Engagement

Top tips for a great engagement session!

Top tips for a great engagement session!

All of my wedding packages come with a complimentary engagement session. Why? Because it’s a great way for us to get to know each other! But a lot of people get nervous about it, for a lot of people their engagement session is the first time they’d ever been professionally photographed. I promise you it’s not as scary as it seems!

Richmond Beach Saltwater Park Engagement Session // Dani and Michelle

Richmond Beach Saltwater Park Engagement Session // Dani and Michelle

Things seemed fated to go wrong with this engagement session when Seattle traffic made the ladies late and then right as they arrived it started raining. But we decided to go ahead anyway and I’m so glad we did because it all worked out in the end!

Point Defiance Park Engagement Session // Marisa and Al

Point Defiance Park Engagement Session // Marisa and Al

Marisa and Al’s engagement session was supposed to take place at Rattlesnake Lake but thanks to 68 days of constant rain (but it doesn’t rain a lot here we tell people) we switched to Point Defiance at the last minute because of a road blockage. But these folks didn’t let it phase them and still showed up looking amazing and with love to spare.

Rosario Beach Engagement Session // Marjorie and David

Rosario Beach Engagement Session // Marjorie and David

When I asked Marjorie where she and David would like to do their engagement session, she said she wanted something in nature. I showed her the engagement session styled shoot I had just attended at PhotoLush a couple weeks prior and she was in. Even after telling her it was a two hour drive north and the best time of day was sunrise, they were still in.

Richmond Beach Saltwater Park Engagement Session // Laura & Daniel

Richmond Beach Saltwater Park Engagement Session // Laura & Daniel

When Laura got in touch with me and said that they had been referred to me by Sabrina & Jenn, I knew they were gonna be good people. I captured Sabrina & Jenn’s wedding back in 2017 and it was an absolute blast. Daniel is Jenn’s little brother and I remember him being super sweet on their day.

Jack Block Park Engagement Session // Michael & Brian

Jack Block Park Engagement Session // Michael & Brian

I’d never heard of Jack Block Park before Michael & Brian mentioned they wanted to do their engagement session there and the way they described it plus my overactive imagination had me envisioning something very industrial with lots of concrete and steel bars.

Thankfully the reality couldn’t have been further from the truth.

Dash Point State Park Engagement Session // McKenna & James

Dash Point State Park Engagement Session // McKenna & James

McKenna and James’ engagement session was originally supposed to be on the Sunday evening but I had a cancellation on the Saturday and asked if they’d like to switch. I figured, Saturday’s are more relaxed and further from the start of another work week so it would be more fun.

Rosario Beach Couples Shoot // Anna & Josh - PhotoLush 2019

Rosario Beach Couples Shoot // Anna & Josh - PhotoLush 2019

This past weekend I attended PhotoLush for the third time and it was the best time yet! Not only did I get to present and lead a breakout (more on that in a coming post) but I also got to attend a breakout hosted by the wonderful Afton Lewis and Celina Meza. They hosted a joint breakout on using nature to frame your couples, at the beautiful and #SOPNW Rosario Beach, just by Deception Pass.

Rattlesnake Lake Engagement Session // Rachel & Kelsey

Rattlesnake Lake Engagement Session // Rachel & Kelsey

When I suggested to Rachel & Kelsey that we do a sunrise shoot at Rattlesnake Lake for their engagement session, there was some reluctance. They both admitted they were not morning people and with the Lake being an hour drive away from Seattle they knew they’d have to get up early.

Richmond Beach Saltwater Park Engagement Session // Jordan & Greg

Richmond Beach Saltwater Park Engagement Session // Jordan & Greg

Jordan and Greg opted for a sunset session at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. I’ve taken my dog there before (he loves it) but I’d never been there at sunset and holy wow does it get a beautiful sunset. The sun dips below the Olympics and bathes the entire beach in a gorgeous golden glow. 

Discovery Park Engagement Shoot // Evan & Kelsey

Discovery Park Engagement Shoot // Evan & Kelsey

Discovery Park is one of the most popular parks in Seattle for photography, that's why I have always avoided it. Tales of cars being towed, broken into, no spaces, made it all very confusing on the best way to enjoy this park. Thankfully Evan & Kelsey knew the deets and we parked at the South Lot and went EARLY.

Ballard Locks Engagement // Alicia & Taliesyn

Ballard Locks Engagement // Alicia & Taliesyn

My afternoon with Alicia and Taliesyn started at the Ballard Farmers Market, just north of Seattle itself. I've never been before and so while waiting for A&T to arrive (because Seattle traffic) I wandered around and took in all the sights, sounds and smells that it had to offer. I will definitely be going back to sample ALL THE FOOD.