COUPLES SESSIONS
the details:
timing
couples sessions or engagement sessions are typically 1 hour to 1.5hrs depending on where we are going and what we are doing. we typically start an hour and a half before sunset, or at sunrise (can be amazing during the late summer or fall timeframe with the sun coming up a bit later). This depends a bit on location and when the sun goes down.
locations
with locations, so many times i encourage couples to think about what they want to remember from this time in their lives. a favorite spot, or a first date memory. Or something that they love and feel nostolgic for. Otherwise, its fun to explore a new place for the first time and build on a new memory together.
things to think about:
-how many people are typically around and would you feel comfortable taking photos in front of them.
-are they open (and do they allow photos?) during the hours we are wanting? (I can also do some research as well)
-typically i love to think through a mix of colors/light as well as potentially more of an urban/or indoor spot, as well as a spot with a bit more green or nature.
A FEW EXAMPLES:
LAUREN & DARROW:
Things they want to remember when looking back.
Lauren and Darrow live close to the lake and love walking their dog there in the summer. They have a moped and were planning to ride one around Italy on their honeymoon. These two things helped be the jumping off point for the photo ideas. We started at their house with a few drinks and their dog, then did a few with the moped around their neighborhood. They wanted to get a bit more creative with part two, so we got some floaties and went for drinks “on the lake”. Easy neutral outfits, some sunglasses were perfect for some casual summer fun. Lauren did her wedding makeup trial as she wanted her look to be more natural on her wedding day.
COURTNEY & GRANT -
A place that brings nostalgia, also some fun spots to explore.
Courtney grew up spending a lot of time in Palm Springs - where her Dad has a home. Her and Grant wanted to do an engagement session in one of their favorite places, so I met them there in the spring and had the most amazing time. We first went to the Palm Springs Botanical Gardens, and then to her Dad’s house where he had his classic car - that he built himself. She said so many family photos had been taken with that car so it was so fun and nostalgic for her to use it for photos again. A few spots as well on the way to the car in between spots:)
FRESH IDEAS & INSPO
**not all images here are mine - some are pinterest
Currently inspired by - the mix of casual date nights that feel relaxed - like pasta for two, or drinks/picnic on the lawn.
Starting later, catching the last bit of light, then dressing up for a night out. Flash with downtown lights.
Outfits - black and white mix, or matching. Neutrals that bring out the color of the time of year or location.
LOCATION THOUGHT STARTERS:
NATURE:
(casual to casual dressy)
-Lebanon Hills -Eagan, MN (mix of trees/lake/tall grasses.
-Grey Cloud Dunes (Cottage Grove) - tall grasses, beautiful valley views
-Afton State Park - hills, trees grasses
-Hastings Sand Coulee SNA
lebanon hills - late summer
lebanon hills - late summer
grey cloud dunes - late summer
*not all images are mine below - some from pinterest!
grey cloud dunes - late Spring
ARCHITECTURE:
(casual dressy to dressy)
-University of MN Campus - brick and stone buildings, Weisman art museum (outside/silver shiny)
-North Loop/rooftop
-St. Paul - Capitol Building
-St. Paul - Rice Park / Libarary / St. Paul Hotel - mix of
-St.Paul-near Blair Arcade building
st.paul - WA Frost area/blair arcade
University of MN - summer
NATURE / ARCHITECTURE MIX:
(casual dressy to dressy)
-Lakewood Cemetery - architecture and clean lines, amazing steps and old trees. Beautiful space!!!
-St. Paul - Rice Park / Library / St. Paul Hotel - outside green space, inside bar
-Como Zoo Conservatory (outside)
-Stillwater; Downtown and Boom Site, or Downtown and Square lake park (tall pines and lake)
-Guthrie Theater and Mill City area
-North Loop/Boom Island
st.paul - como zoo
FOOD/DRINK
(casual dressy to dressy)
-Pizza Night!
-Pasta Bar
-With bars/restaurants there are a few considerations. I really depend on you to pick the spot and clear photography policy/permit etc with them ahead of time (they tend to be a bit more accommodating to a client vs photographer)
I recommend a dive bar or restaurant, place that is really sentimental to you, or creating more of this atmosphere in your home.
square lake park -stillwater
st.paul brewing
STUDIO SPACE:
(casual to dressy)
-Mix of editorial and candid.
POSING & VIBES
I like to start by saying, a couples session by nature, especially when we first start can feel pretty awkward. It just does for the first 15 min or so, and that is completely normal. Prepare yourselves for that;). We start out pretty simple and it will get much easier by the end.
A few things to note:
-I will give you a few pointers before we start, stay close, touch - grab hands, kiss if you want, have fun with it and embrace the awkward.
-Generally a couples session will feel more “posed” than on your wedding day - and that is just based on how much time we have and what we are trying to do. I want to see how you naturally flow together, what feels good to each of you and lean into that. What does that mean? If you are not a couple who naturally displays PDA, it might feel more goofy for you, and I am not going to force that because the photos won’t feel like you. Or if you are a couple who wants to lean into some different poses, amazing let’s do it. I just want you to know I am here to try to meet you where you are at and what feels like you - but sometimes we have to try a few things and communicate with eachother to get there.
-What you wear can have a big impact on the poses and the vibes;). If you keep it casual, we will be more casual. Look at outfits, look at scenery and the vibes. Sometimes the unexpected juxtaposition can be amazing as well. The dressy vibes in floaties for drinks - fully embracing they are going to have fun and get wet.
THE OUTFITS
*not all images are mine below - some from pinterest!
Alright, time for the hardest part - the outfits:)
the tips:
-think about your outfits as one outfit. Lay it out together - does it go, would you wear any of it together (think colors/patterns).
-match vibes. look like you’d be going to the same place together. casual with casual, dressy with dressy. Think about the shoes - if someone is wearing high heals, the other should be in dress shoes vs tennis shoes. Casual with casual.
-layers can create interest and dimension
-neutrals are amazing, but also don’t be afraid to wear a pop of color or pattern. If your location is full of color/pattern wearing neutrals can make you stand out. If you are in nature, green fields/grass - think about complementary colors.
-matchy matchy can be fun. both wearing denim and white tops with a fun hat or some personality in accessories. Layer it differently or completely embrace matching.
-Accessories. Sunglasses, hats, coats, shoes.
