Tips & Tricks

So this is something I have wanted to start doing for a while, and today is the day I will start!  Every once in a while I want to address common questions and give advice on how to get the most out of your session.  I do not think of myself as an expert in these matters, but I do get asked the same questions a lot, and I do feel as though I have some helpful tips that might as well be shared here.  

My first tip has to do with engagements sessions.  Brides look forward to the engagement session for many reasons.  Engagement sessions are generally done in the early stages of the wedding planning when every thing is new, fresh, and exciting.  Plus, it is more than likely the first time your honey and you have had photos professionally taken.  A lot of the time the bride is planning on using the photos for the save the dates, the newspaper announcement, the guestbook, or also as part of the decor on your wedding day.  Regardless, the bride has BIG plans for these photos, and therefore the pressure is on the groom. 

The groom probably is not all that thrilled about the idea of having photos taken.  For some reason guys look at this as more of a chore than as something fun they get to do with the woman they love.  I can not tell you how important it is to have the groom in the game.  I'm sure most brides already understand this, but I'm here to tell you- DO whatever it takes to motivate your groom!  

In a lot of cases just knowing how important the photos are to you does the trick.  Odds are he doesn't want to disappoint you, and he really does want to make you happy so stressing how important these photos are might be all it takes.  When my husband and I had our engagement photos taken this worked for me.  I started planning out our outfits a few days before, and included him.  I showed him photos of sessions I liked, and made sure he was familiar with our photographer's work.  Plus, he knew what he was getting into when he proposed.  He was going to marry a photographer, and he knew how important photography was to me so it became important to him.  I still wasn't exactly sure this was enough, so I bribed him with steak dinner from the restaurant of his chose.  

My point is, do whatever it takes.  Maybe he has been wanting to see some killing spree action movie you just know you would hate.  Offer to go with him after your shoot and be enthusiastic about it.   Or on your way to your shoot surprise him with a cute little gift that lets him know you appreciate his effort even if he hates having photos taken.  Why not meet me at your favorite bar beforehand so your groom and you can have a drink before the shoot gets underway.  This last suggestion WORKS!  I am not saying that you should both get sloshed, I am just saying that one or two drinks might loosen you up and calm your nerves.  Plus, it helps get him into a fun frame of mind.  It says from the get go that having photos taken isn't so bad.  That GASP-it is actually kind of fun!  (I really don't think guys hate having their photos taken-I just think they think they are supposed to hate it)  

Whatever you do let him know that you want this to be a fun experience for the two of you, and I will help with that.  I do not want your session to feel stiff.  I want you to laugh and cuddle with each other.  I want you to interact in a natural way.  

Brides-don't stress too much about the groom.  He will surprise you.  Come into the session with a good attitude and your fella will follow.  

Alright, hopefully this new little advice section of my blog will come in handy.  If you have a question you want addressed email me or comment bellow with your question.