Category Archives: Engagements
I photographed a very cool couple on Saturday, Maria and Chris. So full of life and love, Maria’s enthusiasm and energy was boundless. I LOVED photographing these two, every step of the way we were on the same page, like they were reading my mind. I hope you will see it in the photographs. Can’t wait to shoot your wedding in July, Maria and Chris. And I have a feeling our trash-the-dress session will be a riot!!!
It all started in Montreal where Tracey and Mark…almost didn’t meet. They both lived in Vancouver but a lucky chance brought them together thousands of kilometers from home. The rest, as they say, is history.
Tracey wanted their engagement session to be “different”. Urban grunge? – I asked. She enthusiastically agreed. Marta and I loved hanging out with these two last Saturday afternoon. The results are posted below.
Their wedding will be in May in Stanley Park and will no doubt be a great time. Enjoy the photos!
As the beauty of Spring approaches, the wonderful engagement session season is about to begin. With that in mind I wanted to take some time to share my thoughts on the subject and give you some advice on how to prepare for your e-session.
Why take engagement photos?
Although you may not realize it, your e-session will probably be more important than you think. TTL Wedding Photography offers engagement session with every wedding package because it’s not only an opportunity to have some informal, fun shots done before your wedding but also a chance for you and your photographer to get to know each other. It’s a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera, especially if you are camera shy. We love photographing engagements to build a level of trust with our couples and find out what makes them tick. E-sessions are also a great way for photographers to exercise their creativity in an informal, relaxed atmosphere and this results in photographs that our clients love. Many couples ask us to make them a signing album with their engagement photos or make a large matted print for their wedding guests to sign.
Location, location, location…
Before we schedule an e-session, we always ask our couples if they have a preferred location where they would like to have their engagement photos taken. Some places that might make your list of locations are:
- where you first met;
- where you had your first date;
- your favourite coffee-shop;
- a place with a variety of colours;
- a really cool part of town or;
- a place which you think would be the last place you would meet a photographer, like an abandoned warehouse.
If you don’t have any ideas, not to worry, we are full of suggestions!
What to wear and what to bring with you.
- avoid wearing white, mid-tone colours such as blue, green, red are ideal;
- avoid clothing with busy patterns or logos, they take the viewer’s attention away from your face;
- dress at the same level of formality as your partner;
- wear dressy casual, versatile clothes.
Remember, these are only suggestions. The shoot is about who you are, your personalities and passions. When choosing more formal or casual clothing, don’t try to be something you are not, be yourself.
- you may want to bring an alternative wardrobe with you, for more variety in your photos, if desired;
- plan on leaving your purse, bag and other accessories in your car;
- you may want to bring along some props like a unique piece of jewelery or clothing, items of special meaning, a favourite flower, etc. Choose items that help to identify you as a couple, but won’t detract from your appearance;
- if you are doing a shoot with your dog, bring a friend with you to watch the pet while you are getting other types of pictures taken.
Tips on posing
- if you want, bring a few photos with you of other engagement shoots that you love or bring some ideas of what types of photos you would like. Or, better yet, email them to us before the shoot. This is not necessary as it is up to us to direct you but if you have your own vision of what you want your e-session to be like, don’t keep it a secret from us!
- relax and listen to our directions. We will usually tell you what we are trying to achieve to get you on board with our ideas. At other times, we might work from a distance, telling you to forget we’re even there and asking you to cuddle, look into each other’s eyes, and be playful and romantic;
- if the sun is in your eyes, close your eyes and ask your photographer to tell you to open your eyes just before they take the photo;
- smile with your eyes first – the most important part of your face. Even if your mouth doesn’t smile, putting a twinkle in your eyes brings out your personality;
- for more moody or romantic look, less smile is better;
- relax your hands in whatever position they are;
- for kissing shots, avoid open-mouth kissing. For the ultimate sensual look, freeze an inch from touching each other’s lips. This is a pre-kiss perfection that allows your faces and your intentions to be seen but leaves the actual kiss for you, not the viewer.
I realize this may be a lot of information and if you’re feeling a bit nervous don’t worry about it! The only thing you really should remember is to relax, go with the flow, have fun, and let your personality shine!
Jericho Beach is always beautiful, Marta and I jog there every weekend. But it’s even more interesting when I bring a camera and meet a cool couple there. Especially when you throw an excited labradoodle into the mix.
I’m talking about Steph and Paul’s engagement session. After a session on the beach we decided to go to Granville Island to shoot some slower, moody, night time pictures.
I can’t wait to photograph your wedding in July! 
