engagements

Team

The engagement session is a great way for you to get to know the client and for them to get to know and feel comfortable with you BEFORE the wedding day. This time to develop that relationship is vital.

Engagement sessions are usually done by photographers, but sometimes we get requests for video engagement sessions.

Scheduling

The photographer or videographer will schedule this directly with the client.

The session is normally 1.5 hours (100+ images or 2+ minute video promised) (but sometimes a client requests a 1 hour session)
We recommend scheduling this session during golden hour.
Use the first phone call
Update the Wedding Details Page
Let Alice know the date and location once it is scheduled.

Preparation

We will send an "Engagement Tips" link to the client.

Review the tips on this page so you are prepared to use the right settings and give directions on posing.

Travel pay - if the client wants a specific location that will require you to travel more than 25 miles from the closest major city, please let us know BEFORE the session takes place. We will work with the client to make sure they understand what the cost will be and we will add the appropriate amount to your pay.

After the Session

Within 48 hours, use the upload link found in the portal to upload ALL of your photos/clips. We will cull.

Submit an invoice. You will be paid $150. (This is the only way we know to look for the files to send them to editing.)

Include the number of photos or clips you are uploading so we can verify that we have everything

In the notes section, let us know when and where the session took place

Hour-long engagement session pay is $100

Turnaround time: They are guaranteed to have their images back in 30 days, but it's often faster.

It is not acceptable to book a session with a current client outside of Ivory Grove. After the wedding is complete, you are welcome to maintain contact with clients and work with them independently on other events.

settings

Preferred Aperture:

4-5.6 for 70mm onwards

2.8-4 for less than 70mm.

1.8 for close-up shots or late-evening shots

have fun + get creative

This is a really fun shoot that is mostly relaxed and so it's an ideal time to get creative. Help the couple enjoy being with each other. Music helps! Joke around. Have them do what is natural to them. Get a variety of shots...looking at the camera, looking at each other, kissing, holding hands, walking, twirling, close-ups, and farther away. Remember to always shoot sharp (f2.8-4) and focus on the eyes.

help with posing

Many of our clients need help with posing during the engagement session. A lot of people aren't completely comfortable in front of the camera and need coaching in this regard. The rest of this page has ideas to help you prepare for this. We can't just tell them to stand and smile and expect them to love their photos.

ideas to try

Music is a fun way to get people to loosen up
Have examples downloaded to your phone, and ask the couple if they are comfortable posing that way.
Use the environment - pose them next to flowers, trees, leading lines (walkways, staircases, paths), tall grass as the foreground.
Sitting on steps
Walking holding hands and looking back at the camera
One person coming up from behind and kissing on the cheek
Dancing & twirls
The groom stands straight with hands in his pockets and the bride snuggles in with her body perpendicular to his.
Dip kisses
Standing on stairs
Looking at each other
Back to back
Up against a wall
Holding hands around a corner
Head on shoulder
Cheek to cheek
The groom lifts up the bride.
The groom with his back to you and the bride looped through his arm facing you
Prompt one of them to whisper an inside joke in the other person's ear

Here are some sample albums, shot by our team, that will give you some ideas of poses you might want to try.

Here are some links to additional resources that you might find helpful when preparing for an engagement shoot or working to enhance your skills as a photographer. There are links to posts, a helpful app option (although I am sure there are many others) and video tutorials. If you have any other tips tricks or great resources that you've found helpful please feel free to share.