Check out my locations guide, my Instagram, or the portrait sessions section of my blog. If there’s a certain session you really love, just let me know which one, and we can go to that location!
If you need some location ideas and inspiration, I have plenty!
I encourage you to brainstorm unique places that you might have special access to that most people don’t. For example, maybe you (or someone you know) have access to an amazing location that would otherwise be off-limits, like a beautiful private estate, family ranch, exclusive country club or luxury resort.
Spend a few minutes thinking about it and checking around with people in your personal and professional network. You’ll be surprised with what you come up with! If something seems out of reach, just remember: you never know until you ask!
Don't be afraid to think outside the box!
As for the location, it is completely up to you! For most of my sessions, outdoor, open-air environments are always my first choice. I love shooting in wide-open natural spaces because the light is perfect, especially during golden hour which is two hours before sunset.
Choosing the Location
I photograph portrait sessions the way I like to be photographed myself: outdoors and in natural light because I love images that are clean, bright, fresh, and timeless. Images that look and feel like you!
I shoot 1-2 hours before the sunset when the light is the dreamiest. When you are planning "getting ready" time before your session please give yourself a lot more time than you think you'll need. Make sure to account for things like traffic, getting lost, and parking, so you can prevent unnecessary stress, arrive a few minutes early to your session, and be ready to start on time. I’m only able to shoot when light is still in the sky, so we’ll want to take advantage of every minute we have together before the sun goes down!
Timing
Let’s talk about the basics:
timing, location, and what to bring
Planning Your Session
I’m going to help you along the way and it’s going to be a blast! Enjoy this time together, and make a date out of it! Plan dinner afterwards and celebrate!!
Deep Breaths
If you’re wearing shoes that are difficult to walk in but look awesome, bring some comfy shoes to change to while we walk to each shooting location!
Flip Flops
You may need to apply more lip color after one outfit change and a few kisses. (If you have a bold lip color, try to have a matte finish so it won’t transfer to your groom as intensely!). Hairspray and a brush will be helpful if your hair struggles in the humidity!
Lip Color & Hairspray
This may not apply to your shoot, but you always want to plan in advance for a cash-only parking fee that we may encounter or any tolls. We’ve had instances where this has caused some stress and stress is what we want to avoid!
Parking Fee
As much as I would like to say that we always have restrooms for outfit changes, more often than not, my clients do quick outfit changes in their car if there are no other options!
Changing Clothes
If you are prepping for an engagement session, clean the ring! I love to shoot a few rings shots while you change outfits! The cleaner the better.
Ring Cleaning
The sun sets quickly especially if your shoot is not in the summer months. The later you arrive, the less time we have to shoot! Once the sun is set, the shoot will be over.
Timing
Empty your pockets! Literally. You don’t want to have key chains or phones showing through your pockets. (This is for the guys especially!)
Pockets
It’s always a little intimidating to have your picture taken .... even if it’s just a photo on an iPhone that is taken by a friend. We still want to look nice, make sure nothing is in our teeth and that our hair is behaving! I realize that preparing for your session can be a little overwhelming. Over the next few pages, I’ll be providing tips for outfits, handling nerves and recommendations that will make your shoot the best it can possibly be!