Planning Your Engagement Pictures in Chicago
You’ve taken the day off work to capture your photos in the golden rays of sunrise … you’ve had your hair and make-up done and bought a new outfit … you’ve been practicing your kissing, dipping and can’t wait get the most out of your engagement session… now what?
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I favor working in the morning sunrise or evening sunsets during the best light of day. I recommend scheduling your session 6-9 months before your wedding. Prepare to schedule your session no later than 90 days before of your event to assure your artwork may be delivered in time for your wedding.
Purpose
You can’t plan without a purpose. We want to set the stage for the style your going to convey in your photos and this starts with how your new artwork is going to be utilized. Consider a storyboard reception sign-in coffee table album, framed fine art or musuem quality hand stretched canvas wall collections. By determing the purpose of the artwork we’re creating first we can move onto the Style and Location of your shoot.
Style
What’s the emphasis of the session? Happiness, fun, passion, mystery, energy, excitement? Will you tell the story with one image or connect a theme through a storyboarded concept? Determining what we’ll hone in on will help set the style and move us along to the location of the session.
We can visit multiple locations or focus on one particular storyboarded theme to your session. Choosing a favorite spot such as the place where you got engaged, a museum, park or local hang out helps make your photos unique and all about your relationship. Ample time may be needed to secure location permits for certain locations. Additional lighting, props and assistance may be necessary also based on the mood of the shoot so establishing this prior is crucial in the planning process.
Clothing
Stick to your style but plan to kick it up a notch. If you like color, try wearing something BOLD! Be warned however that bright colors are going to draw instant attention to whoever is wearing them. Colors should blend harmoniously. Patterns will date clothing much quicker in terms of changing fashions which is why I recommend solid colors. Light colors will add weight whereas dark colors subtract. Multiple layers can also add bulk. Dark colors work best in black and white portraits. Dark colors may also blend into the background placing greater emphasis on the subjects. Earth tones and light colored clothes may also add a more casual feel.
Make-Up & Hair
I recommend making a hair and make-up appointment to test the look of your wedding day prior to our session. You can also feel free to bring styling products along on your session.
Jewelry
Keep it simple and avoid wearing shiny, reflective watches or earrings.
Cell Phone & Purse
Leave your phone and purse in the car or at my studio. Your phone will add bulk to your pocket and distract you from being in the moment. You may put your purse down and forget about it as we often move quickly from one location to the next.
