Engagement Session Guide
Let's go have some fun with photos.....
As an engagement photographer, I believe that every love story is unique and special, and it's my goal to capture that story in a way that is romantic and timeless with a splash of fun just for you two!
I do all of my engagement sessions during the week, my weekends are reserved for weddings.
We will meet at the location chosen about 1 to 2 hours before the sunsets, that way you get that amazing golden light you've seen all over my website.
You will have time for 1 to 2 outfits. Please bring them with you, you can change in the car or at a restroom on site.
The Classic Engagement Session includes 1 hour of travel time from 80602 and The Adventure Engagement Session includes up to 2 hours of travel time, if the location chosen is further, there will be a small travel fee applied to your invoice. If you would like to upgrade your Classic Engagement Session to the Adventure Session, you just pay the difference between the two packages!
Below is a list of locations that I absolutely love going to, as well as outfit ideas so you look amazing as well as tips for bringing your dog too!
Colorado Locations I love for Engagement Sessions
Colorado has what I feel is a million locations to choose from! We can go pretty much anywhere you would like, let's chat about what type of session you are wanting, and I can suggest a great location for your vision.
If you have a location in mind already, great! I just want to check and see if a photography permit is required. If a permit is required you or I can obtain one. If I obtain one on your behalf the permit fee amount will be added to your invoice. The cost of the permit will be added to your invoice.
Certain locations are closed seasonally for environmental and safety reasons during certain times of the year so we will look into the best time of year for your session.
Some places also do not allow dogs so if you are planning to bring your doggo with you, I want to make sure we are allowed without any hiccups!
Great Locations:
Castlewood Canyon (Permit fee)
Gross Reservoir (Permit Fee)
NCAR in Boulder
Denver Botanic Gardens (Permit fee)
Clear Creek in Golden Colorado
Cherry Creek State Park (Permit fee)
Chautauqua Park (Permit Fee)
Lost Gulch
Garden of Gods (Travel Fee)
Guanella Pass (Travel Fee)
Mount Falcon in Morrison, Colorado
Officers Gulch (Travel Fee)
Denver Capitol Building
Denver Public Library (certain branches only)
Garden of the Gods (Travel Fee)
Red rocks park and trading post
Golden Ponds Nature Area
Roxborough State Park (Travel Fee & Permit Fee, No Dogs)
McKay Lake
South Mesa Trailhead
Downtown Denver
Ri-No Art District
Estes Park (Travel Fee)
RMNP (Travel Fee)
Lily Lake (Travel Fee, No Dogs)
Dawson Butte open space
Washington Park
City Park
If you have a fave spot let's go there!
Outfit Ideas
The More Casual Couple: If you are a more casual couple then I would suggest dark denim with a simple top and a classic style shoe. For a casual lady, I would suggest a simple knee-length dress with a neutral shoe for spring and summer or dark denim with a cute sweater & boots for fall or winter!
The Dressy Couple: If you are a more dressy couple then go all out with a nice suit and a cocktail dress at a downtown location! Want to go to the mountains? Let's do dark denim or black jeans with a nice button-down shirt with a vest and you can wear a similar style dress that is more formal and flowy! Don't forget the cute shoes too!
The Urban Couple: Want Urban Downtown Vibes? Let's wear cute ripped denim with a fun top and converse and your partner can wear jeans with a plaid rolled sleeved top, with matching converse! High tops or low tops it's your choice! There are so many styles ad options to choose from for this laid back look!
Things to consider when choosing your outfits:
-Make sure your outfit matches the season you are in! Don't dress in a spring style dress for a winter session, you will look out of place.
-Jewel Tones look great on a variety of skin tones; Navy, Ruby Red, Emerald Green, Black, Mustard Yellow, Aubergine, colors like that :)
-Solid colors work BEST!
-Simple patterns work well but it has to be the right pattern. Large patterns will make you look large and distract from your face.
-Shoes with reflectors on them are a BIG NO NO! Instead, wear a solid color shoe or boot depending on the season!
-Layers are a great way to add visual interest and hide any unwanted areas of the body you don't like. You can't go wrong with a denim jacket or cardigan to help cover your arms if you're uncomfortable with showing them.
IF ALL ELSE FAILS, I AM ONLY A PHONE CALL AWAY!
Have more questions or just don't know what to do? I got you! I am more than happy to help you pick the best options to suit your style and your vision! Also, check out the couples below or my blog for more inspiration! I can even send you link to AWESOME Amazon items that are size inclusive!
Examples of great outfits:
Tips for bringing your dog to your engagement session...
Here are some tips that I recommend when you want to bring your adorable dog to your engagement session with me!
- Bring a friend with you! Bringing a friend with you as a "dog babysitter "is something I highly encourage all of my couples to do! That way your baby is safe and taken care of while I am photographing you two lovebirds!
- Bring a neutral color leash! I know this sounds crazy but most of the places I photograph at require dogs to be on leash, so make sure it's cute!
- Bring poop bags. You never know when you gotta go.
- Bring your dog water. Hiking around the mountains is just as strenuous for your dog as it is for you, so don't forget water and water dish!
- Bring some treats or their favorite toy with you! I use treats and toys to get your dogs attention for the perfect photo!
Engagement FAQ
When should we do our session?
I do engagement sessions during the week since most of my weekends are filled with weddings and elopements. Doing your engagement session during the weekday will ensure fewer people at popular locations! Etiquette states you should have your session done about 1-2 months after you've gotten engaged but honestly you can do them whenever you want :)
What time of day should we do them?
Sunset is BEST! The light is golden and yummy! You can see examples of this wonderful light in my portfolio! We will start your engagement session about 1.5 hours before the sunsets that day.
How long does an engagement session last?
An engagement session takes about 1.5- 2 hours depending on location, time of year, and if you bring your dog (Please bring your dog). We have a ton of fun and take amazing photos.
Location Help?
There are TONS of great places in Colorado for your Engagement Session! I have a list of locations that are close by with wonderful views! We can pick something just right for you!
Does our location require a photo permit?
Some locations in Colorado require a a paid photography permit to have your photos taken their professionally and some locations are free but you still need a permit. I will let you know if your location requires one. Permit fees are usually minimal but some are more expensive, let me know if you have a price range you are looking to stick to. All permit fees are added to your invoice.
How many outfits should we bring?
You should bring 1 to 2 outfits. I suggest 1 polished casual outfit and one dressy outfit. I can help you pick out options that not only will photograph well but will reflect your style and personality. I have a style guide that will help you out too!
Can we Bring our Dog?
YES!!!! Please bring your dog! I love when my clients make their session truly their own! When you bring your pup to your session don't forget a friend to help hold them while we are taking other pics!
What happens after my session?
After your engagement session I go through and edit all the best images from your session, then upload them to a private online gallery for you to view, order and download! These images are great to use for your save the dates, to display at your wedding and to put on your wedding website if you have one! Don't forget to tag me if you post them on social media!
Travel fee?
Regular engagement sessions are done with in 1 hour drive of 80602. Adventure engagement sessions are up to a 2 hour drive from 80602. Any locations exceeding that will have a fee.