your engagement session
Candid, real and unposed photography
imagery that captures the real you
Congratulations on booking your date and venue! Those are huge decisions to check off your list. Now for something really fun - your engagement session!
I include engagement sessions in all packages because they're so valuable to the whole experience. It's our chance to get to know each other, and for you to get comfortable in front of my camera before the big day. By the time your wedding arrives, you'll feel like pros and I'll know exactly how to capture your genuine moments together!
Let's plan your session for 6-12 months before your wedding. Since my weekends are dedicated to capturing weddings, I schedule engagement sessions on weekday evenings. These sessions typically run from 5-7pm (3-5pm in winter months) when the light is most magical for photos. Don't worry - most couples find it easy to schedule an evening after work, and the sunset timing gives us that dreamy golden hour glow!
For locations, I love spots that are meaningful to you as a couple! If you're not sure where to shoot, keep reading - I've included some of my favorite Nantucket locations below in this guide. Each spot offers something special, from beach sunsets to charming downtown scenes. Don't be afraid to get creative - as long as we have great light, we can make magic anywhere!
the basics
TIMING
The sun sets quickly especially if your shoot is not in the summer months. The later you arrive, the less time we have to shoot! Once the sun is set, the shoot will be over.
OUTFIT CHANGES
As much as I would like to say that we always have restrooms for outfit changes, more often than not, our clients do quick outfit changes in their car if there are no other options.
COMFY SHOES
If you're wearing shoes that are difficult to walk in but look awesome, bring some comfy shoes to change into while we walk to each shooting location!
RING CLEANING
If possible, it is ideal to clean your ring before your shoot. I love to shoot a few macro shots of your diamond while you change outfits! The cleaner the better.
LADIES OR MIACOMET BEACH
these south shore beaches are some of my favorites. think winding dirt roads, dune paths to the beach and some gorgeous golden hour light
STEPS BEACH
iconic Nantucket viewpoint. such a stunning landscape and some great sunsets here too. Steps isn't far from town either so it's a good second location to combine with some downtown shots also!
OR REALLY ANY BEACH AT SUNSET
ya can't go wrong!! beaches at sunset are my favorite place to be. especially with my camera and a cute couple.
SANKATY LIGHTHOUSE
another iconic Nantucket view. I love Brant Point, but there is something dramatic and gorgeous about Sankaty that I just love! this is a great first or second location to combine with some downtown Sconset photos.
STROLL THE STREETS OF TOWN
doesn't get much more charming than downtown Nantucket. there is great variety here between cobblestone streets and the docks! think classic New England vibes.
OLD NORTH WHARF
ESPECIALLY IN LATE JUNE EARLY JULY
I will never get over peak hydrangea season on island!!! highly recommend taking advantage of this time if your session is planned for late June or early July. Flowers in Sconset are also poppin around this time.
what's your vibe
bold or neutral
Bold colors and patterns can create vibrant, dramatic images, while neutrals provide a timeless, elegant look.
dressy or casual
Dressy outfits create elegant, formal portraits, while casual looks feel authentic and relaxed.
classic or trendy
Classic styles remain timeless for years to come, while trendy elements add a contemporary feel.
These choices represent the three main decisions you will have to make in regards to your outfit choices. There are no right or wrong answers! Maybe you want one outfit to be dressy and the other to be casual. Maybe you want one outfit to be very light and neutral but you want to wear more color in the next outfit. These categories will hopefully help you determine what you're hoping for in your engagement session. If you're feeling stuck and can't seem to determine what you prefer, that's very normal!
Here are some general "rules of thumb" when it comes to styling during an engagement session. Once you read through these, you may have a better understanding of what you prefer, and you can start planning your outfits. These "rules of thumb" are based on my experience and aren't concrete rules that can't be broken. However, if you have questions about one of them in regards to what you want to wear, just email me and we can talk about what would be best!
THINGS TO AVOID
- Bright reds, neons, bright oranges (they reflect color onto skin and can be difficult to edit!).
- Tiny patterns cause something called "Chromatic Aberration" in digital images. Men's checkered shirts are fine if the "checks" are on the larger side.
- If one of you is wearing very dark jeans, the other may want to wear lighter pants. If one of you is wearing a navy top, the other shouldn't wear a dark/heavy-colored top. To a certain degree, alternating the "heaviness" of your outfits can make your images look more balanced.
- Avoid one of you being casual while the other is more dressy. This can look a bit awkward in your photos.
- Other things to avoid - graphic tees or big logos on shirts.
The colors you wear and the colors of your surroundings will create the vibe of your photos. If you love the lighter, romantic look, here are some tips!
Think beach colors: Light blues, dune grass greens, ivory tones, beige and white will result in a more light and airy look and really blend well with the coastal surroundings here! Instead of dark pants for your groom, maybe khakis or lighter colored pants.
Flowing Fabrics: Dresses and skirts that flow in the wind will always photograph beautifully! On an island that's almost always a bit breezy, we might as well use it our advantage! Moving fabric can really soften an image and give it a beautiful effect.
If you want a little bit more of a pop to your photos, here are some tips on how to do it best.
Only One Wears a Pattern:
If one of you has a bold pattern, it's very important that the other doesn't. The bolder the pattern, the more important this rule becomes!
Bold Backgrounds:
A lot of times, if my couples are going for a bold and bright look, I will look for solid colored backgrounds to add another pop of color to your images! It's so helpful when your background coordinates with their outfit!
Only One Bold Color:
If you really want a bold and bright look but you want to do it well and tastefully, I would suggest that only one of you have a bright and bold colored outfit and the other stay in a solid neutral to avoid overdoing it!
Large Patterns are Preferred:
If you really want to wear a pattern, my only request is that your pattern is on the larger side. Patterns that are smaller than a quarter can be difficult to photograph. This isn't true of all patterns but it's a good general rule to go by!
Consider Mixing your Favorite Color:
If you love a certain bold color and you want to include it in your outfit selection, I would recommend selecting a muted tone of this favorite color. For example, if you're really excited about wearing a deep blue and purple palette, you can get the purple tones through a lavender or even a periwinkle color!
