How to Prep for your Vermont engagement session
Here’s the scenario: after a ton of research, you’ve booked your dream wedding photographer, picked a date for your engagement photo session, maybe even have a great location in mind. The one thing you still don’t know - how the heck are you ever gonna look good for those photos!?
Photoshoot Anxiety is Real
So often I’ve heard couples voice the same concerns about taking photos together - “we’ve only ever taken selfies together,” “we are totally not photogenic”, “we don’t even know how to look good in images together”, etc. etc.
I truly believe that there’s no such thing as being not photogenic. Can you look bad in photos? Totally, but it’s not because there’s something inherently wrong with how you look. It all comes down to how comfortable you are in front of the camera, and for so many people (myself included) there’s nothing natural about it.
So what to do if you’re low-key freaking out about how you’ll look in your images? Follow my handy guide on how to prep for your engagement photo session, of course.
It’s ok if you haven’t done this before
I’m serious when I say that VERY few of my couples have ever taken photos together, especially with a professional. That in no way means you’re at a disadvantage with your images - if anything, you might find your images come out better because of that! The two of you being a blank slate means you’ll be more open to working with your photographer without expectations of how the session should go.
Pick a fun location
One thing I always ask couples is if there are any spots that are meaningful for them. If so, they make for an amazing photoshoot location because I know they’ll be familiar and comfortable with the area, and maybe show me around their favorite places. If not, it’s a great opportunity to explore a place you’ve never been before. That sense of adventure helps you be engaged with each other and your environment, which helps take some of that pressure off of you needing to pose for your photos as much. Your photographer will also have some of their favorite go-to spots to recommend based on your interests.
Wear comfy clothes
Honestly, the most important thing when it comes to clothing is that whatever you choose to wear, it MUST be comfortable. Clothes that make you uncomfortable make for awkward poses, which leads to awkward photos. Some people opt for getting their hair/makeup done before they meet up for a shoot, and you should feel totally comfortable to do the same. Of course folks are always curious what they SHOULD wear to a session - what I recommend not being too matchy-matchy with clothes, but instead pick 2-3 colors that go together as a theme, but still allow your unique personalities shine.
Do or Bring something meaningful
While totally optional, having something to interact with can take a lot of pressure off of the age-old question "what do I do with my hands." Think hat, cozy blanket or scarf, or warm mug of tea. You can also make pits stops during your session to grab a snack or drink too, which is even more fun if they’re meaningful places for you both. You get super bonus points with me if you bring your dog along!
Trust your photographer
The first time you work with your photographer, you’ll go through what I lovingly call the “awkward first date phase”, where you literally won’t know what to do with yourself in front of the camera. That’s where the photographer will work with you to make sure you get through that phase as painlessly as possible. My approach is to be goofy and tell terrible jokes - we'll laugh, play, and get a great vibe with each other that will make your session totally unique and fun. If your photographer knows their stuff, by the end of it you'll want to do this all the time.
After your session
Most photographers will need a few weeks to deliver your full engagement gallery, but quite a few will share sneak peeks on social media or with you directly a few days after the session. Be sure to chat with your photographer about this so you know what to expect, and have something exciting to look forward to!
Huge shoutout to Meaghan and Matt for being my models for the post - exploring downtown Winooski was so much fun, and even got featured on Vermont Weddings! These two are getting married in November, so keep an eye out for their gorgeous wedding on the blog!
