{Tips for a Successful Engagement Session!} | Kathryn Kim Photography | Engagement Session Advice | Colorado Engagement Photographer

Tips for a Successful Engagement Session | Engagement Session Advice | Colorado Engagement Photographer | Kathryn Kim Photography | Engagement Shoot | Colorado Adventure Engagement Session | Rocky Mountain National Park Engagement Session | Evergreen Colorado Engagement Photos | Lookout Mountain Golden Colorado Engagement Session

You’re engaged, you’ve booked an amazing photographer (yay!), and next up is the engagement session. Now what?! You’ve never done this before, so you’re feeling a little nervous, which is totally normal! Never fear, I have put together a few tips for a successful engagement session that will have you feeling more confident going into the session, and therefore result in a super beautiful, fun shoot!

Tips for a Successful Engagement Session:

1. Choose your outfits ahead of time!

Even if you have an idea in your head of what you’re going to wear, lay them out together. Or better yet, try them on in advance! Make sure you love how you feel in them, and how they look together! I have stressed myself out multiple times when I waited until the last minute to pick out my outfit to attend a wedding for example. In my head, it’s going to look great. And then I hate how it looks when I put it on, then start scrambling for something that looks halfway decent. Next thing I know we’re running late, I’m stressed and in a bad mood! This all could have been avoided if I had taken a few minutes to try on the outfit ahead of time. So organize your outfits at least a couple weeks in advance, feel confident, and avoid potential stress! (And feel free to ask my opinion, I am more than happy to help! See Sammi and Conlin’s epic mountain engagement session!)

2. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early.

I have chosen your start time for a very specific reason, and that is based around our sweet, dear friend : the sun. Timing is extremely important because once the sun goes down, it’s gone. And along with it is our available light! I love shooting at “golden hour” which is the last hour before sunset. The light is golden and oh so beautiful! But it’s a bit tricky since you want to finish right at sunset. So it’s super important to start our session on time! Also remember to account for potential traffic depending on the time/location. (Check out Jess and Nathan’s Evergreen engagement session!)

3. Embrace the awkward.

Like I mentioned,  you’ve never really done this before. It usually feels awkward at first, but then it gets fun I promise! Pretty much all of my couples say about halfway through, “I thought this was going to be weird and uncomfortable, but it’s actually really fun!” And why wouldn’t it be?! You get the perfect excuse to snuggle up close and sneak ridiculous amounts of kisses in with your forever bae! Sounds like a good time to me! Which leads me to my next engagement session tip. (See Carol and Ryan’s fall engagement session!)

4. Get ready for PDA

You read it right. I need a Public Display of Affection from ya. You two are getting married, which means you like each other, a lot. And we need to show that in the photos! Now yes, there is a wide range on the PDA scale…and don’t worry, I’m not gonna ask you to do things that would make your grandma scream. But I highly encourage touching on some level in all photos…even if it’s just holding hands or a cute forehead kiss. Because it makes for beautiful photos that show your love and affection for your future spouse. And that’s what we’re here for right? (Check out Emma and LeRon’s lookout mountain engagement session!)

5. Take a shot!

Yes, I do mean indulging in an adult beverage. A lot of couples feel nervous about being in front of the camera, and it helps to take a shot or drink a beer right before starting the shoot to loosen up and feel more comfortable. If this sounds like it would be good for y’all, then go for it!

6. Focus on the why!

Yes I want you to get all sentimental and mushy, and remember why we’re all here in the first place. This season of engagement is so sweet and special, and you’ll never be in it again! On the way to your session, reflect together on the moment you first knew you loved each other, your first kiss, your favorite memories together, how you felt during the proposal, why you’re so excited to get married and start your lives together as husband and wife etc. This is what it’s all about!

7. Just trust me!

This is what it all boils down to. You hired me because I am a professional, and I have tons of experience with this! I have all sorts of tricks to bring out those genuine smiles, laughs, and emotions. Sometimes what I’m asking you to do might feel silly, but you’ve gotta trust me, and the outcome will be glorious! Now that you’ve read my genius tips for a successful engagement session, you’re ready to make some magic with me!