Here are some of my favorite tips for a fabulous couple's shoot. In a nutshell: Hire EKP with Style, Swag and a Smile!
This post features my brother and sister-in-law who came to visit in the spring of 2012. We headed out to a couple of fun locations boasting great light, neat architectural elements, and desert landscapes. This post is designed to give you some ideas and helpful hints on making the most of your couple's session.
TIP #1. Hire EKP!
TIP # 2. Get your STYLE on
* coordinate your outfits to complement each other in style and color
* wear your best and favorite colors
* avoid large, busy patterns, avoid large logos - go with tried and true solid colors that you love
* consider hiring a stylist through EKP or your fave salon for hair and makeup - if this is an engagement shoot, consider this a trial run with your wedding day stylist
* consult your favorite styles in a fashion magazine or catalog for ideas on a color palette or wardrobe choices
* consider the environment we'll be shooting in - if lush greens of a farm field will be the background, consider grays or a more neutral palette for a nice contrast
* if an urban downtown scene is our background, bold, luscious colors may be the way to go
* coordinate your outfits to complement each other in style and color
* wear your best and favorite colors
* avoid large, busy patterns, avoid large logos - go with tried and true solid colors that you love
* consider hiring a stylist through EKP or your fave salon for hair and makeup - if this is an engagement shoot, consider this a trial run with your wedding day stylist
* consult your favorite styles in a fashion magazine or catalog for ideas on a color palette or wardrobe choices
* consider the environment we'll be shooting in - if lush greens of a farm field will be the background, consider grays or a more neutral palette for a nice contrast
* if an urban downtown scene is our background, bold, luscious colors may be the way to go
Katie went shopping for the perfect dress & shoes and found this gorgeous number at Express. Shoes are from DSW. Katie's makeup and hair were styled by Anessa Busby. Ben had a pair of pants he liked and we found a button down shirt at Express to coordinate their outfits perfectly.
TIP # 3. Get your SWAG on
* channel your inner diva or hustler before the shoot by jamming to some of your fave tunes on the way to the location
* spray a little of your favorite smell goods on - you'll be getting cozy with your honey, give him/her something to enjoy besides your awesome face
* moisturize! You'll be holding hands - make 'em soft and cuddly (if you will be baring your arms and legs, consider bringing lotion to keep your body hydrated and glowing)
* make sure nails are looking fine - you'll be caressing your partner's face and hands may be the focal point of some images
* make the bling shine for those perfect close up shots - have the ring cleaned if need be
* you're looking dapper, plan to do something fun after the shoot to show off your fancy selves
We shot Ben & Katie in Scottsdale so we headed to Kazimierz for dinner, drinks and jazz after the shoot. It was a very cool way to end a super cool session!
TIP # 4. Get your SMILE on
* plan something fun/funny to share with each other about your week or life and let's see what happens when he/she hears it for the first, or possibly umpteenth, time
* come ready to have a good time
* if you need a little liquid courage, and if you don't get red or puffy as a result, feel free to imbibe a tad. Depending on the location, I may be able to suggest a fun place for a pre-shoot shot
* I'll guide you every step of the way but I want to capture your love and energy for each other so feel free to let your spirit loose! I promise to capture it for you!
* plan something fun/funny to share with each other about your week or life and let's see what happens when he/she hears it for the first, or possibly umpteenth, time
* come ready to have a good time
* if you need a little liquid courage, and if you don't get red or puffy as a result, feel free to imbibe a tad. Depending on the location, I may be able to suggest a fun place for a pre-shoot shot
* I'll guide you every step of the way but I want to capture your love and energy for each other so feel free to let your spirit loose! I promise to capture it for you!
Ben & Katie picked up these wax lip toys as a fun surprise. While I thought they were lovingly gazing into the sunset, they turned around and completely surprised me with their funny mouths - it was a hoot for all!
