone.
03.
locations
location
choosing
Hamilton and surrounding area has tons of beautiful locations to choose from. When selecting the setting for your session there a few key factors you will want to keep in mind...
- Are there a good amount of different backdrops to give your gallery variety?
- Is parking available and is it free? Any admittance or parking fees will be added to your wedding invoice.
- Is a photography permit required? If so, it is the client's responsibility to pay for and acquire the permit.
- Is it dog friendly (if you plan on bringing your furry friend)?
- Is it within 45 minutes of my studio? If not it may be subject to an additional travel fee.
spencer smith
park
bayfront
park
mcmaster
university
gage park
paletta
mansion
here are some of my favourite local photo locations ...
If you are looking for some local location ideas these five gems are a great place to start. All are dog friendly.
I have shot at all of them countless times and they never disappoint. There are pros and cons for each though so click on the images to find out more.
If I had to choose just one absolute favourite it would hands down be Paletta Mansion in Burlington.
If you are looking for some local location ideas these five gems are a great place to start.
I have shot at all of them countless times and they never disappoint. There are pros and cons for each though so click on through to find out more.
If I had to choose just one absolute favourite it would hands down be Paletta Mansion in Burlington.
tell me more
spencer smith
park
bayfront
park
mcmaster
university
gage park
paletta
mansion
here are some of my favourite formal photo locations ...
spencer smith park
PROS:
Spencer Smith has lush greenery, a beautiful tree lined path, and pier and waterfront boardwalk. It is also a short walk to an adorable ice cream parlour.
CONS:
Parking is not free. There is metered street parking or a green P lot nearby. It can be busy with locals, and there is the occasional festival. It's in Burlington so it's about a 30 minute drive.
tell me more
01.
spencer smith
park
bayfront
park
mcmaster
university
gage park
paletta
mansion
here are some of my favourite formal photo locations ...
bayfront park
bayfront park
PROS:
This park is magical at golden hour because the sun sets over the water. There are wide open walking paths, lots of green space, and many access points to the waterfront.
CONS:
Limited parking, especially during boating season. The pathways are often busy with joggers and cyclists.
tell me more
02.
spencer smith
park
bayfront
park
mcmaster
university
gage park
paletta
mansion
here are some of my favourite formal photo locations ...
gage park
gage park
PROS:
There are lots of shaded areas in this huge park, and parking is ample and free. The variety of backdrops is vast and the spring yields some gorgeous flowering trees.
CONS:
It's pretty big, so there's a decent amount of walking to get from one photo spot to another. You also need to be careful of other events going on, like festivals.
tell me more
03.
spencer smith
park
bayfront
park
mcmaster
university
gage park
paletta
mansion
here are some of my favourite formal photo locations ...
mcmaster university
dundurn castle
PROS:
Gorgeous architecture and grounds, including multiple archways and vine covered walls. Lots of shade potential with the tall buildings.
CONS:
Parking and access is a huge pain in the butt. My best suggestion is to meet across the street at Williams Cafe and we can walk in together, otherwise it's impossible to find each other.
tell me more
04.
spencer smith
park
bayfront
park
mcmaster
university
gage park
paletta
mansion
here are some of my favourite formal photo locations ...
paletta mansion
paletta mansion
PROS:
Greenery, gardens, a quaint waterfront and a stone mansion... so many beautiful spots to use as backdrops! Parking is ample and free. Very clean public washroom.
CONS:
It's off of Lakeshore in Burlington so it's about a 30 minute drive from Hamilton.
05.
I often tell couples to schedule their session based on the season. If you wanted to wear a sundress, then a summer session is your goal. If you are more comfortable in boots and a cozy sweater then aim for fall.
Once your season is chosen, find a colour palette that complements you both and build off of that. Consider what you want to do with these images after the session. If you want to hang a large canvas proudly above your mantle then consider the colours that are already in your decor.
My general rule of thumb is to choose at least 3 colours, but no more than 5 (denim, black, and white all count as colours). Once you have your palette chosen you can mix and match tops, bottoms and accessories to coordinate with each other.
I have curated a pinterest board of examples that might help you to visualize what I mean.
01.
patterns are awesome and will add some visual interest and texture to your images, just be careful that it's not so much that it distracts from your faces.
mixing prints can be done, just be sure to only have one bold print and any others should be very small. for instance her in a floral dress and him in a fine pinstripe button-up would be fine.
i always recommend to start with the bold print, and then pull your other 3-5 colours from there.
what about patterns
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outfits
coordinating
take me to pinterest
02.
my number one piece of advice would be... the more texture the better!
different fabrics can give an image such dimension without being overbearing, for instance a chunky cable knit sweater, or a flowy skirt with a lot of movement.
don't forget to accessorize! belts, scarves and jewelry are great ways to include those pops of colour. avoid hats though as they can cast weird shadows on your face.
add lots of texture
tell me more
outfits
coordinating
I often tell couples to schedule their session based on the season. If you wanted to wear a sundress, then a summer session is your goal. If you are more comfortable in boots and a cozy sweater then aim for fall.
Once your season is chosen, find a colour palette that complements you both and build off of that. Consider what you want to do with these images after the session. If you want to hang a large canvas proudly above your mantle then consider the colours that are already in your decor.
My general rule of thumb is to choose at least 3 colours, but no more than 5 (denim, black, and white all count as colours). Once you have your palette chosen you can mix and match tops, bottoms and accessories to coordinate with each other.
I have curated a pinterest board of examples that might help you to visualize what I mean.
take me to pinterest
03.
this sounds obvious, but i see it all the time... make sure you are comfortable!
for instance, don't wear a shirt that you have to keep fiddling with because your bra straps keep popping out or the neckline is a tad lower than you'd like.
and don't ask your man to wear brand new shoes that are not his normal style. nothing makes someone more miserable than uncomfortable shoes!
dress for the weather. don't be a hero.
stay comfortable
outfits
coordinating
I often tell couples to schedule their session based on the season. If you wanted to wear a sundress, then a summer session is your goal. If you are more comfortable in boots and a cozy sweater then aim for fall.
Once your season is chosen, find a colour palette that complements you both and build off of that. Consider what you want to do with these images after the session. If you want to hang a large canvas proudly above your mantle then consider the colours that are already in your decor.
My general rule of thumb is to choose at least 3 colours, but no more than 5 (denim, black, and white all count as colours). Once you have your palette chosen you can mix and match tops, bottoms and accessories to coordinate with each other.
I have curated a pinterest board of examples that might help you to visualize what I mean.
take me to pinterest
products
pictures
print your
I've seen it happen many times... you get your engagement session gallery and it kind of goes on the back burner. You're busy with wedding planning and to-do lists and time just keeps on tickin'. Before you know it you're past the wedding day and now you have wedding photos that you're excited about, and those beautiful engagement photos still sit in your online gallery, unused.
My best recommendation to get the most mileage out of your engagement photos is to create a guest book. Not only does it display your gorgeous images for all of your family and friends to flip through at the wedding, but then it gets filled with heartfelt messages from everyone who cares about you. What better keepsake is there than that?
If you're interested in a guest book let me know at your session and I can send you all of the info to get the process started. I promise you won't regret it!
Our 5x7 Luxe Cards are made with triple thick premium cardstock and include an optional colour insert. You can also choose from 7 different foil colours to make your custom cards truly unique.
We will work together to personalize your cards with the text and colours that reflect your style.
save the date cards
view designs
contact me
send it
Please allow 24 hours for a response (during business hours).
Please allow 24 hours for a response (during business hours).
