I’m Stephanie, a wedding + lifestyle photographer based in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Warrenton, Virginia. Whether I’m by the mountains of Colorado or Virginia, my soul feels at home, surrounded by rural living and the raw beauty of nature. I genuinely love what I do, and feel so passionate to share the enthusiasm and joy of these celebrations with you!

DOCUMENTING LOVE'S UNSCRIPTED CHAPTERS FROM COUPLES & FAMILIES IN COLORADO + VIRGINIA

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March 12, 2014

How to Prepare for your Engagement Session

Spring is just around the corner … although, I wish I was seeing a little bit more greenery outside by now! Since we are just weeks away from springtime this means that portrait season is approaching! πŸ™‚ I’ll admit that it has been a bit strange not having to RUSH RUSH RUSH around as I would during the busy season, but I cannot say that I’ve been bored or nonproductive. At this time, I am trying to get as much in during these last couple weeks before wedding/engagement session kicks in full throttle! I have some brides nervous going into their engagement session because they have never had professional portraits done before. For todays posting, I thought I would share some general information and tips to prepare for your portraits!

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General Information
I LOVE engagement sessions because it gives me time to get to know my bride and groom. I could sit with them over coffee for hours, but it isn’t until I have the chance to photograph them before I really get to know who they are as individuals and as a couple. This time also gives them the knowledge of how I Β “work” behind the lens … and more importantly, gives them time to feel comfortable. Every wedding package I offer to my couples are complimentary because I feel that it is THAT important to get to know them. I realized I have a better connection with my bride and groom when I do have the chance to photograph their engagement. The complimentary engagement session includes 1.5-2 hours of portraits at their desired locations! If they do not have a place in mind, I offer to help figure out the best location that fits them based on the information they provide me.

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What to Wear
This is always a big discussion … “what should I wear?” I give them time half way through the session to change into a completely new outfit to alter the pace of the session. It allows for a new look for variety when looking through the USB Drive. I always stress for men to avoid the common pin striped shirts. I point this out to men because when I open my boyfriends closet only to see there are more than a handful of pin striped shirts. Very common! The main reason why I tell them to avoid this particular pattern … if you were to take a photo from far away the shirt creates a dizzy, ripple pattern which is called moire. Wear something that speaks to who YOU are and makes you feel comfortable, yet confident! You do not have to wear the exact same color, but try to compliment each other. Play with accessories, as I LOVE photographing details … like statement jewelry … add some style if you wish to do so πŸ™‚ More importantly, think about your surroundings and the type of atmosphere we are photographing.

Follow my Pinterest Board for outfit inspiration:
www.pinterest.com/stephmessick/engagement-outfit-inspiration/

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How to make the most of your session
I have so many clients of mine come into a session expressing how nervous they are. No worries … Completely normal! After the first 5-10 minutes of breaking the ice, the remainder of the engagement session is relaxed and FUN! In order to make the most of it, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

1) This is not just for taking photos for your guest book or the Save the Date. This is a time to celebrate LOVE. The love you have for one another. These are some photos you will be sharing in the future to your grandchildren. I want them to look through the photos and envy how in love their grandparents were. When I am photographing, I want you to block out the world and really concentrate on you two. This can be tricky at first, but once you’re really into the session it will be easy and relaxing. πŸ™‚

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2) Be fliratious. Lovable. Open minded. Show off your romance. Even though I’m guiding you through the session, what I’m really doing is looking for those in-between moment opportunities. So its okay to mess around and randomly kiss on the cheek, a little flirt, a little push and shove (nicely) … you get the point. πŸ˜‰

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3) No worries about making a β€œmust have photo list”. I don’t want your photos to be from Pinterest, I want you to create your own photos to BE PINNED on Pinterest. πŸ™‚

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4) More importantly … HAVE FUN! Joke around … make fun of any situation that arises. Smiling is the best medicine! πŸ™‚

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24_fernando_ally2_webLooking forward to many more fun and romantic engagement sessions … and more importantly, looking forward to connecting with my brides & grooms! <3

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