North Park Engagement Session | Dustin and Vicki
Dustin & Vicki are an active couple, and they often bike out at North Park and stop for a beer (or two). What better way to capture their relationship than to join them for a drink, then explore the park together. We ended up with an amazing sunset that will be hard to top. As you’ll be able to tell from these photos, they are a blast to hang out with.
North Park Engagement Session | Dustin and Vicki
Dustin & Vicki are an active couple, and they often bike out at North Park and stop for a beer (or two). What better way to capture their relationship than to join them for a drink, then explore the park together. We ended up with an amazing sunset that will be hard to top. As you’ll be able to tell from these photos, they are a blast to hang out with.
North Shore Engagement Session | Juliette and Gregg
Juliette & Gregg were just the sweetest. I loved exploring the North Shore & the Point with them. We came thisssss close to getting a parking ticket while we were at the Point, but luck was in our favor! After the Point, we drove up to Mt. Washington so that we could capture the magic of the city at night.
North Shore Engagement Session | Juliette and Gregg
Juliette & Gregg were just the sweetest. I loved exploring the North Shore & the Point with them. We came thisssss close to getting a parking ticket while we were at the Point, but luck was in our favor! After the Point, we drove up to Mt. Washington so that we could capture the magic of the city at night.
Apple Orchard Engagement Session | Nicole & Matt
These two had big ideas for their engagement session! They wanted a very fall theme, and what better way to do that than having pictures done in an apple orchard. Simmons Farm was kind enough to let us take photos while we did some apple picking - making for the perfect afternoon (except for the rain - but we’ll get to that).
Apple Orchard Engagement Session | Nicole & Matt
These two had big ideas for their engagement session! They wanted a very fall theme, and what better way to do that than having pictures done in an apple orchard. Simmons Farm was kind enough to let us take photos while we did some apple picking - making for the perfect afternoon (except for the rain - but we’ll get to that).
They brought along a blanket and some hot apple cider so that they could cuddle and enjoy the day together. Of course about halfway through the shoot, we got poured on and it dropped about 15 degrees. But they powered through!
5 Golden Rules to Follow During Your Engagement Session
It’s totally normal to have a thousand questions about your engagement session before it happens, you’ve probably never been a part of one before! There’s no need to stress over it—it’s supposed to be a fun and exciting time for you and your fiancé(e). I’ve put together a couple of golden rules to abide by during your shoot. As long as you follow these, your pictures will be stunning, guaranteed.
5 Golden Rules to Follow During Your Engagement Session
It’s totally normal to have a thousand questions about your engagement session before it happens; you’ve probably never been a part of one before! There’s no need to stress over it—it’s supposed to be a fun and exciting time for you and your fiancé(e). I’ve put together a couple of golden rules to abide by during your shoot. As long as you follow these, your pictures will be stunning, guaranteed.
Relax and Get Comfortable
Unless you’re a celebrity, it may feel strange to be having a photographer follow you around. Some poses may feel unnatural from how you and your S.O. behave towards each other in real life, but I promise they will make for some spectacular photos if you just relax and enjoy yourself. Think about it as a practice photo shoot for your wedding day! It’s a good opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera, since you’ll have double the amount of pictures taken of you on the big day. Take this time to really enjoy the moment with your fiancé(e). Use it as a break from wedding planning and think of it as a great way to spend a few hours together. Keep in mind that this photo shoot will result in some amazing and frame-worthy pictures.
Think About Your Wardrobe
Think about where your photo shoot is happening and what kind of outfit you want to wear. If you’re getting your photos taken in PNC park, a ball gown is probably not the best choice. If your backdrop is a cityscape however, that might be a bit more appropriate. I also suggest you avoid wearing clothes with busy or distracting patterns so they don’t clash with your environment. I recommend items of clothing that are either neutral or bold, and solid colors so you and your S.O. really stand out from your background.Bring a few options with you so I can get shots of you and your S.O. in a couple of different looks. Consider bringing one casual look and something closer to cocktail attire (or black tie if you really want to go big!). You should also make sure that you and your S.O. wear outfits that go well together. No need to get super matchy, but you want to look good standing next to each other! Ladies, when it comes to jewelry, try not to wear anything too flashy that might distract from the real subject of the picture—you two.
Listen to your photographer
An engagement session is not only an opportunity for you and your S.O. to produce some stunning pictures, it’s a time to get to know me, your wedding photographer! I’m going to be right by your side throughout your big day, so it’s important we get comfortable with each other before then. I’ll work with you to find the most flattering angles and poses for both of you. Some of the poses I ask you to do may feel a bit odd, but trust me! I know what I’m doing and I’m only trying to get the best shots for both of you.
Location(s) matter
Choosing a location that is important to you will make the whole vibe of the shoot feel more casual and normal. If you have a favorite spot, let’s shoot there! Check out last week’s post for choosing the best spot for you. The point is, if you’re in an environment that is special to you two as a couple, the whole concept will feel more natural and fun, resulting in better images. If you have a few spaces that you want to use as a background, I can also make that work. Need help deciding between a few spots? I’m here to help.
Act Natural
Let me know prior to the shoot the kind of overall vibe and look you are going for. You want to make sure you’re staying true to yourselves as a couple. If you’re not a super PDA couple, you may not want every single picture to be of you two kissing. Let me know what kinds of images and poses don’t feel right for you so I can avoid them. Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy yourself! Have fun with this experience and really enjoy these moments I’m capturing. Remember that this is about you two showing off your love for one another, so relax and have fun!
