But today, we’re cranking it back a few paces and dealing with those other photos … the first photos you’ll take now that you’re engaged!!

E* shoots … from ordinary to extraordinary! Gone are the days of sweet, sentimental engagement photos. Nowadays, crazy, sensual, just plain fun … anything goes! We’ve asked our own dream team of experts, the Little Black Book photographers, to share some tips and tricks to achieving those extraordinary engagement shots that you’ll be proud to claim as your first piece of true art!

Today, we’ve asked Holly Schumacher, a fabulous fine art and wedding photographer to give us her best advice to couples preparing for their engagement sessions.

from Hollye …

I would first (and most importantly) find a photographer who shoots in different outdoor locations. Ask the photographer if they specialize in customized engagement sessions. Does the photographer shoot in a lot of similar locations with similar poses, or is their a lot of variety? Once you find your photographer, share information about yourselves, such as, things you like to do together, places you frequently eat, what type of couple you are (romantic, traditional, playful, outgoing) and the story of how you met. The more a photographer knows about a couple, the more personalized the engagement session will be.The “about us” list, also acts as a source of inspiration. I’ve found the best spots based on this feedback, shooting in a playground, in swinging chairs at the fair, at In-N-Out Burger, in a fountain, cooking store, etc.

I found out from one of my couples that the groom had proposed to his girlfriend by putting the engagement ring in the bible that they read every night. When she opened the book, the ring fell out into her lap and he proposed to her. When I did their engagement session at their house, I had them get out the book and I photographed the ring in the book creating a heart out of the shadow. If you’re wanting to do something creative, be sure to convey it to the photographer and give them an example of something you saw that moved you.

Everyone has a different level of tolerance in front of the camera. If you (or your fiance) is not willing to get wet, dirty, or mess up your hair, then beware of what you ask for.

I know that when clients come to me and verbally tell me that they want an out-of-the-box engagement session they should strap themselves in for an exciting ride. Try to be yourself in front of the camera. For some, this means drinking a glass of wine (only ONE) before the session or getting in a good mood and leaving the day’s dramas behind. A lot of couples can be nervous before the session which can create tensions when they arrive for the shoot. Do your best to acknowlege that you may be nervous, but that tension will quickly fade once you start. If you are not so great at styling your hair (myself included) have your hair and make up professionally done. It can make or break a session. Your photographer can create the most amazing images, but if you didn’t like your hair, it’s a complete waste of time. Ultimately, you want to be happy with how you look in the picture. Be sure to go to a stylist you trust who has done it in the past so you’re not left with a style that looks like someone else.

If you get great images, do something with them! If you spend the time and money to do a fun session, be sure to either create a guest sign-in book, holiday card, slideshow, website, or large wall portrait, with the images. Do not let them waste away. I have a set of photos from my engagement session between myself and my husband at my house and office, and they never cease to remind me of the love we share and the fun time we had making the images.

Such great advice, Hollye! Thanks so much for this first in a series of Little Black Book posts on E*shoots.

Hollye Schumacher Photography is based in Phoenix, Arizona, but if you read her bio, you’ll see she’s addicted to travel … so if you love her style (and who wouldn’t!) shoot her an e*mail.  Her December 30 blog has some more seriously incredible engagement shots from Lauren and Merrill’s e*shoot. Don’t know how they’ll be able to choose … they’re all so fun!

If any of you guys have stories to tell about your own e*shoots … please let us know by sending us a comment. I’m sure other couples would really like to hear from you, too! OR if you have questions … send ‘em our way. We’ve got a panel of experts who can help you with any question you might have!

