Chicago Engagement Session and How to Prepare

Engagement session - many couples hear that term and have a million questions.

What is it?
Do we need it?
Do we really have to be in front of a camera more than just the wedding day?

In a word, YES. Yes, you do need it and yes, you do need to be in front of your photographer's camera before your wedding day. Most couples haven't spent much time with a professional photographer, so it's a great opportunity to get comfortable before you put on your wedding dress and tux. It's also a great way for your photographer to get to know you! The more they understand what works and doesn't work, the better off you'll all be on the big day.

I also hear a lot of couples say they don't think they'll ever use the photos, but I beg to differ. My favorite engagement sessions are those done in the couple's home, their favorite coffee shop or restaurant or with their pets. Use this opportunity to get some photos in a place that's special to you that won't necessarily be a part of your wedding day. And anyway, trust me, you will love these photos 10-15 years down the road. I can just hear you saying, "Remember when..."

I'll get off my soap box now and let the experts step in.

So excited to get some insight on how best to prepare for your engagement photo session from our friends over at Gerber & Scarpelli Photography. They've been at this for years and certainly know how to get couples in the right frame of mind to have some fun!

We get it! Not everyone enjoys being in front of the camera. For many couples, Engagement Sessions seem like an overwhelming and unnecessary part of wedding prep. For us, an engagement session is a great opportunity to meet our clients, learn your dynamic as a couple, and see how natural you are at posing and being photographed. We love the opportunity to spend some time with you and get all the photo-related butterflies and awkwardness out of the way long before your wedding day!

Here are a few ideas to help you prepare and get in the mood to look and feel your best during your engagement shoot:

Eat well and hydrate! Drink plenty of water in the days before your shoot to make sure your skin looks its best. Try to avoid salt, lots of sugar, and alcohol the day before your session.

Get a full night's sleep! Easier said than done, we know. The more sleep you get before your shoot, the more relaxed and rested you'll feel.

Choose your clothing carefully! We advise clients to avoid clothing that has a certain time or style specific quality. Just look at a photo of your parents in bell bottoms and polyester, and you'll know what we're trying to avoid. Solid colors, classic styles, and the occasional pattern are safe ways to go. Make sure to coordinate your outfits as a couple so you don't end up wearing conflicting colors or patterns.

Embrace movement! Ladies, flowing dresses, scarves, or tops are a great way to guarantee some dynamic movement in your photos. You'll look and feel like a movie star when the wind starts to blow.

Get a little crazy! We've met enough couples over the years to know all couples are weird in their own way. Show off your particular brand of weird by getting a little crazy with the one you love. We love a couple with a sense of humor and we promise your photos will be unforgettable.

Get ready for some close ups! Ladies, try to get your engagement ring professionally cleaned before the session and make sure those nails are camera ready! You'll be glad you did when you're showing off your bling!

Don't be afraid of early evening or winter sessions! We don't need warmth and sunshine to make beautiful pictures. We love a dramatic shot framed by Chicago at night. Fall leaves or winter snow can be fun and beautiful settings for your shoot. Grab a stylish coat and let's take some photos!

We want you to look like you! You don't need to wear tons of makeup to look great in your photos. Choose colors and styles that feel comfortable and normal for you. If you choose to wear a darker shade of lipstick, make sure it won't rub off when you kiss!

Bring along your fur babies! We get it, pups are family. Not only will they help make your photos feel more special, but they'll help you relax and have more fun in front of the camera!

Highlight special locations! When we're scheduling your shoot, make sure you let us know if there are any significant places you want to visit to help make your images even more meaningful!

We love a costume change! For more variety in your photographs, consider preparing two outfits each. Try switching out a formal look for a casual one. Need advice on what to wear? Feel free to ask us!

Brush your teeth right before the session! Everyone looks and feels better with some fresh pearly whites!

Relax and be in love! We're all here to capture your love and your story. Try to forget the camera is there and enjoy some time to snuggle up with your honey in a beautiful location!