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! I do all of my engagement sessions during the week, my weekends are reserved for my weddings. We will meet at the location you've chosen about 1.5 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 too. Below is a list of locations that I absolutely love going to, as well as outfit ideas so you look amazing and 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! Here are some great options I personally love to photograph at. 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 already have a location in mind already, I can look into that spot further. I just need to check to see if a photography permit is required and if there is one what the cost of the permit is, where I can obtain one, and what restrictions there are, if any. The cost of the permit will be added to your invoice, so I like to choose places that are either free or under $60 for the permit fee. Certain locations are closed seasonally for environmental and safety reasons so we will look into the best time of year for your session as well! There is a travel fee to certain locations due to distance from my location too, they range from $100 to $200. Some places also do not allow dogs so if you are planning to bring your pup with you, I want to make sure we are allowed and it a great place for your dream session to come true! Here some great locations!
Castlewood Canyon
Gross Reservoir
Clear Creek in Golden Colorado
Chautauqua Park
Lost Gulch
Guanella Pass (Travel Fee)
Mount Falcon in Morrison, Colorado
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 & Permit Fee)
Lily lake (Travel Fee, No Dogs)
Dawson Butte open space
Washington Park
City Park
So many more I could not put them all!!!!
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. Small plaids or floral prints will do great! Polka dots of any size and animal prints are a a big NO!
-Shoes with reflectors on them are a BIG NO NO! Instead, wear a solid color shoe or boot depending on the season! NO Tennis Shoes or Hiking Sandals!
-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!
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! I know this sounds crazy but you should bring them just in case!
- 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!
