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Get advice and insights from a wedding & elopement photographer who has been working full time in this industry for over 12 years. 

Engagement Photo Guide

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Engagement session tips, timing guidance,
outift recommendations & more!

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Your Engagement Session

 

Once you say “yes!” the wedding planning begins. For some, this is easy as they’ve had a pinterest board going for years. But for others it’s a daunting task. By now you’ve chosen a date, booked a venue, and you’ve got your photographer lined up. Congratulations! You’re doing great! Now you can relax a little and worry about the fun stuff, like your engagement session! This session is about more than just getting stunning photos of the two of you newly engaged – though that is one benefit! Your engagement session is a vital part to your wedding process, which is why I include one with every wedding collection. This is where we will get to know each other, you’ll get comfortable in front of my camera, and the nerves will all get out of the way before your big day. It’s kind of like a dress rehearsal that way! Your engagements will really help the flow of your wedding day as well. I’ll walk into your day knowing exactly your best angles, how the two of you interact and exactly what it takes to get your partner to smile. We will all be comfortable and ready!

Engagement sessions can be done any point up to one month ahead of your wedding, though I typically recommend scheduling your session for 3-6 months in advance to avoid stress. Because my weekends are spent focusing on weddings, I shoot most of my engagement sessions on weekday evenings when the light is most romantic and dreamy.

I love it when couples have a sentimental location or a magnificent landscape backdrop in mind for their session, but I am also here to help you plan and pick out places as need be! Anywhere that means something to you will be wonderful. Keep reading for more info on outfits and locations for your engagement!

 

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Scheduling your session

 

Most of the time, engagement sessions will be done during the week as I devote weekends to wedding celebrations. I try to schedule them in the evening, two hours before sunset. 

In the mountains I may schedule engagements a little earlier so we catch that romantic light and some alpenglow before it disappears and fades.

Sometimes sunrise sessions are better for conditions and light, which is especially true at more typically crowded locations. Ask me if you’re interested in knowing more!

I love shooting gorgeous locations! Typically I recommend limiting locations to only two – or just one if you would like a big park or ski town as your backdrop. There are plenty of vistas to work with then!

APPROXIMATE START TIMES

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WINTER 

Dec – Mar  |  3-5pm

From December to March the sun still goes down early, so it’s best to plan on your session beginning around 3:00 pm or a little later in mid-March.

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Spring

April – May  |  4-7pm

During the spring, it begins to stay lighter later, so start times may vary more as the months go by. Plan on starting about 2-3 hours before sunset, usually around 4-7pm.

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Summer

June – Aug  |  6-8pm

Summer engagements, like all sessions, take place 2 hours before sunset ideally. This gives us the most romantic light and in the summer also means we shoot during the cooler part of the day!

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Fall

Sep – Nov  |  varies

During the fall months, the sun begins to set earlier, so times may vary for beginning. You can plan around 3-6pm, depending on sunset times each month.

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Engagement session prep

 

It’s always a little intimidating to have your photo taken. Even if it’s just a selfie, we want to make sure we look good – nothing weird in our teeth, no crazy hair, and showing our good side. I work hard to make sure you look your best, and your most natural. None of those overly-posed “what-are-you-doing-with-your-hands” photos. If you don’t look good, I’ll stop and we will adjust. No worries! Here are some tips for preparing for your session to help you look your best:

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Don’t try to match. We all have that typical 90’s family photo on the wall, all in white shirts and jeans. Instead, try to coordinate your outfits to complement each other. Aim for timeless pieces you won’t look back and know exactly which decade they were taken.

Patterns. Most patterns are actually okay. Some patterns to steer clear of–

Avoid patterns that are too crazy or clash with each other. Also try to avoid graphic logos.  Beware of neon colors as they can make your skin look the same color!

Choices. It’s often best to have at least two outfits for your session to get the most out of it. Most of my couples choose a casual laid-back outfit, and a nicer dressed-up look. If you feel comfortable and confident in what you wear it will show!

Clean the ring! I will usually try to incorporate a few close-up shots of the new addition to your manicure, so make sure it will shine.

Relax! I’ll help you out along the way. And don’t forget to have fun! If you see something cool you want to incorporate or do on our adventure, let me know. It’s your session after all!

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If you still have additional questions, please just let me know! I’m always happy to help.

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I specialize in drinking chai tea lattes, and watching Gilmore Girls reruns! I also specialize in capturing the story & scenery of your celebration.

As a full service wedding photographer in Grand Junction, my mission is to preserve your favorite moments in beautiful images for you to relive those best moments of life that fly by too fast.

A Little About Me...

I believe there’s no better sight than the night sky at 10,000 feet.

I also believe you should be able to be authentically you on your wedding day. Whether that’s an off-beat elopement or more traditional wedding celebration, I strive to capture each genuine moment.

I strive to capture the day as it unfolds, all those candid moment to perfectly preserve what it felt like to be there. Too many photographers use their couples' wedding days as a portfolio building time, but you won't find that around here. I'm there for you - not for me!

Hey there, I'm Amanda

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states I've visited

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couples i've worked with

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(and counting!) moose I've seen

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episodes of gilmore girls binged

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