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fine art film photogrpahy

for the timeless and nostalgic in love

At Jennifer Clapp Photography, I serve couples and families that appreciate the nostalgic, romantic, dreamy and timeless look of film photography.

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Engagement Session Tips and FAQ’s

One of my favorite things to do is an Engagement Session before the big day! Not only is an engagement session a way to celebrate and announce your engagement to friends and family, it also allows me to get to know you. I will first send you and your fiance´a short questionnaire and encourage you to fill it out together. I love learning about how you met, all about the proposal and what you enjoy doing together. This will allow me to capture who you are as a couple and help us brainstorm the best locations for your session. Once the session is booked and on the calendar, most couples have lots of questions. Here are a few tips and answers to some frequently asked questions…

Tip #1: Where should we do our session? Find a great location with amazing light! I’m always asked for recommendations and I have many, but I encourage all my couples to try to research and find a unique place that really speaks to them as a couple. What I always look for in a place is beautiful light. I start a session approximately 1.5 to 2 hours before the sunset, depending on the location. As the sun begins to descend we get this amazing gorgeous golden light, the optimal light for photographs.

If you do have a special indoor place, such as where you had your first date or your favorite ice cream joint we can definitely do that. Again, I just look for natural light from a window or open doorway. I would also recommend calling and speaking to the owner or manager to make sure we can photograph there. If it is a popular place we should choose and time/date, such as during the week, when there is less traffic.

Tip #2: What should we wear? This is the most asked question I get from couples. I believe the engagement session is just as important as the day of your wedding. I would recommend bringing two outfits dressy casual and dressy. What I mean by dressy casual is clothes that you would wear for maybe a casual dinner date downtown. For example, a cute pair of jeans, a cute top/sweater, with boots for a fall or winter session or a cute dress for spring or summer. The guys could wear nice jeans and a button up shirt. For dressy how about a dress and heels for the ladies and a suit or sport jacket for the guys. You also shouldn’t match in color but wear complimentary colors. If it’s a fall/winter session where warm color tones, for spring/summer choose subdued bright colors that do not reflect are key (hot pink and neon colors are extremely reflective….Say NO to neon!) Also, lots of layers and accessories can help change up an outfit quickly. For example, a jacket or scarf is great during the fall and winter. And don’t forget about the jewelry! I love taking detail shots and will of course take some ring shots but having a necklaces or bracelets can help with natural posing.

Engagement_Photos_Old_FolsomTip #3: Get professional Hair and Makeup done! It’s so important to have a professional do your hair and makeup not only for your wedding but for your engagement session too. When having your makeup done make sure your makeup artist concentrates mostly on enhancing your eyes and lips. I would also recommend getting a nice manicure as I love to take close up shots of your hands, especially of your beautiful engagement ring! 🙂

Tip #4: How about props? It is up to you if you would like to bring props. I just use what the environment has to offer, sitting on a rock, or having you carry a wildflower. Some couples use their engagement session photos for Save-the-date cards to send to guests so they will bring a sign with the date of the wedding on it or some bring old photos of their parents. I would just keep it to 1 or 2 props so it doesn’t take away from your session.

Tip #5: Pets? yes, for sure. I love when couples bring their furry children! I would just recommend bringing someone to watch them while they’re not in the photo and to help get their attention during photos.

Tip #6: Relax and have fun! This photo session is all about celebrating your engagement and your upcoming wedding. My goal is to make sure I capture who you are as a couple and the love you share for one another.

Tip #7: Follow my pinterest board Engagement Session Tips and ideas for some inspiration!

Congratulations!!! I can’t wait to hang out with you and get to know you better. If you having any questions please let me know!

-Jen

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