choosing the perfect time, location, outfit & more!
Engagement Session
planning your
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Second, you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is signficant to the two of you (and even include pets!). While they’re great for save-the-dates, I've taken engagement photos anywhere from 18 months in advance to a few weeks before the wedding.
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session and since I get asked the same things over and over again, I thought it would be the most beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
I'll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and more!
I am so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait for our time together during your engagement session! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. I always tell people that I still get nervous before having my photos taken - and I do this for a living!
I'm a big fan of engagement sessions for a few reasons. First, they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera. It takes time for most couples to warm up to being photographed! One of my favorite parts of your session is watching your walls come down and your personalities shine throughout the shoot. Plus, by the time your wedding day rolls around, you'll already know some of the prompts I'll have up my sleeve!
Welcome
I get it. Having your picture taken for 1-2 hours might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do during your downtime. And at first you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera.
But I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought, and you even had a little fun. I look forward to it because it’s a great opportunity for us all to hang out a bit before the wedding day.
The guys
A NOTE TO
Engagement sessions can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few days before the wedding. I've found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. I normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” a couple has in mind, spring flowers for example, or based on schedules.
Sessions typically last about an hour and a half and when when we can—I love to begin sessions about two hours before sunset. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches (aka "golden hour"). The first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot.
"GOOD" TIME TO TAKE PHOTOS?
Time & Light: is there a
While I shoot most of my couples' engagement sessions between April and late November, sessions can take place all year. Most of my couples choose a season based on the location where they want to shoot.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Seasons
If you’re planning to take your engagement photos during the winter, keep in mind that if your session takes place in the evening, we could begin shooting as early as 3:00pm to catch the sunset. I recommend dressing in layers so that in between photos you can warm up. Indoor options like studios, your home, or favorite bar or coffee shop make for fun winter backdrops, too.
snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats
Winter
If you're hoping for warmer weather, greenery & pretty blooms, I recommend scheduling your engagement session between late April and late May. Keep in mind, we may have to keep an eye on weather, as spring is usually rainy in Cincy. I am always happy to schedule a rain date just in case!
fresh flowers and sunny days
Spring
Summertime sessions often have an adventurous feel to them. We can dance by the creek, ride bikes, sip some wine... the opportunities are endless. Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 7pm.
adventure & late nights
Summer
Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year in the Midwest and because of the perfect weather, my schedule typically books up quickly! If you have your heart set on a fall engagement session, I recommend scheduling it soon after you book!
colorful leaves and snuggling close
Fall
If your wedding is local, save the dates should be sent between 6 and 8 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, you’ll want to send them out 8 to 10 months before the wedding.
If you’re hoping to use your engagement photos for your save the dates, I recommend scheduling your session at least two months before you plan to send out your save-the-dates. Between inclement weather, editing, designing your save-the-dates and printing, two months is generally a safe amount of time to make sure your images and cards are ready.
Save-the-dates
Cooking
Hiking
Boating
Biking
adventurous
Cincinnati Nature Center
Glenwood Gardens
Devou Park
French Park
fields & flowers
Locust + Vine Studios
Black Cedar Studios
Cincinnati Art Museum
Your home
INDOORS
Your favorite bar or coffee shop
Rooftop
Findlay Market
Washington Park/OTR
URBAN
The best session locations are often places that are meaningful to you; however, I am also happy to make recommendations. Below you'll find a few of my favorites!
cincinnati & NKY ENGAGEMENT LOCATIONS
Locations
While most of my engagement sessions take place in the Cincinnati area, I've photographed sessions everywhere from Columbus to Colorado. If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you, let me know because if our schedules align, I would love to go with you!
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and my availability.
Engagement sessions
destination
I love when couples choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location.
I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then either dropping them off or having a friend take them home. We won’t use the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots.
If you’re going to bring a pet, I recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing your pets favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot.
Pets
When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if the groom-to-be is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the bride-to-be may want to choose a long, soft blue dress. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or jewel tones.