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Post tags: Arizona, Brown Mouse Photography, E*Shoots, Engagement Sessions, Hollye Schumacher Photography, Karen Rusten, Phoenix
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Photography

5. DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF…OR THE BIG STUFF

via Jonathan Canlas

“So many different things go into the day that 99.9% of weddings don’t go exactly as planned. Don’t let anything get in the way of genuinely enjoying your day: don’t freak out if the cake is strawberry instead of rhubarb, or say the ceremony gets bumped back a half hour due to the fact your brother who is the best man is out getting a slurpee.”  – Jonathan Canlas

6. FORGET ABOUT A WHITE WEDDING

via Robyn Kessler

“To the Brides: Stop worrying about your dress! It’s White! It’s gonna get dirty. Nobody will notice if the trim has a little dirt and it will be worth it to tromp through a little grass for the picture!” -Robyn Kessler

7. YOU NEED A SHEEPHERDER

via Greg Neil Photography

“If you have formal group pictures taken at your wedding, assign one or two people who know everybody to help gather guests for desired shots. That way your photographer can spend time taking great pictures instead of tracking down where Uncle Larry wandered off to…” -Greg Neil

8. THIS IS NOT A COSTUME PARTY!

via Catherine Hotchkiss

“Don’t wear too much makeup or do something with your hair that is not you.   Don’t let anyone tell you that you need tons of make up for photos!  That is totally old school.  You should look like yourself only slightly enhanced.  On the same note, don’t go with no make up at all, even if you’re a super model.” -Catherine Hotchkiss

Once you’ve taken these steps, you can relax and leave the work to the photographer. Your job is to always, always have fun on your wedding day, and this will guarantee that we get the very best shot of you!

* * *

Thank you SO very much to Karen Rusten for putting together this incredible tip sheet for us! Make sure to spend some time checking out each of the photographer’s websites…they are so insanely inspiring, it’s kind of crazy!

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Post tags: Brown Mouse Photography, Catherine Hotchkiss, Greg Neil, Jonathan Canlas, Karen Rusten, Robyn Kessler
Post categories: Wedding Photography

* * *

Photographers are a tight knit group –and what we love most is gabbing about getting hot, rockin’ images, and what makes or breaks a shoot. After having been through the ins and outs of countless wedding days, we photographers have so much to share with brides and grooms, not only to help them get amazing photographs, but also to fully enjoy their wedding celebration.

I asked eight of my favorite wedding photographers to spell out some of their best advice on getting the images you always dreamed of.  Follow this advice, and your wedding day joy will shine in every shot:

1. PUT US ON TRIAL

photograph via Jose Villa

“Take some time at the first meeting with the photographer and do an engagement session so that you can all practice working together. Treat it like a trial run, and be sure to tell your photographer what you loved and didn’t love from that session. This will help to produce the best photos possible for your most important day…your wedding”  -Jose Villa

2. KICK UP YOUR HEELS!

photo via Karen Wise

“The pictures always look better when the couple is truly having fun! The couple should be playful with each other -tickle, hug, kiss, talk… this always looks really nice in the shots instead of a face-forward grin.” -Karen Wise karenwise.com

3. TRUST ME

via Elizabeth Messina

A wedding photographer is intimately involved with most aspects of the day. It’s crucial that a couple feel at ease & trust in their photographer’s ability to capture the nuances of the day.” -Elizabeth Messina

4. SPICE IT UP!

via Tanja Lippert

“Throw out the traditions and have a celebration that is about YOU!!!! This will ensure that photos are unique, beautiful and individual.”  -Tanja Lippert

The next four tips are on their way in just a bit!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Brown Mouse Photography, Elizabeth Messina, Jose Villa, Karen Rusten, Karen Wise, Tanja Lippert
Post categories: Wedding Photography

Thus, she has enlisted the help of some pretty fabulous photographers (think Jose Villa, Elizabeth Messina, Tanja Lippert…) to share their secrets for getting stunning images of you and your soon-to-be on your wedding day.

Before we get to the tips though, I wanted to share a few pictures that Karen has taken. The first is a bridal shoot that she shot that I kind of fell in love with…

This next set is from a fun wedding in Napa Valley that Karen shot over the Summer…

Stay tuned to hear the photographer’s tips for looking your best and getting those spectacular images you’ve always dreamed of on your wedding day!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Brown Mouse Photography, Elizabeth Messina, Jose Villa, Karen Rusten, Tanja Lippert
Post categories: Wedding Photography