Engagement Session 101-photography tips from Laura Marchbanks Photography

Engagement photos from Laura Marchbanks PhotographyEngagement Session 101.

You might be wondering as a couple if engagement photos are for you. They're not something that we've done for decades, and I'll agree with you it's a trend. Here are a few reasons why engagement photos are necessary for you and your beau, I'll even throw in a few tips a la Stacy London on what not to wear.

Why do this?

1. They're really really fun. Spending a day with your honey, dressing to impress, a whole lot of smooching... can't really go wrong there can you?

2. Building a relationship and rapport with your photographer can help to break down those boundaries. It's not every day you have someone pointing a camera at your face and directing you on how to move. A little practice couldn't hurt right? Getting those uncomfortable formalities out of the way prior to your wedding day is only going to make your wedding photos that much more fantastic, real, and uninhibited. 

3. The dudes need this. They really do. Gents, not to drag you down, but would you agree that most of you don't "love" having your picture taken? Are you afraid someone is going to "pose" you? Doing an engagement session is most beneficial to you if you feel this way. Shake it out! 

Now for the Stacy London business. My little tips and tricks for a fabulous session.

Avoid white: Especially in Seattle, white can really wash you out. choose something with a little color and pattern.

Avoid matchy matchy clothes: 1991 called. They want their tracksuits back. Both of them. Consider this your permission to express yourself individually. This is not however a pass to clash... coordinating is much different than matching.

Bring options! Your photographer will have the best idea of what will look great on camera. Don't be shy about bringing several options to choose from. Expect however to only be photographed in one or two outfits.

Go dressy and casual. You'll get the most bang from your outfit buck if you choose both a dressy and casual outfit. Your photos can have a wider range of looks this way.

Accessorize! Bring everything from shoes, belts, jewelry and hairpieces for the ladies to ties, jackets and snazzy kicks for the gents. The devil is in the details. Accessories can really bring the photo together.

Professional hair and makeup. Just do it. Swink is my favorite go to salon for this! 

And my final tip for getting the most out of your engagement session:

Make it personal.

Maybe its the location or choosing props that are unique to your story, make it about you. If you're more of the stay at home in your jammies breakfast in bed couple, how about a morning at home shoot? It can be very intimate and beautiful. If you're the adventuring type what about a canoeing in the Arboretum session? Huge sports buffs? Did you know that you can actually rent Safeco for your session? RAD right? Whatever it is that makes you tick as a couple, focus on bringing that to your session.

Engagement Session 101 was written by guest blogger Laura Marchbanks of Laura Marchbanks Photography.