So, you have gone through the process of choosing a great wedding photographer. Now it is time for the Engagement Session, but what does that really mean?

Typically, I will get together with my Bride and Groom a couple of months before the wedding and hang out for a couple of hours. During that time, we will talk and get to know one another more and I will spend some time taking their pictures. A few of the photos will be more traditional portraits, but most will be shots are just you being you.

For many couples, the Engagement Session will be the first time they have had their pictures taken together. And for some reason, lot of couples get worked up about it. What can you do to set yourselves up for success for your engagement session? Here are a few tips:

1. Plan Ahead

Talk to your photographer well in advance of your wedding day so that you don’t run out of time. If you have a particular season that you want in your pictures, like fresh green in Spring or Fall colors, be sure to plan for it. Often times, especially in the summer, engagement sessions are done later in the evening on weeknights, as many wedding photographers have their weekends full with weddings.

2. Make it an Event

Take time to do something “Datey” before the shoot. While you might not have the ability to take off work that day, maybe you can work through lunch and leave a little early. The key here is to spend relaxed time together before the  photo shoot.  Maybe that’s grabbing dinner together, ice cream, drinks, taking a walk or anything else you love to do together.  This helps you be in the right mindset before the session, remembering why you are so excited to be marrying your best friend.

3. Look Great

Take time to get ready and feel great about how you look.  Pick out your outfit (including accessories) ahead of time. Wear clothes that show off your personality, and don’t be afraid of color.

4. Flexibility

The weather in Indianapolis can be hit or miss sometimes.  Blue skies and sunny 1/2 hour before your shoot, then rain at go time.  Don’t be too disappointed if we need to reschedule.  It happens more often than you think.

5. Be Yourself

Finally, just be yourself in front of the camera.  A good photographer knows how to capture the relationship you have and the best of both of you -  trust them.  Many of the best pictures happen, when you aren’t even aware your photo is being taken.

Hope these tidbits help! They are just from my experiences, and I hope to share more tips in upcoming posts.

I’m so happy you stopped by!

This is the brand new home of the Megelaine Images blog.  There will be plenty of pretty pictures, real Indiana Weddings, tips, and stories from my personal life. (Yes, I do more than take pretty pictures!)  I’m so excited for the all the great things in store for this blog.

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Michaela and Andy actually first crossed paths in Broad Ripple and Andy lives in Broad Ripple (down the block from me actually) so it was fitting to spend the evening in the area for their engagement session. It was a great evening, they came from a yummy dinner date at Bazbeaux Pizza . (a great way to lead into an engagement session) We had a lot of fun wandering around and ending the night with the perfect treat, an ice-cream stop at the new BRICS that moved in down the street from my office. Just a few more months until these two say “I do”.

Jared and Megan might have both spent their college years in Terre Haute (ISU and Rose-Hulman), but didn’t cross paths and begin dating until they lived in Indy. We had rescheduled due to rain the week before and thought we were in luck with a blue sky sunny evening. Well, literally the sky completely changed in the course of about 10 minutes before their session and it turned to a heavy spring rain. After trying to wait it out, it let up enough for us to get outside the cars and try to at least get a few shots in. Lucky us the rain held off for about a 1/2 hour for us to roam around the IMA and share some laughs.

They completely light up when they are together. Jared pulled off one of the most impressive proposals I’ve heard yet by, surprising her with a trip to Disney (she thought she was on a trip to visit family), proposing by the Castle and then having breakfast with all the Disney Princesses. Following by a day of sharing the excitement with family at the happiest place around.

Their story began in a place where many twenty-somethings have called home at one point, the Monon Place apartments in Broad Ripple. We spent the evening roaming around their old stomping grounds. Amy and TJ have moved out of Broad Ripple now, but I’m sure it will always hold a special place in their memories. They will be tying the knot later this fall!