WHY BOOKING A CHARLESTON ENGAGEMENT SESSION CAN BE OH-SO-AMAZING:
As you’re planning your wedding you may be first excited to begin your planning for all the things you’ve dreamed of since you were young. In this blog post I’ll share Charleston engagement inspo and how to get the most out of your photos.
There are so many benefits to having an engagement photo-session in Charleston, but here I’ll keep my opinion short, sweet and to the point.
- Booking an engagement shoot not only solidifies your bond as a couple and sharing it with your loved ones and getting to throw those photos up on Instagram to share with the world, but it gives you the chance to warm up. What do I mean by “warm up?” Refer to point #2.
- Choosing a photographer you’ll most likely want to have on your wedding day is crucial. Consider the engagement session as a warm-up for the big day. Getting to familiarize yourself with this person you’ll be with for up to 10 hours can be nerve-wracking if you’ve never even met them before. You may not know their style and how they set your nerves at ease. It’s like public speaking, it’s easier to be vulnerable and act honestly when you’re around your friends rather than complete strangers.
- You’ll have amazing photos of you and your partner to share the big news via card invitation
- You can print the engagement photos and display them in frames at your wedding. It makes for a wonderful addition to the floral decorations on tables for your guests to marvel over. Sorry, not sorry! But iPhone photos won’t be as beautiful.
LOCATION:
When selecting a location for your Charleston engagement photo session, the foremost consideration should be centered on you as a couple. Opting for a place or activity that holds personal significance is the ideal approach to achieving genuine photos that truly reflect your relationship and individuality. Perhaps you both enjoy indulging in wine-tasting adventures or share a passion for traveling or camping. Whichever activity resonates with you, endeavor to incorporate it into your photos. This approach ensures that your engagement photos are uniquely tailored and narrate your love story. Embrace your creativity when it comes to choosing a location and do not hesitate to venture beyond the ordinary. I approach engagement photo sessions as an observer, capturing all your cherished moments together while embodying a “third wheel” on your intimate date, be it exploring vegan ice cream shops in downtown Charleston or venturing out to your favorite beach spot.
WHEN TO TAKE ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS:
Determining the ideal timing for your engagement photos involves two key considerations: the time of day and how far in advance to schedule them before your wedding day.
It is generally recommended to schedule your engagement photos 6-10 months prior to your wedding day. This timeframe allows for ample time to receive the edited photos (which typically takes a few weeks) and to create and print your invitations, especially if you plan to use the photos for Save the Dates.
If you are organizing a destination elopement or wedding, you may want to allow for additional time to ensure your guests have sufficient time to plan and book their travel arrangements.
While 6-10 months before your wedding is a useful guideline, the choice of when to take your engagement photos ultimately rests with you. It can depend on your personality, the desired aesthetics, and the location where the photos will be captured (such as a beach, cafe, forest, park, or indoor setting). Once you envision the perfect engagement photos, consider the season that would best align with your vision and location. Charleston offers the experience of all four seasons, each capable of creating a distinct look depending on the time of year.
SPRING
Symbolizing growth and new beginnings, spring is an excellent choice if you wish to capture the start of your journey together.
SUMMER
With longer days and generally favorable weather, summer is a popular season for outdoor and floral photos and often a slower season for weddings in the lowcountry.
AUTUMN
Fall is highly favored for engagement photos as it falls within the 8-10 month range for many weddings. The milder weather and vibrant foliage provide a stunning backdrop. Not to mention more outfit choices! Yes, LAYERS.
WINTER
Winter exudes a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Whether you opt for indoor photos by the fireplace or outdoor shots in the snow while savoring warm cups of hot cocoa, your engagement photos are guaranteed to exude a warm and intimate vibe.
ONCE A DATE HAS BEEN FINALIZED, THE NEXT STEP IS TO DECIDE WHEN TO SCHEDULE YOUR PHOTOS!
