Before the D-Day... an engagement session is a chance for the couple and photographer to create the required trust and friendship...and of course... lovely and gorgeous photos of the couple.
This type of photo shoot knows more and more success...
First, it allows for beautiful portraits of couples... sometimes posed, sometimes spontaneous... the succession of images allows me to bring out your personality, your accomplice, your love ... This also allows me to better understand your expectations, your desires, your limits ;-)
Far from the pressure of the wedding day, this session takes place in a good and relaxed mood. Almost all sites are appropriate for the shooting, as long as you enjoy this place. Obviously, we can take this session to conduct a tracking site for the wedding day ... although this is clearly not the goal!
I am often asked if this engagement session is mandatory ... and why it is so important to me when few photographer offers this type of shoot
I could discuss the reasons for a long time... but I will focus on three main reasons:
- Feel good in front of the lens...
Unless you are very comfortable at posing or you work in modeling ... Many people feel awkward or uncomfortable facing the camera (me included ... it's not for nothing I'd rather be on the other side of the device).
Gazing lovingly and kiss languidly in front of a "stranger who plays the paparazzi" this is not the most obvious!
By my nature and my approach ... I will put you at ease, make you laugh (or at least try to ;-) ). In a way ... I'll break the ice!
Ultimately, the goal is that when I arrive at the wedding ... some good memories come to mind ... and that my presence is seen as that of a "friend" who just has a bigger camera than other guests ;-) - Trus(ssssss)t me....
The photo shoot gives you the opportunity to trust me.... full confidence! I hate cliches, kitschy pictures, over posed photographs, ... and all that we have seen (and unfortunately still seen often) in the other photos albums. I'll probably just shake your preconceptions about wedding photography. I'll try things, improvise, make fuynny photos, ... I will lie down (and you also ;-) )... climb on a bench, a wall or anything that will allow me to vary the angles of shots ... to offer you original and unique photos. So yes... Some ideas may seem strange, you will not always understand the goal I try to achieve... but if you play the game .. there will be good surprises. All ideas will not be a success .... but for others ... there will be the "Waouawwww" effect ;-)
Ultimately, the goal is that the wedding day, when I propose something unexpected, unusual ... you will not be puzzled or skeptical .... but interested! - For you and your family...
While I am here to guide you and advise you ... I propose that you choose the location for this photo shoot. We need a place that touches you, inspires you, that you like ... A place where you feel good ... taht reflects your love, your personality, a key moment in your life ... whatever ... but this is your place! It's not everyday that one is photographed by a professional ... and therefore it is an opportunity to have fun, get some nice photos of the couple for you and your family.
Lastly, plan to have fun! Remember the results of my work are timeless. You and the people you love today and in the future will look at these images as the start of your life together.
So... NO it is not mandatory ... but it is highly recommended ;-)
- Of course...
• If there was a dress code for this type of shooting, it would be "casual chic".
• If it's cold... bring a jacket that's easy to remove... The pictures will be nicer if you're not wrapped in a cloak.
• If one of you is wearing white or "transparent", pay attention to labels, matching underwear, ...
• Be "together" but not too much! Think accessories, colors that blend well together. Wearing a similar/complementary color adds a cohesiveness that is positive in the image
• Avoid things in your pockets (keys, mobile phone, tissues, etc ...) - plan a small bag to keep it all away.
• Avoid clothing with logos, slogans, distracting patterns, ... A simple outfit in a solid color (white or black work too) is by far the best to keep the focus on you and for flexibility in backgrounds
• Make up as usual... neither more nor less... Prepare a small beauty case with a mirror, required things to arrange your hair (especially if you wear a cap or hat and you want to remove it for pictures)
• If you wear a lipstick that transfer easily (eg gloss), take a tissue to clean the cheeks or lips (and something to redo the makeup for you)
• Take heeled shoes if you have and it goes well with your outfit (this often brings a more "gorgeous" touch in the photo) and envisage more comfortable shoes you can wear when we are not shooting.
• Still in the idea of feminine touch, dress a V-neck instead of a turtleneck
• Do not stack the layers (even if it's cold)... this is not flattering !
- Of course... NOT!
We can plan an engagement session that is less traditional... It can be related to a thema (your culture, a hooby, a region, ...), it can be seen as a fashion / advertising shoot, it can be.... whatever actually...
- Not so much...!
Price is 199€ excluding VAT (+ 0.25€ / Km for travel expenses).
The shooting last the required time that I need to grasp your personality and to capture the moments I'm looking for. It can be 1 hour, 2 or maybe more... It does'nt really matter.
You will receive a selection of the best pictures in HD on a DVD + a private web gallery.
- Always... :-)
I just prepare an amazing package !!!.
An engagement session + a book + a celebrate the dress session for 350€ excluding VAT (+ 0.25€ / Km for travel expenses) !
The book is a 30x30cm printed book, 24 pages, with selected pictures of the engagement session. It can be used as a "Guest Book" at the wedding day -> really cool !
You will receive a selection of the best pictures of both session in HD on a DVD + a private web gallery.
If you have questions... or you want to plan an engagement session Contact me...
Engagement Session