Welcome to the
Portrait Planning Guide
Your step-by-step guide to your portrait session
A step-by-step guide to perfect portraits
Thank you for choosing to work with us. We are so excited to get started on your portrait session.
We want to make this experience helpful and stress-free, so we have created a step-by-step guide to plan your perfect portrait session. Simply follow each step below to get started.
- Select a location
- Pick your style
- Getting ready tips
- Personalize your session
- Submit your session plan
Step One
Select a Location
When selecting a location for your portrait session, consider the season and style of images you want. Think about meaningful places that have had an impact on you and your love story. Be mindful of how you envision the background and the style of your pictures. Together, with the help of our team, we can find the perfect spot(s) to capture your most precious portrait moments.
Step Two
Select an Outfit
If there was one word to describe your style, what would it be…?
Relaxed? Formal? Preppy? Boho? The best thing about portraits is that you can wear whatever you want for them! Below you will find some inspiration for all kinds of outfits couples are wearing right now. Which stlye suits you and your partner best?
Elegant
Traditional
Casual
Matching
Step Three
Getting ready tips
Getting ready for your portrait session doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are some simple tips to have a stress-free and fun portrait session.
For Her
Our biggest tip for you? Select an outfit that makes you feel confident and beautiful. When it comes to your portraits, your inner glow will outshine your outfit, but it is fun to dress up and show off your personal style, right?. When you find that perfect look, you will feel even more gorgeous in your own skin, and the pictures will show it!
So don’t get overly stressed about your outfit selection. Go with your gut and what makes you feel most like you! Here are some general tips for getting ready:
Some of our favorite places to shop for gals:
- H&M
- ASOS
- Lulus
- Neiman Marcus
- Anthropologie
Hair & Makeup (for brides):
If you’re hiring a hair & makeup artist (which we definitely recommend!) for your wedding then consider doing a trial run that you can use for your engagement session. This is a great opportunity to test if you like a specific style of makeup or a preference of hairstyle. And you will feel oh so beautified for your shoot day.
Things to keep in mind:
- Clean your ring or jewelry – let those pieces really SPARKLE!
- Get a manicure/pedicure or take nail polish completely off, you will love having a fresh and clean look on those fingers and toes
For Him
If you’re like most guys, then you dread taking photos. We challenge you to throw out all your doubts and frustrations toward taking photos because this is NOT your average portrait session. All of our team has been there with their spouse to be, so we know how to make this session fun for the gals AND guys.
We promise that we will do everything in our power to make you feel comfortable and excited during your portrait session. Plus, we will make sure you are looking sharp in every single shot!
A list of our top Places to shop for guys:
- H&M
- ASOS
- Men’s Warehouse
- J.Crew
- Urban Outfitters
Don’t Forget:
- Bring your ring
- Trim your beard or facial hair
- Relax, just be yourself, and enjoy the session
Step Four
Personalize Your Session
Personalizing your session is how you make your images feel unique to you. We welcome and encourage you to bring items and props that feel like you. If you’re not sure what to bring just ask, we can provide some ideas.
Pets & Furry Friends
Do you have a furry pet that feels like family? Feel free to bring your pets along to your portrait session.
Please note: some locations work better for pets. Please notify us that you will bring your animal so we can help you pick an appropriate and furry-friendly session location.
Blankets & Comfy Things
Are you the snuggle up and get cozy type? Bring your favorite blankets and comfort items with you for your shoot. Cuddling up next to each other with your favorite items will put you both at ease and make for some amazing photos.
Props & Personal Items
Let the sparks fly! Consider bringing fun props to your portrait session. Sparklers, bubbles, ice cream…whatever your ideas are, we welcome them! The more your shoot can show off your true personalities, the more you will love the pictures!
Let us know what your prop ideas are so that I can prepare a plan to photograph them in all their glory!
Step Five
Submit Your Session Plan
Please take a moment to tell us about all the goals you hope to achieve with your portrait session! We love to make all our clients and couples dreams come true.
Within 24 hours of submitting your session plan, we will reach out via email to confirm a little meeting session so we can connect and learn even more. We are so excited to chat with you very soon!
