Colorado couple & engagement photography
& your photo session experience
natural & authentic photos
It’s engagement/couple session time! We are going to have a BLAST. So, what can you expect from this session? I utilize prompts over traditional poses that get you two genuinely chatting, laughing, and sharing memories together. Meanwhile, I am guiding you on how to position your bodies while doing these prompts so that you look relaxed and know what to do with your hands. I have a keen eye for what looks natural in photos. I will never make you feel stiff or uncomfortable, and I have a million different ideas up my sleeve to cater to each unique couple. We start the session with some easy movement-based prompts to help you open up, such as walking and holding hands while chatting about your favorite TV show. Maybe PDA isn’t your thing, so I always ask what you are comfortable expressing. Perhaps you’re more of the mellow “snuggle on a blanket type” versus the “pick each other up and run around a field” type. All relationship styles are celebrated with me. I’ll be asking you questions about your life together, what you are excited about in your future, and other prompts that bring up real emotions and get you thinking about your connection with each other (and not about the camera on you!) Your photos are not JUST pretty shots in a portfolio, but are real depictions of your love for your partner and how that actually feels.
i’m camera shy!
This is something I hear from almost every couple I chat with (no, I’m not just saying that to make you feel better!) Most people have never had professional photos taken together, and it is TOTALLY normal to feel camera shy or nervous about how you will “pose”. I go into every session focused on building trust with my couples and consider myself an expert on making camera shyness disappear. It is a vulnerable experience to share your love with someone, and making sure you feel safe with me is my priority so that your emotions can shine through while you warm up to the camera. I live for getting the opportunity to know you two before and during the session so it feels more like hanging out with a friend rather than taking photos with a stranger who has a camera.
my approach
It is important to know the personality of the photographer you are working with so I’m going to share something with you. When I was younger, I used to have the worst social anxiety. Through photography, I was able to overcome it and now my goal now is to put any person at ease, even if you also get a bit anxious being around someone you are meeting for the first time! After photographing people professionally for over 15 years, I am an expert at keeping the session moving at a comfortable pace while easing into more emotional and intimate prompts once trust is built. I would describe myself as outgoing and excited, a bit of a goofy character, and someone who (literally) jumps with joy over a great photo. I will gladly embarrass myself if it helps you laugh. If you also get a bit of nerves, I’m not afraid to lead and ask plenty of questions, but I also know when to give space for silence and private moments. I focus on the positives of how you are totally nailing the shots and will shower you with enough validation that you leave your session feeling like a superhero. We all just need to be hyped up sometimes!
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-A bottle of champagne to pop or your favorite beer/tea/snack/picnic to share.
*Tip: If you’re popping champagne, bring 2 bottles. One to pop (most of it is gone after the spray), and one to drink. Also, some glasses! Or feel free to chug from the bottle.
-A blanket to sit and snuggle on. Neutral colors and minimal patterns look best.
-Your dog or lizard or whatever pets you want to include.
*If you bring your dog, please make sure you bring someone to handle your dog during photos without your furry friend. Attaching their leash to a tree is fine if they aren’t the type to whine or bark.
-Comfy shoes that allow for exploration and action-based prompts. Heels can be worn too, but comfortable shoes are a must for those movement photos and walking to our location! Most nature spots are rocky and uneven.
-Your engagement ring, a ring box if you’d like photos of it solo (we get plenty of photos of it on your hand though!) and lotion for your hands. Also, I highly recommend making sure your nails look photo ready! I unfortunately cannot photoshop a manicure.
-A LINT ROLLER.
-Bug spray (especially for locations near water.)
-Makeup touch-ups, extra lipstick or chapstick, hairspray, + a mirror.
-A coat for warm-up breaks. Colorado mountain tops tend to be chilly and windy even in the summer.
-Send me your favorite songs or a playlist before the session and I will play that on my portable speaker. I also have a pre-made playlist.
-Optional: write a note about something you admire in your partner and something you are excited about for your future together. I will have you read these love notes to each other during your session and candidly capture your reactions (tears are always welcome). If you’re going note-less, simply brainstorming these ideas beforehand also works.
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We will plan your session around sunset for the best lighting, and usually sessions last 1-1.5 hours. Sunset time changes throughout the year but generally we start around 3pm in the winter, and 6-7pm in the summer-fall. I don’t limit our time together and we shoot until I feel like we have plenty of beautiful images. I will never make you feel rushed!
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You will receive a minimum of 70 edited images, enough to tell a story and create a complete gallery. This includes a variety of “poses”, backdrops, and detail shots such as your engagement ring. If there is a cute photo, you bet I’m gonna include it because I’m probably dying for you to see it. You will receive your online gallery within 2-4 weeks from our session.
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I always advise couples to coordinate their outfits in terms of color palette and season, but don't match. Avoid things like multiple patterns, visible brands/logos, tennis shoes, and bright/neon primary colors.
Colors that look nice on camera are earth tones and neutrals like rich burgundy, mustard yellow, burnt orange, black, white, cream, tan, gray, & forest green. Pale muted colors also look nice like dusty pink, and soft blue.
This is a safe space for expressing yourself however feels authentic. All gender identities and expressions are deeply honored.
A masculine-presenting or gender-neutral outfit idea could include denim or dress pants (in colors like black, brown/tan, dark blue, and navy green) + a button-up shirt + a jean jacket or blazer + boots/dress shoes. Incorporating different textures and accessories like hats, rings, neck scarves, bolo ties, etc. can tie the outfit together.
A feminine outfit option could include a long flowy dress (fun for action shots), or fitted denim jeans/neutral-colored trousers + a blouse, paired with a leather or denim jacket if the season calls for it.
I do suggest staying away from anything strapless as it can make people look nude from certain angles (unless that’s your vibe - no judgment!) Wear something you feel great in, whether that is fancy movie star energy or casual date night attire!
You can bring up to 2 outfit options each. Many couples wear one formal outfit + one casual outfit. I’m here for all the outfit feedback as well, so feel free to send me photos of your ideas!
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Click for my styling inspiration Pinterest board
Websites with great outfit options:
locations