Hello hello!

I am really excited about being able to do this and offer information and tips for all the brides out there!

I also want to start by saying, these are not end-all be-all tips. I would say they are more specific to my style and philosophy than anyone else’s but for the most part – generally speaking – these are great tips to have in mind no matter who you’re shooting with!

Tip #1: Stick to deeper, neutral colors!

Now like I said, this is because my style of editing is most magical when in a nature setting with deep earthy colors in play. BUT! That aside, sticking to these types of colors are also the most flattering for skin tones. What most people don’t realize is that the camera picks up on what is reflecting around it. So if someone is wearing a brighter green or red outfit, those colors will reflect onto your skin which can prove difficult to fix in post production!

Now I want to be very careful in how I word this next paragraph because of how sensitive the topic is… but the outfit & skin tone also play a role in how the photos will turn out! Darker toned individuals are less likely to run into the issues mentioned above because their skin isn’t as reflective as lighter toned individuals. I think every skin tone is beautiful and I am not holding any kind above the other! I am merely explaining the natural process that happens when involving light and photographs. The camera is a reflective system and what it captures is a result of what is being reflected from the light all around it! I am on your team when it comes to creating beautiful, magical images for this special time in your life, and I think it’s only fair that brides are aware of some of the behind the scenes or “technical talk” from the perspective of the photographer to help them understand what exactly goes into that photo they’re hanging on the wall 🙂

Tip #2: Variety is your friend!

Now this is dependent on your photographer because for some there is a limit to how many outfit changes are allowed during the session. But for me, I love variety! There are some poses that are either impossible, or very difficult to do when only given one outfit option, which in turn limits the amount of options of photos delivered to you! As a general rule, I always encourage my couples to bring one casual outfit to change into not only to change up the images, but also to make them feel more comfortable as well!

Usually the engagement session is a time for makeup trials, and fancier outfits which is GREAT! You deserve to feel absolutely beautiful during this time, but I also understand that not everyone has a full-face, flowy dress on 24/7 (and if you do, serious props to you! I respect you immensely. Because I can’t do that!) and have been told a lot by brides that either they usually “don’t wear this much makeup” or once the casual outfit is on they feel way more like themselves. Feeling comfortable is absolutely essential to creating beautiful images, and so I encourage you to find the outfits that you feel the most like yourself in, OR that make you feel like a million bucks. Which leads me to tip #3…

Tip #3: You deserve to feel HOT!

You deserve to feel like your absolute best self during this session! Now I will always be your biggest hype woman the whole time we’re shooting, and I already know you’re gonna kill it no matter what. But pick outfits that make you feel incredible. I’m all for fancy outfits, but sometimes that’s just not you – and guess what? THAT’S OKAY! I would much rather my couples choose outfits that they feel like they can conquer the world in, than choosing something else simply because that’s what “you’re supposed to do” or what someone else suggested.

Look, if you don’t want to wear that long, elegant black dress because you’re not comfortable in it – don’t! If you’re not a fan of sweaters and jeans and prefer all dresses – wear those dresses! These photos are a way of representing who you each are individually and then what your relationship looks like when you’re together. and I want the most true, authentic, genuine form of that! Not cookie cutter options – I want you guys to shine!

I mentioned makeup trials in the last tip, I actually encourage my brides to do their trial for the engagement session (if possible) because we will both know how that look will photograph and if you need to switch it up at all. I know, crazy to think about how makeup shows up in photos – it looks great in person so it will look great in photos right? Wrong! That is not a guarantee. 9 times out of 10, yes everything will be fine. But better to know before the most important day of your life than after the most important day right? 😉

I hope these tips were able to shed some light on maybe some otherwise unknown info! As always, I just want to remind you that I am always on your team and I am here for YOU! Ultimately, you choose what you want to wear and even if that differs from these tips guess what? We’re still gonna have a good time. I’m still gonna be your biggest hype woman. And you’re still gonna KILL IT!!! 🙂

Until next time,

Kate