1.) PICK A LOCATION & THE VIBE

For every engagement session I tell my couples to think of a place that is significant to your love and your story. Not a big deal if you’d rather choose an epic location, I like to start there in case there is a special place you look over. I want this to be exactly what you want it to be, not me. Of course I’ll help you if you need any suggestions, but the location plays a part in your story so its best if you choose! Location plays a major role in the vibe and personality of your session. I wouldn’t say to pick a brewery if you don’t drink, obviously. Think of this as a date! We can start out at a museum or a park and end at a bar you love. Whatever it is that fits your love and your vibe.

2.) PLAN A DATE & TIME

think about the vibe you want for your session. Do you want flash photos in your favorite bar, barcode, or rooftop parking garage? I suggest starting your session during peak sunset to save time for flash photos at the end!

3.) DON’T BE AFRAID TO TRY SOMETHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY

Be the most YOU. Don’t be afraid to step out of the box and try something different than you would normally see for an engagement session. This is your story and I want to document whatever that means to you. If that means jamming out to vinyl in your living room then I’m there. If you need help with an idea or planning it, that’s what the photographer is there for

Communicating your insecurities ahead of time with your photographer and trusting them is key to feeling confident and loving the results. The don’t know your favorite side if you don’t tell them!

Briana & Derek in Shockoe Bottom

Briana and Derek wanted to have their engagement shoot in Downtown Richmond. They chose Richmond because this is the first place that they took a trip together. Ever since that first trip they enjoy coming to Richmond to get drinks and enjoy the great food. They’ve decided to not only get engaged here and have their engagement session here, but they will also be getting married here at Common House in 2023. Starting the session right before sunset allowed for a ton of diverse lighting scenarios. Main Street Statio n is one of my favorite locations in the city. The building itself features charming architecture. We walked a block over to this rooftop parking garage because I wanted to get some flash photos just as it started to get dark. We ended the shoot with a champagne toast and a cheers, let the count down begin!

I know that theres often an idea that you need to show up and show out at your engagement session, but that’s not true at all. You may use these for your save the dates so you want them to show who you are together. You want them to show the definition of your love and how that feels.

There isn’t much prep that goes into an engagement session, but here are a few tips that I can share with you.