How to Decide Where to Do an Engagement Shoot
After all the initial excitement of your engagement starts to die down (or, at least, the initial shock has worn off) it’s time to start thinking about engagement photos. These pictures signify the start of the rest of your lives together, so it’s important to consider a few things when picking a location for the shoot.
How to Decide Where to Do an Engagement Photo Shoot
After all the initial excitement of your engagement starts to die down (or, at least, the initial shock has worn off) it’s time to start thinking about engagement photos. These pictures signify the start of the rest of your lives together, so it’s important to consider a few things when picking a location for the shoot.
Time of year
The season will play a big part in the overall outcome of your engagement photos. If you’re taking them during the winter, consider asking your photographer to snap pics of you and your fiancé(e) having a snowball fight or sledding at the local park. If you’re more of an indoor couple, stay at home and document a cozy night by the fire. A fall engagement shoot is the perfect opportunity for shots at a pumpkin patch, apple orchard or simply taking advantage of the beautiful fall leaves. Summer calls for romantic beach snaps (or, since we’re in Pittsburgh, maybe stopping by a creek or waterfall), while the spring lends itself to a beautiful photo op in a public garden or park. Whatever season you choose, take advantage of what they each represent! If you’re not sure which season is best for you, I’m here to help.
Time of day
The time of day can totally change the vibe of the shoot. That’s why, for the most part, I only shoot at sunrise or sunset. Those are the times when the sun is at the perfect height in the sky for those dreamy golden shots. If you want to add a little more drama, continuing to shoot after the sun has set can make for some epic portraits as well!
Meaningful place
Think about the location you and your fiancé(e) first met, got engaged, or frequently vacation. Are any of these ideal spots for a photo shoot? Sit down for a cup of coffee at the café you had your first date, or let me snap photos of you both on the street corner where you had your first kiss. Did you first exchange “I love yous” at the beach? I’d be happy to capture you reliving that moment together. If your grandparents' camp is a special place where you two spent a lot of time, perhaps that would be an ideal place to capture your love. Maybe you want to have a cozy in-home photo shoot, where I document the simple moments that make up the fabric of your relationship. I am happy to go anywhere and shoot wherever it is brings you two the most joy. You’re also not locked into just one location. I’m happy to follow you around town, taking photos of the college or high school where you met. If the location you want to take pictures at isn’t feasible to get to, find somewhere close by that resembles the place that holds a special place in your heart.
Favorite hobby or activity
Do you two love walking your dog? What about golfing together or picnicking at the local park? Whatever it is you two enjoy doing together, why not let it serve as the theme for your engagement shoot? If you love going to the theater, I can snap pics of you outside your favorite local playhouse or at the cinema downtown. If you’re both huge baseball fans, take pictures at the stadium of the team you both root for. If you love horseback riding, I’m ready to document you out at the ranch. Not only will these make for pretty unique shots, but your shared hobbies will be well-documented too. If you have lots of hobbies but not sure which one is best suited for an engagement shoot? I’m here to help.
Think about the vibe of your wedding
Think about it: a shoot at sunset near the water is going to have a totally different feel than a downtown city shoot. Think about the vibe of your wedding and consider going for the same aesthetic in your engagement shots. Getting hitched at a fancy hotel in the heart of the city? Take your photo shoot to the streets and let me capture you hand in hand as you stroll down the sidewalk or through the local park. If a destination wedding is in the cards for you, a photo shoot by the lake or on an overlook may be the perfect complement. The setting of your wedding and engagement shoot don’t have to be identical by any means, but it’s a great way to set the overall tone of your big day.
How do you want to dress?
Do you want to get all glammed up for the pictures or would you rather go all natural? If you’re using these pictures as an excuse to rent a gorgeous gown and get your hair done, by all means, go for it! If you want a more relaxed and casual atmosphere for the shoot, that’s totally OK too, just think about it before you pick a location. Getting all gussied up and donning a floor-length gown might not be the best idea if your shoot is on a sailboat. However, shots on a hotel rooftop could be the way to go if that’s how you want to look. As I said before, think about the vibe of the shoot and how you want that to be reflected in your pictures.
Still need help deciding on a location? Feel free to reach out to me, I am happy to assist in any way I can!
Casey & Fred | A McConnells Mill Engagement Session | Pittsburgh
Casey & Fred | A McConnells Mill Engagement Session | Pittsburgh
Casey and Fred had a gorgeous day at McConnells Mills for their shoot. It was a nice change from the cold and rainy session I had there just a week prior. We explored the area and ended up with some amazing images! You can just see the love between these two.
Kaitlin & Nick | A Round Hill Park Engagement Session
Kaitlin & Nick | A round hill park engagement session
Kaitlin & Nick chose Round Hill Park as the spot for their engagement session. I'd never been out that way before, and I loved exploring with them. We started shooting just as the sun came up, and captured a beautiful sunrise. Honestly, it was one of the most beautiful sunrise sessions I've had the privilege to capture in a while! It has been a little dreary here in the Burgh lately.
Kristen & Steve | A Pittsburgh Engagement Session | Hartwood Acres
The first time we had scheduled for Kristen & Steve's engagement photos ended up being freezing (and snowing!) even though it was early October. So we pushed it back, which made me nervous since the weather usually just goes downhill as we get closer and closer to November. However, luck smiled on us and we had perfect (even warm-ish!) weather!
It actually ended up being one of my favorite fall sessions this season. The leaves were beautiful colors and there were just enough on the ground for some fun pictures. Their puppy even joined in for a few shots - and he was super excited to be included!
