Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
We’re so excited to be working with you and we can’t wait for our time together during your session! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. We always tell people that we still get nervous before having our photos taken - and I do this for a living!
This current season deserves to be worth capturing. Next year at this time, you'll look back and be SO grateful you documented this season! What a joy!
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session and since we get asked the same things over and over again, we thought it would be the most beneficial if we put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
We’ll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and more!
- CHRISTA
We get it. Having your picture taken for 1 hours might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do during your downtime. And at first you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera. But I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought! It's like a date I'm third wheeling on! And I'm a FUN third-wheeler!
The Guys
A NOTE TO
We’ve found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. We normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” a couple has in mind, spring flowers for example, or based on schedules.
Sessions typically last about 30 min to right over an hour.
We schedule sessions during different times, but make sure we choose locations that have amazing light for whatever time we select! I hear people getting nervous about afternoon sessions, or cloudy days, but don't worry! You'll have the same light, airy images no matter what time of day we have your session at. We'll chat about availability!
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
TIME & LIGHT
While we shoot most of our sessions between April and late November, sessions can take place all year. Most of our clients choose a season based on the location where they want to shoot.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Seasons
If this if for an engagement session & your wedding is local, save the dates should be sent between 6 and 8 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, you’ll want to send them out 8 to 10 months before the wedding.
If you’re hoping to use your engagement photos for your save the dates, we recommend scheduling your session at least two months before you plan to send out your save-the-dates. Between inclement weather, editing, designing your save-the-dates and printing, two months is generally a safe amount of time to make sure your images and cards are ready.
Save-the-dates
Destination Sessions
We are up for sessions everywhere from Greenville, Charleston, Charlotte, Savannah, and more! If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you, please let us know!!
We love when couples choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location.
We recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then either dropping them off or having a friend take them home. We won’t use the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots.
If you’re going to bring a pet, we recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing your pets favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot.
Pets
Outfits
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
When picking outfits we recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.”
For example, if it's a couple and the man is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the girl may want to choose a long, soft blue dress. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or jewel tones.
Generally couples pick two outfits for an engagement session: a more formal outfit and a casual outfit. We truly want you to LOVE these images & what you wear, so these are simply helpful tips as you decide what works best for you!
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Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.
We love the way larger patterns photograph - just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
If self-conscious about arms, 3/4 sleeves is universally flattering!
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. We love bright, neon dresses, but we don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.
Wardrobe Tips
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
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Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress.
Lace and tulle look amazing in photographs.
And dresses with lace sleeves are a great way to help slim arms.
Depending on your location, you might want to consider a fit and flare or a flowy dress!
They look great in walking and photos with movement.
Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up! I tell clients you can NEVER be too dressed up for your session!
Accessories
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Lilly Pulitzer
Southern Tide
Vineyard Vines
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Favorite Shops
Lulu's
H&M
Vici Dolls
Nordstrom
Anthropologie
Free People
Francesca’s
ModCloth
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Engagement sessions are the perfect time for a hair and makeup trial! We also offer it to all of our portrait clients! Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better for humidity and wind. Not to mention we work with an AMAZING artist that will make you feel like a bombshell. It's helpful to have this taken off of your shoulders before your session!
We think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your engagement photos - and if you’re planning to do a hair & makeup trial anyways, the engagement session is a great time to test how your hair & makeup look on camera. For families and other sessions, let Christa know about getting hair and makeup done!
Hair & Makeup
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
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There will probably be times during your session when we’re shooting your hands holding - which means it’s a good idea to clean up your nails before your session (this applies to the guys too!).
Manicure
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
You can’t go wrong with a suit and tie. Consider pulling out that suit you had to wear last time you were a groomsmen!
Layer with a blazer and a fun tie - you can even wear jeans with this look.
Bowties are always a good idea.
Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin.
Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
find it fast
Joseph A. Bank
J. Crew
Southern Tide
Express
Nordstrom
Rent the Runway
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
Because we want you to have the session of your dreams, we always see if rescheduling is an option if the weather is inclement. While we know of covered locations incase our clients can't reschedule, we think it's always worth waiting for a beautiful day!
We’ll check in the week of your session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. We know it takes a lot of time to get ready for sessions and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain.
Let us know what works best for you - but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, we typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance.
Also, don't worry if it's overcast! That's actually a GREAT time to shoot (the sky is like a giant softbox!)! So you'll still have amazing images even if the sun isn't bright.
For engagement sessions, we always try to take a photo of your ring during your session - so it’s a good idea to have it cleaned or clean it yourself before your shoot! To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed. Most jewelry places will do it for you for free!
Ring Cleaning
Props
If you’re planning to bring props to your engagement session, we recommend including them only if they’re meaningful to you. Shots of drinking coffee at a local coffee shop would be cute if that’s where you met; however, a trying to fly a kite together when it’s not a part of your relationship may come off as contrived. One of our favorite things to capture is popping the champagne!
When it comes to posing for your engagement session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! We’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make the two of you laugh - and that’s the photo I'm actually looking for.
I'll tell you exactly what to do, while making sure things are natural and joyful!
Throughout your session, I'll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
"What do I do with
my hands"?
"What do I do
with my hands"?
POSING
Date Night
If you’re anything like us, you probably don’t get dressed up all that often. Which means that the day of your session is the perfect occasion for a date night (or brunch if your session is in the morning!)
The engagement session is another part of celebrating your love and heading off to dinner is a great way to end the session!
As soon as possible after your session is complete, I back everything up that evening. We'll schedule your reveal session right after your session, and meet up so you can see your images showcased! After this, your orders will be placed and your purchased images delivered within 6 weeks of final payment.
When to Expect Your Images
We know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your engagement session! However if there is something we missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email
christa@christarenephotography.com