Tips for Planning an Engagement Shoot
We didn’t want to make this a political post–this “Love Shoot” features two people in love, and it’s as simple as that. But we couldn’t ignore the fact that the day we planned to post these beautiful images from Sarah Deragon at Knot Shots Photography was also a day that people are lining up at their local Chik-fil-a’s to show support for its founder’s anti-gay-rights agenda.
We totally love Sarah’s stunning photos from Ash and Rachel’s Golden Gate Park shoot. We wonder why we don’t see more GLBTQ couples featured on the wedding blogs we frequent. Yes, there are far less weddings to feature, especially as most couples still live in states where their commitment is not recognized. But there are still plenty of drool-worthy weddings and commitment ceremonies happening all the time! Is it because straight brides aren’t interested? Or is it because gay couples are opting out of submitting to traditional wedding blogs/opting out of some of the conventional wedding traditions?
Either way, we want to see more photos like this propped up by the wedding industry. We want to send a message loud and clear: Love is beautiful. And to the haters lined up today at Chik-fil-A, hope it’s worth the wait. History has shown that in matters of human rights, we have time on our side.
Ok, enough stump speech. Here are a some dreamy pics from Rachel and Ash’s Love Session plus a few tips from Sarah on communicating with your photographer to get the engagement session of your dreams.
1. Head over to Pinterest and make an inspiration board for your shoot. Pinterest boards are a wonderful way for my clients and I to communicate visually about poses, the overall vibe of the shoot and, of course, what to wear. You can see some of my engagement outfit suggestions on my Pinterest board.
2. Visit some wedding/engagement blogs to see what’s out there. Make note of what you think is awesome! Perhaps you like photos where couples are kissing leaning up against a tree. Remember, knowing what youdon’tlike is sometimes as important as knowing what you do, so you should also be on the lookout for what you think is cheesy. Couples’ hands in the shape of a heart: yay or nay? When you have a list of likes and dislikes, make sure to communicate them to your photographer.
3. Pick clothing that is complimentary, but not too matchy matchy. Do you want to wear the same color, probably not, but complimentary colors totally work! Remember to bring two different outfits – you’ll probably want one that is causal and one that is more dressy.
4. Take time to talk to your photographer beforehand. Tell them your love story and be clear about how comfortable you are with displays of affection. In my shoots, I ask my clients to do a lot and if they’re not comfortable kissing in public, I like to know that early on, so that I can find a quiet, private spot for the lovebirds to share a moment.
5. Have fun and forget that the camera is there! I know that photo shoots can be nerve-wracking, but remember that what the photographer is documenting is a special time in your life. Listen to what the photographer says as far as posing, but then forget it. Steal a kiss, nibble on an earlobe, tell your sweetheart how wonderful they are–because it is those in between moments that really do make the best photos.
Sarah Deragon is the photographer behind San Francisco-based Knot Shots Photography, a proud member of the LGBTQ community, and a supporter of marriage equality.