what we’re
doing here
You’ve been alive thousands of days, and with a bit of luck thousands more are just around the corner. I’d like the one or two I spend with you to reflect the ones I don’t.
a few hours in a
Lifetime
My time spent with you is just a pitstop on a much longer journey. It’s a few hours in a lifetime of hours, so why not stay true to the story that’s already being told? Shooting in and around your own neighborhoods/homes will memorialize your lives much better than a jaunt in a space you rarely go to. A cup of coffee at your local place, perhaps a picnic, or maybe a garden walk, things you can show to your future and say,
“this was us”.
When to book
I’m able to schedule your session Monday through Wednesday and ideally we will be shooting in the evening. The best light is two hours before sunset and continues through dusk. If it is absolutely impossible to plan on a weekday let me know, I tend to be busy on the weekends (that wedding life) but do have availability here and there.
If you have to get Save the Dates out try to plan your session accordingly. Since the general edit time for photos is 2-3 weeks, I recommend planning the shoot around 5 months before the wedding. That gives you plenty of time to get everything put together.
In home
&
Out n’ about
What to expect
Look y’all, photos can be super awkward. So let’s just hang out, the photos will come naturally.
These sessions are really about coming together and getting to know each other. It’s a chance to capture moments that tell your story, showcase creativity, and illustrate the love you share.
It’s the perfect opportunity for you to get to know me, for me to learn how you work as a couple, and how we all work as a team. Both of you, me, and the camera. It’s a great way to learn about each other’s personalities and comfort zones. This is also a chance to practice for the wedding day, everything goes much smoother if we’re already comfortable with one another.
How long your session is depends on you and your partner. I know taking pictures is a stress inducing activity, but the longer we can take the better photos you will get. My general approach to the session is very relaxed, I’ll be taking my time and not trying to rush anything along. A huge part of my workflow during sessions is taking time to build connections with you, that’s my primary goal. If you are comfortable with me, you’ll be a lot more comfortable with my camera in your face. This process tends to take time. I’d like to spend at least a few hours with you, sometimes as much as a full day.
My shoots tend to focus on one thing: capturing your connection with each other. For me to be able to do that you need to be focused on each other, which is why I ask that you leave any friends or family at home.
Where to go
What to do
Pick somewhere that you care about. Take this as a chance to get out of the house and explore somewhere. Wherever we go, try to have a connection to it. That way you will be a bit more comfortable and excited about the pictures.
It’s also super helpful to plan some sort of activity during this time. My favorite photos tend to come from situations where people aren’t just posing in a pretty place, this is why I enjoy weddings so much. In a session like this it’s not easy to have those more natural moments. Let's go hiking, explore a city, have a picnic, make a fire on the beach, whatever comes to mind.
If you are having trouble thinking of a spot, let me know!
Being comfortable and at ease is paramount
That’s much easier said than done when it comes to having a camera shoved in your face. Don’t worry though, I have a very relaxed approach to photography and would rather chat and take my time so that you feel a bit more relaxed. I’ll step in here and there in order to make each image look its best, but I like to keep things moving so that you don’t feel too awkward and stuck in a pose for long.
What to Wear
Just like your location, your outfits should be an expression of you. You’ll also want to keep your location in mind while planning your wardrobe. Pick something that won’t blend into the background easily. A touch of red, blue, or yellow can really pop and make you stand out.
Complement your partner, think of it as going to an event together: have your own style and match each other accordingly. Accessories can easily tie outfits together.
During the shoot please take as few items with you as possible. It’s easy to lose track of your phone or wallet, and it could set the shoot back awhile if we have to retrace our steps to find things. Leave anything that is unnecessary in the car, or I can carry them. I’ll have a bag with some designated space so it’s no bother!
How you envision yourself and how you fit into your surroundings is everything, especially when it comes to photos. Your pick of location should set you at ease and make you feel at home, and your outfit should do the same. What you choose should be comfortable, complementary to your style, and make you feel great. If you feel good, you look good.
I hope this helps bring some ideas to mind and gives you a starting place to jump from. If you need help formulating some solid plans feel free to reach out anytime. I look forward to making some magic together!