It is generally advised to avoid midday shoots when the sunlight creates unflattering shadows. If we shoot on a sunny day, I will actively seek out open shade throughout the session to ensure the most flattering lighting for you. Sunrise and sunset, also known as the “golden hour,” offer some of the best lighting conditions for photography. During these times, when the sun is not high in the sky, the light is soft and lends itself to beautiful and even photos. Cloudy and overcast days can also provide excellent lighting and offer more flexibility in terms of timing.
CONSIDER THE ENCHANTING AND HISTORIC HAMPTON PARK FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS AND REMEMBER TO CHOOSE A LOCATION THAT SPEAKS TO WHO YOU ARE AS A COUPLE.
TIPS ON WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR CHARLESTON ENGAGEMENT SESSION:
- It’s important to choose clothing that you first – feel the most confident in. I always think to myself, ‘Would I want to look back on my photos and see myself/my personality or a stuffy version of who I know I am?’ While dressing for the occasion is recommended- there are cool and personal ways of going about your style.
- If you and your partner want something fun and more colorful – choose complimentary colors instead of wearing the same color. What are complimentary colors? Orange and Blue, Red and Green, Yellow and Purple, Black and White…. if you are wanting some artistic flare while “complimenting” your partner (see what I did there), you can still do it by adding little elements of the other’s colored outfit into yours.
- Don’t overthink it. Whatever you choose – let it excite you rather than weigh you down. Your energy about your clothing always shines through a photograph.
HOW LONG DOES AN ENGAGEMENT PHOTO SESSION LAST?
The duration of your engagement photo session is entirely up to you and what you hope to achieve with your photos! I offer two options for my couples: a 45-minute session or a 90-minute session. In a 45-min session, we’ll focus on one outfit and shoot at a single location. If you’re looking for more variety, you can book a 90-minute session, which includes two outfit changes and two closely located locations. Longer sessions provide more flexibility in terms of your look and location, plus you’ll receive a greater number of photos!
HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN ADVENTURE ENGAGEMENT PHOTO SESSION
If you’ve chosen an outdoor adventure for your engagement photo session, there are a few extra things to consider while getting ready:
- Let’s coordinate a meetup location, especially for adventure sessions where cell service might be limited.
- Pack the essentials. Bring water, snacks, bug spray, and your favorite chapstick… It’s always better to be prepared for any situation.
- Wear comfy shoes. Knowing the type of terrain we’ll be adventuring on is crucial for selecting the right footwear. If there are rocks or mud, you wouldn’t want your nice shoes to get ruined or risk hurting yourself. You can always change into different shoes once we arrive at the spot.
- Pack extra clothes!
SOME OF THOSE SHOTS DON’T COME EASY
Here’s a little insider tip: if you want to have mind-blowing photographs, be willing to do anything! Some of the most incredible shots may look effortless, but let me tell you, it often takes some effort and time to warm up. That beautiful girl in the flowing white dress, gracefully swinging through the air held by her fiancé? She had to fight the wind in her face and find trust while I hurriedly fixed her hair and straightened her man’s shirt. I’ll be there to carry your shoes, act as your coat rack, hold your bags, fix your hair, and even let you know if there’s something in your teeth. I’ve got your back—that’s what I’m there for. Embrace the unexpected, turn awkward moments into funny memories, and be open to anything. That’s when the magic happens.
THE CLOSER THE BETTER
The best photo shoots (and resulting photos) happen when you two are just being yourselves—a couple deeply in love! So, the closer you are, the better. Don’t hesitate to show your affection for each other. And don’t overthink it—just relax and have fun together. Think of me as a “third-wheel friend” who occasionally takes some photos of you both enjoying each other’s company.
My goal for every session is to have a blast, laugh until we cry, and most importantly, leave with a feeling of “That was such a good time!” Candid moments always turn out the best. Play around with each other—chase, jump in the air, and let loose! Don’t worry—I’ll capture plenty of serene and dramatic shots of you holding each other while gazing into the sunset.
Ready to book your engagement session?
And/ Or still looking for a wedding photographer?
My full wedding package comes with A FREE engagement session.
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