Engagement Session Planning Guide

The where, the when and the outfit!

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THE WHERE:

Things to consider when choosing an engagement session location.

Is there a location that's significant to you as a couple? The bar where you had your first date? The hiking trail where your partner proposed? Do you love hiking, so a view would be ideal? Do you maybe not love hiking and want a stunning spot a few steps from a parking lot? Either way, I've got you covered!

Engagement session locations nearby Albany, NY:

• Albany, NY stoop session
• Albany Pine Bush
• Washington Park Albany
• Downtown Albany and local bar
• Downtown Troy and local bar
• Downtown Troy
• Downtown Troy - Sunset and night session
• Altamont NY (flowers only in August and not guaranteed), location fee applies, scheduling required
• Grafton NY, state park and reservoir - travel fee applies/parking fee may apply
• Chatham NY, fields and water
• The Maples Estate - venue fee applies
• Windrift Hall - venue fee applies
• The Chesterwood - Venue Fee and Travel Fee applies (about 1hr from Albany)

Want something more outside the box? Peek at these unique engagement sessions for some inspo!

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• Airbnb Flash Session - airbnb rental fee applies
  
• Airbnb Candle Light Session - airbnb rental fee applies
  
• Car Session
• Albany Theater Session

*For sessions inside a business (ie bar/restaurant), remember you need to get permission from them ahead of time to ensure we'd be allowed to take photos there.

Hoping for an engagement session a little further away?

Engagement session locations in the Hudson Valley and NYC (travel fees apply):

• Manhattan/Central Park, Restaurant and Bookstore
• Fort Tryon Park, NYC
• Minnewaska State Park (parking fee applies)
• More from Minnewaska State Park (parking fee applies)
• Last one from Minnewaska State Park (parking fee applies)
• Bar - Beacon, NY (venue fee applies)
• Roosevelt Island and Central Park

THE WHEN:

When should you have your engagement photos taken?

If you're planning on sending save-the-dates, they should be sent 6-12 months before your wedding, so if your photos will be used for save-the-dates, definitely keep that timing in mind. If not, go for a season that either mirrors the season you'll have your wedding OR go for variety and pick a season that is the opposite of your wedding season! I'm a MAJOR sucker for late April/early May engagement sessions in New York as that's the time for cherry and magnolia blossoms, which are the most fleeting thing you can get in photos, so if you also want the most-fleeting and unique, plan around blossom time!

What time should your engagement session happen?

For timing on the day of your session. If you're working with me, we'd plan to meet 60-90 minutes before actual sunset time, depending on the location. This will get us the prettiest and most-flattering light possible.

THE OUTFIT(S):

What should you wear for your engagement session?

COMFORT: The most important thing is to wear something you are comfortable in. If you never wear dresses, don't start wearing them on your session day. Same with heels, hats, something super tight, super loose, etc etc. If it's not something you are typically comfortable in, it will show in on your face, in your posture, you'll be constantly adjusting, VS feeling confidant and comfortable.

TWO OUTFITS: If you want to wear a dressy outfit for part of the session and a more casual one for the other part, this is a great way to add variety and can help if you can't settle on just one option.

ONE OUTFIT: If you feel lucky to have found ONE outfit you like or you don't want to have to change in backseat of the car, one outfit is just perfect!

COLORS/PATTERNS: Neutrals are always a safe bet and can help you fit into nearly any background well. If you love color, pick a bold option for one of you and pair it with a more neutral or contrasting outfit on the other person. Patterns are great if one person is is something solid and the other has a bold pattern. Small patterns tend to be quite subtle when photographed, so feel free to mix them in no matter the case or color!

ACCESSORIES: If you have one outfit, but want to mix it up a bit, adding a hat, jacket or changing shoes can make a big impact in photos and add a fun and easy way to mix things up.

THE EXTRAS:

Pets: Fur babies are ALWAYS welcome! Something to note, if they are able to go in a carrier (ie they are small) it can help to be able to tote them along in that, so they can stay with us, but you can also get some photos sans pet. If that is not an option, having a person available to care for them as we venture off for some solo photos, is ideal.

Props: Popping some Champagne is always fun and adds to the excitement (don't worry, we will never leave remnants behind), so if this sounds fun, bring that and a few glasses along!

What if it rains?: Grab the umbrellas! I've got cute clear umbrellas in my trunk at all times, so I've got you covered! Rainy day photos are extra romantic and so unique to get to have, so unless it is torrential or lightning is involved, we'll still meet and ideally miss the storm or bust out the umbrellas!

FUN STORY: I've only ever gotten caught in an unexpected downpour once, with these two beauties. It went from a stunning sunset, to torrential rain with no warning and we were about a 5 minute walk from the parking lot. We all RAN, but as we became more and more wet, we gave up the run, made a quick plan to hug, kiss, and look at each other when we got to the lot THEN get in cars. They have a handful of photos, right out of The Notebook, that are unlike any photos I've ever taken. Spontaneity truly can give you the best gifts!

HOT TIPS:

Bring water just in case it's hot.

Plan to empty your pockets so no phone/keys, etc are showing in your pockets.

NO GUM ALLOWED! :) Cause chewing in pics isn't very cute.

Bring comfy shoes so you only have to wear the fancy ones when we get to the good spots.

If you are a hairspray person, that and a comb/brush never hurt to have.

If it's chilly, bring a jacket to wear as we walk between locations (and gloves if it's extra chilly!).

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