If I could get away with calling "Engagement Sessions" "Hang-out Sessions", I totally would. This is where we find our groove and this is your time to get comfortable with having your photo taken (let's be real, no one is used to having their photo taken) so that your Wedding Day isn't the first time you see my camera. Engagement Sessions help me understand who you are as a couple so that I can tell your story in the best way possible. These sessions give you a look into how I work and how we'll work together on your Wedding Day to create beautiful images.

We'll work together on locations and outfits that best represent you as a couple. Two locations and two outfits and we'll shoot (hang) for up to two hours (which sounds like a long time, but it goes by fast because these sessions are super fun). The ideal time to shoot is an hour or so before the sun starts to set so we get the prettiest light. That's pretty much the gist of it. I'm all about keeping things simple (and making gorgeous photos).

My goal is to make photos that make you feel something. This happens when the lovers in front of my camera aren't worried about me or my camera, or their surroundings, or what's for dinner. They're focused on each other in that moment, being together and in love.

Everyone has their own way of expressing themselves and their love. It's what makes every session unique, and it makes your images more personal and intimate. I'll fix things like hand position, head and shoulder angle, and stances. Everything else is unique to the both of you.

With my approach to photography and photographing couples, light is everything - and when we're shooting in good light, I'll probably be doing some sort of happy dance. 

That being said, it helps to be on time. It's likely that your session will be scheduled 2 hours before the sun goes down, so if we get a late start, that cuts into the amount of light that we'll have to work with.

Take traffic into consideration and map it out a few hours before you leave for your session.

I don't expect you to be a pro at having your photo taken (I certainly am not), so it usually takes a little while for us to get into the groove. There will be moments of downtime -- I'll either be walking ahead to scope out our next spot or to compose a shot, or simply give the two of you a few minutes to take a breather.

Clean your ring the morning of your session! You want it to be as sparkly and bright as possible!

Items to consider bringing with you for your session:

• Makeup/hairspray/brush for touch ups

• Towel (for dabbing sweat or for drying off if we get rained on -- #thanksflorida)

• An umbrella (#thanksfloridaagain)

• Lots of water, staying hydrated is super important!

• Bugspray

• An extra outfit or two

Rule number 1: wear something comfortable.
Rule number 2: wear something that makes you feel confident and pretty.
Rule number 3: don't over-think it.

It's super easy to fall into the "I have nothing to wear" pit. You now have an excuse to go buy that dress from Anthro or Free People you've been eyeing. Shop for your guy too, he needs to look good and compliment that new dress you just bought. Once you have a few options picked out for the both of you, try them on and stand next to each other in the mirror. Do you love it? Do this a week before your session so you're not scrambling at the last minute trying to figure out what to wear.

Here are a few things to avoid:

Ladies

• Anything that shows straps or tags that have to be fixed frequently
• Shoes that are uncomfortable/difficult to walk in
• Tiny patterns with a lot of bright contrast

Gents

• Shirts with logos/emblems
• Polos or baggy button-up shirts
• Flip-flops or sandals
• Tennis shoes/sneakers
• Cargo shorts/pants
• Baseball caps

To pull everything together, treat yourself to getting pampered, go get your hair and nails (a "mani-pedi", right?) done before your session. You want to look and feel your best when you're having your photo taken, so do your thing and take care of yourself. Guys, get a haircut and/or a beardtrim a day or two before your session, your lady with thank you for it.

Here are a few more tidbits:

• Avoid matching, coordinating is better.
• Accessorize! Nothing over the top here, simple earrings and a necklace can pull things together nicely.
• Dress for the event. You both want to look like you're dressing for the same occasion. A good rule of thumb is to dress as if you were going out on a nice date, not super dressy but not your daily outfit. 

The location of your Engagement Session is super important! One of biggest factors to consider when choosing locations for your Engagement Session is how private it is. This will be a time for us to get to know each other and also a time for you to get snuggly and intimate with your bae. Places with a lot of people may not be the ideal environment to have your photo taken. (Ex. Local Parks, Downtown/Urban Areas, etc.) That said, I love exploring so if you have something in mind but can't quite put your finger on it, I have a running list of locations that I use and I'm always finding new spots! If you want to leave the location up to me, I'm totally up for that too!

You'll want a location that fits you as a couple. Here are some things to consider when choosing your location:

• What inspires you?

• Is there a place that holds significant meaning for the two of you?

• Are there any unique places that compliment your hobbies or passions?

I hope this information has helped prepare you for your Engagement Session and I look forward to getting together and making photos!

See you soon!

-Ben