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Planning and Preparing for your Engagment Session

Clothing

When you and your fiance are choosing what to wear for your engagement session, it can be a little tricky to coordinate clothes/colors between without being too "matchy".

Try sticking to the same color family or complementary tones and picking clothes that have a similar style. Keep in mind that darker colors and long sleeves are both great because they have a slimming effect.

Please avoid wearing white shirts because the detail in white fabric tends to blow out in outdoor pictures.

You're welcome to bring a change of clothes (to have a casual and formal look), but be sure to pick outfits that match your surroundings. In other words, don't wear shorts and flip-flops to a session in a rose garden =)

Give your shoes as much attention as the rest of your outfit. They will be in some of the pictures and may even be highlighted in a few.

Heels are great with jeans, pants, or skirts, if you're comfortable in them. They make the legs look longer.

But be sure that you what you wear is something you can sit, walk, and lay down in.

I suggest that you do not wear anything with stripes or bold patterns, or shirts with large logos/words/pictures. The human eye is instinctively drawn to words, logos, and patterns. We want you to be the focal point of the image, not your clothes. Also, a bit of texture in your clothes can be a good thing in photographs.

Tips:

Bring a small mirror, makeup, and brush for any touch-ups. You can keep it in your car just in case you need it.
Unless you want it in your pictures, don't bring a purse; you'll just be putting it down constantly. I can carry your keys in my camera bag. Most everything else can be left in your car.
Wear things that you love and are comfortable in. Choose an outfit that flatters your figure, and makes you feel good. If you feel self-conscious in what you're wearing, it will definitely show in the pictures.
If you like variety, feel free to bring two outfits - maybe one casual, and one a bit more dressy.
The best time for us to schedule your engagement session is a couple of hours before sunset. This is when the light begins to "sing"!
Props can be a fun way to express your personality and interests. Do you play an instrument? Do you love picnics, flowers, your ipad, balloons, or bicycling? Bring what you love and we'll incorporate it into the session.
Most importantly, relax, be yourself, and have fun! Think of it as a fun date...these pictures are about celebrating your love for one another!

Choosing A Location

Southern California has many beautiful and interesting locations. Are you more of an urban, city and loving couple or do you prefer spending time outdoors in nature? Your response can really help choose the right engagement session location for you. Is there a location that is really special to you? How about where you had your first date or where he proposed to you? Let us know and we might be able to shoot your e-session there!

Permits/Fees

Please keep in mind that while almost all locations technically require a permit/fee for professional photography, I'm willing to shoot at many locations without a permit so long as you're aware that there's a chance that we might be interrupted by someone and asked to leave.

If we get ticketed because no permit was secured, I do ask that you agree to pay the fine. If you'd be more comfortable paying for a permit, then I'd be happy to look into the details about permits/fees for a particular location for you.

Permit prices can range from around $100-$900. There are some locations that you absolutely have to secure a permit for if you want to shoot there.

Also, keep in mind that some locations may have restrictions on permits, such as no permits for weekend shoots, or other time restrictions.

Let me know the location(s) you're interested in and we'd be happy to give you our advice about photographing your e-session there.

Here's a list of some locations (by no means comprehensive) that you might want to consider:

Urban Locations

Pasadena City Hall

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Cerritos Civic Center (Library, Performing Arts Center, Civic Center)

Pomona College

Old Town Orange

Downtown Long Beach (Aquarium area)

Union Station/Olvera Street - Note: Permit needed to access certain areas.