Generally couples pick two outfits for an engagement session: a more formal outfit and a casual outfit. I recommend saving your favorite outfit for later in the session, when you'll likely feel more comfortable in front of the camera. And don’t forget to bring a few accessories! Statement necklaces, hats, cute shoes and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
Outfits
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Before we get into the nitty gritty of which colors photograph best, etc. I want you to hear this first: My desire is to photograph you & your hunny in a way that makes you feel like YOU. I want you to look back on these images & feel the love, hear the laughs, remember exactly what it was like in this season. In order for that to happen, you have to let your walls come down, you have to feel comfortable in front of the camera. So dress in a way that makes you feel beautiful & confident & comfortable. In other words ~ COME AS YOU ARE.
what to wear
STYLE GUIDE
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NEUTRALS & SOLIDS photograph best! If you do want to incorporate a fun print or pop of color (which I am all for!), make sure you pick just 1-2 patterns/colors that complement each other & keep everything else simple. Don’t be afraid to mix in some fun TEXTURES ~ linen, ribbed, fringe, lace, denim.
Lastly, I use lots of MOVEMENT in my posing. Consider incorporating pieces that move well such as a long cardigan, flowy blouse, or dress!
Don't forget, you'll have plenty of time for 2 different looks!
what to wear
for the ladies
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Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about those little details that add to your session!
Accessories not only tie together an outfit; they also allow for extra intimate close ups/detail shots that complete your gallery & tell more of your story.
Think hats, statement jewelry, hair pieces, chunky sweaters, painted nails...
Accessories
for the ladies
shop my PRIME favorites
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Able
Zara
Mango
Sezane
Hill House Home
Reformation
Rachel Pally
Nuuly
Christy Dawn
Rylee & Cru
Clad & Cloth
Ivy City
Shopbop
Everlane
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Jessakae
Petal & Pup
H&M
Vici Dolls
Virginia Dare Dress Co.
Baltic Born Clothing
Madewell
Kate + Grace Boutique
Favorite Shops
for the ladies
Your engagement session is meant to celebrate a special occasion, so why not go all out with professional hair and makeup?
I always tell my brides to consider having your wedding makeup trial the day of your shoot!
Hair & Makeup
for the ladies
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You can’t go wrong with crisp button up. Or consider layering a blazer or sweater with jeans with this look.
Bowties are always a good idea.
Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Muted or pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin.
Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.
Wardrobe
for the gents
on to the next
Wardrobe
for the gents
on to the next
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
Cuts
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Madewell
Lululemon
Everlane
Banana Republic
Mango
Reiss
Alex Mill
Untuckit
Amazon - GoodThreads
Bonobos
Abercrombie
Rag & Bone
shop my PRIME favorites
Don't forget to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself.
To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
The Rings
Let me just start by saying some of my very favorite engagement sessions have involved my couple and I getting drenched by the rain, HOWEVER, I know sunny skies are ideal, which is why I am always more than happy to reschedule due to rain.
I'll check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for engagement session & you might even have scheduled your wedding makeup trial to be the day of your session. For this reason, I typically like to make the call at least 12 hours in advance.
what to do if it rains
Inclement Weather
If you’re planning to bring props to your engagement session, I recommend including them only if they’re meaningful to you.
When Lauren told me she was bringing her dad’s old Pontiac to her engagement session, I was pretty pumped to say the least. My favorite part about this car tho is all the memories I learned are attached to it: Watching her dad work on it when she was little, drives to UDF for ice cream… Apparently it it’d been nearly TWO DECADES since then & her dad fixed it back up just for her & Ben’s engagement session
props?
should we bring
When it comes to posing for your engagement session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I will guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make the two of you laugh - and that’s the photo I'm actually looking for.
Throughout your session, I promise to keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
"what do I do with my hands?"
posing
A note on
If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t get dressed up all that often. Which means that the day of your engagement session is the perfect occasion for a date night (or brunch if your session is in the morning!)
The engagement session is another part of celebrating your love and heading off to dinner is a great way to end the session!
Date Night
As soon as I get home from your engagement session, I back up your photos & might even start working on sneak peeks cus I'm just that excited. You can expect to receive a few sneak peeks within a few days & your full engagement gallery between 2 and 3 weeks after your session.
Images
When to Expect Your
I know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your engagement session! However if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email
me at nicolelee.photography@yahoo.com.
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