session details, tips, and answers
engagement session
It's best to schedule your engagement session 6–8+ months before your wedding, especially if you're wanting to use your phots as Save The Dates. Each season offers a unique backdrop for gorgeous photos – even winter! The session's time of day will depend on the season and location and will be finalized at booking.
When you're ready to schedule your full 90 minute session, please email me so I can secure your date in my calendar.
scheduling
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There are countless landmarks, buildings, parks, and more around the United States that can accommodate your engagement session. I highly recommend picking a spot that's special to you and your fiancé. Over the years, I've been to dozens of locations with couples. Select 'next' to view my top engagement sessions locations. Don't worry, I will help make the final location so you don't have to based on what you want!
If even an ounce of you is leaning towards an adventure session I highly recommend Colorado! From the lush greens or snowy mountains there is a hike for you.
(Even if you aren't an avid hiker, I know the easy trails that you park at!)
Colorado
If you picture rolling grasses, and golden sunset, sun flares, and the country family roam then let's book a session in the grasses!
Midwest Plains
If you're a wine lover or love picnics, Cedar Ridge is the perfect spot for your session! This location has rolling hills, open lawns, beautiful vines, and always has amazing sunsets. There is no fee to take photos here, I do like to ask permission first though!
Cedar Ridge Winery
If you want an in home, quiet, introvert lovers feel than lets go to this renovated victorian house (that is also a venue!) to snuggle in. There is a fee to photograph here, so we have to plan and book it early!
Sister Hill Inn
Maine is stunning every season, and if we are in the area let's road trip up to Acadia to roam the park! We can explore the rocks or hike the mountain.
Acadia National Park
Want that urban bar hop feel? Maybe go to the arcade bar and play PacMan?
Let's do it!
urban City Vibe
I love renting studio spaces to get that editorial look to images. We can use paper backdrops to give you the model feel, or find a studio that has exposed brick.
sTUDIOS
We can even visit your wedding venue! It is so much fun to plan a date night at your wedding venue and create "Before" and "after" images or gifs!
Venues
I love this midwest park, it is underrated, and never busy! It has that certain look that is an easy drive from any of the midwest states. There is a fee to get in, and we will need to get.a permit to be prepared to leave no trace, but I do this all for you!!
Badlands national park
The botanical gardens are such an easy escape for Winter engagement sessions! There are a few around Iowa, and we can find one near you if you are outside of the midwest.
Botanical Gardens
best for: fall, winter
best for: all seasons
best for: all seasons
best for: fall, winter
best for: all seasons
best for: all seasons
best for: all seasons
best for: spring, summer
don't forget the weather
no bright or neon colors
avoid bold patterns
when in doubt, go neutral
accent with accessories
use complimentary colors
Picking your outfit color palette and planning your outfits for your engagement session is the first (and most important) step in creating gorgeous photos! While you should consider the weather, it's best to be comfortable and confident in what you wear. I've collected some do's and don'ts for picking out your outfit, along with some outfit inspiration from previous couples.
outfit inspiration
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take advantage of a hair/makeup trial
get a manicure for close-up shots
clean your engagement ring
Pampering yourself is always a great idea, right?! Although not necessary, there are a few to-dos that will elevate your engagement photos:
trust me as your expert photographer
relax, have fun, and just be you
There's absolutely no reason to worry about your session. I like to look at your session as a way to get to know each other and have some fun! As you approach your session, keep in mind these 2 things:
session tips:
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I can relate, I wasn't the popular kid growing up and always felt out of step. I want you to know I start slow, and let us all warm up together with the camera so you are 100% laughing and comfortable by the end.
06. i'm nervous to look dumb....
No. I am usually team no spray tan or fake tan because it photographs very orange on a camera level. Please let me know, I can recommend a few artists that are good at fake tans.
05. I'm not tan, should i fake tan?
Yes! I place your images into an online gallery than give you the link. You can share that link with anyone you want.
04. Are my images private?
2 weeks unless otherwise noted! I will always be in constant contact with you.
03. What is your turn around time on images?
HELL YES! I am 100% down customizing your engagement session. We can do whatever speaks to you.
02. wHAT IF i WANT AN ADVENTURE LIKE HIKING IN ANOTHER STATE?
YES! You can book an engagement session at any time with me, these are just my best tips.
01. We didn't get an engagement session right away, can i have one now?
Have a question about your engagement session? I've got an answer! And if you don't see your question here, please reach out via email: jamietobinphotography@gmail.com
FAQs
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