Close-up of woman in floral dress showing diamond engagement ring while holding mans arm outdoors.

 

Engagement Session Client Guide

 

 

First, CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement. I LOVE love and am so ecstatic that you have trusted me with capturing this special season. These are photos that you will show your kids and grandkids, hang up in your house, post on your socials, and hopefully look back on them time after time and remember this special part of your life. This season can go by so quickly- with the rush of emotions after getting engaged, to the flurry of wedding planning, dress shopping, and celebrating with friends and family. My job is to capture these moments and make time stand still.

I am so excited to work with you and your partner to create photos that are authentic to you and your story. I have created this client guide to help you prepare for our session together. I'm hoping that with all of these tips and helpful advice, you can walk into your engagement session with confidence and excitement!

As always, feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or need assistance with anything (location, outfits, hair/makeup looks). I am here for you for whatever you need.


-Brandi

 

Happy couple holding hands under large oak trees with woman in floral maxi dress smiling at camera.
Andy Warhol

"The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do."

Start to Finish- How it all works

 

1.Pre-Session

 

I’ll send you a quick questionnaire to fill out before your session date. This is a great way for me to find out a little bit about you and your partner and get you thinking about locations and other details!


About a week before your session, we’ll have a check-in to go over all the details (time, location, clothes, etc)!


Feel free to send me any inspo that you have!

 

 

2.Session day

 

I want you to think of this as a date, and I'm the third wheel with the camera! Let's just have a good time.


We’ll meet at the chosen location and start shooting. Depending on which session you chose, we’ll have anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half together.


Remember to bring everything you think you’ll need for the session, including your outfit changes and accessories, water, chapstick, make-up for touch-ups, oil-absorbing towelettes, a brush/comb, etc..

 

 

3.After your session

 

Sit back and relax! Unless you ask me not to, I’ll post a sneak peek on social media a few days after your session. Your final gallery will be ready 1-2 weeks from your session date.








Next up: LOCATIONS!

 

Scenic outdoor park setting with sprawling oak trees draped in Spanish moss over lush green lawn.

Location

Location LOCATION

Here are some locations I love

Please note: It is the client's responsibility to pay for any fees associated with locations. If travel is required (anywhere outside of Rapides Parish) there will be travel fees added to your invoice!

  • LSUA Campus
  • England Airpark
  • The Bentley Hotel (fees required)
  • Downtown Alexandria
  • The Lake District
  • Buhlow Lake and Park
  • Kent House Plantation (fees may be required)
  • Forts Randolf & Buhlow Recreation Site (fees may be required)
  • Lloyd Hall Plantation (Fees may be required)
  • Inglewood Plantation (Fees may be required)

Interested in Traveling?

Here are some great areas outside of Rapides Parish.

 

 

 

 

  • Academy of Sacred Heart (Grand Coteau, LA)
  • University of Lafayette
  • Jungle Gardens (Avery Island, LA)
  • Azalea Trail (Lafayette, LA)
  • Rip Van Winkle Gardens (New Iberia, LA)
  • St. Francisville
  • Kisatchie National Forest (creek)

 

The Ultimate Packing List

1.

General

  • Water (stay hydrated, trust me!)
  • Touch-up items (chapstick, powder, etc.)
  • Phone + charger
  • Any props that feel like you (blanket, flowers, books, etc.)



2.

Hair + Makeup

 

  • Hairbrush/comb
  • Hairspray + bobby pins
  • Makeup for touch-ups (lip gloss, powder, concealer)
  • Oil blotting sheets
  • Small mirror

3.

Clothing

 

  • 1-2 outfits (mix of casual + dressy)
  • Shoes for each outfit
  • Accessories
  • Undergarments for each outfit
  • Neutral pieces + one outfit with a pop of color
  • Outfit options you feel confident and comfortable in
Close-up of a woman's hand adorned with a diamond engagement ring resting on a man's knee.
Close-up of a woman's hand with an engagement ring resting on a man's arm near her neck.
A happy couple embraces among lush green bushes and pink blooming flowers outdoors.

 

Quick Tips:

 

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Couple in casual attire share a romantic moment under large oak trees in a green park.

Pre-Session Prep


  • Iron/steam all outfits to make sure they are wrinkle-free and TRY EVERYTHING ON! Don't forget about proper undergarments and accessories!
  • Map out how long it will take you to reach the location and parking at/near your location beforehand to ensure you arrive on time.
  • Pack water and snacks to bring with you.
  • Consider bringing a small fan!



HIT THE ARROW BELOW FOR MORE TIPS

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Young blonde woman in floral sundress smiling while leaning against partner in outdoor nature setting.

HAIR + MAKEUP


  • If you want a fresh haircut before your session, it is recommended that you schedule your appointment a week before your session date.
  • Make sure to coordinate any professional makeup/hair appointments ahead of time, leaving you plenty of time to change and get to your location on time.
  • Guys- make sure facial hair is freshly groomed or shaved.
  • Ladies- if you are doing your own makeup, go a little heavier than you normally would as the camera can wash you out.
  • Stay away from any peels, masks, or other skin treatments at least one week prior to your session. Also, be careful of any spray tans, self-tanners, or the actual sun.
  • Bring chapstick and/or makeup with you to retouch as needed.

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Couple embracing at golden hour sunset outdoors, woman in cream sweater rests head on mans shoulder.

What to Wear


  • Wear something that you feel good in! Sometimes, simple is best for a timeless look.
  • Avoid neons, as they typically do not photograph well.
  • Make sure everything is neatly pressed (I know I mentioned this before, but wrinkles are the worst and sometimes are not able to be edited out!)
  • Try everything on a few days before your session so that you know it fits and you feel confident in it. No one wants to be panic-shopping the day of their session!

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Close-up of elegant diamond engagement ring on womans hand resting on dark jacket sleeve.

A few things to note...


A note about my approach

  • I want this session to be FUN. Feel free to move and try different things. I can help guide and pose you, but I want you to feel comfortable and confident.

A note about editing

  • I hand edit every photo that you receive in your gallery. Edits can take 2-4 weeks so keep that in mind when thinking about prints and other deadlines.
  • I can edit out anything that isn't permanent (acne, bruises, scratches, mosquito bites, etc). Your permanent features (scars, freckles, tattoos, moles, etc) will not be edited out unless specifically requested.
  • I have a consistent editing style that reflects my work and brand, and that’s what you can expect in your final gallery. While I always make sure you look your best, I don’t offer edits outside of my style. If you love my work, you’ll love your photos!

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