Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
We’re so excited to be working with you and we can’t wait for our time together during your session! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. We always tell people that we still get nervous before having our photos taken - and I do this for a living!
This current season deserves to be worth capturing. Next year at this time, you'll look back and be SO grateful you documented this season! What a joy!
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session and since we get asked the same things over and over again, we thought it would be the most beneficial if we put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
We’ll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and more!
- CHRISTA
We get it. Having your picture taken for 1 hour might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do during your downtime. And at first you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera. But I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought!
The Guys
A NOTE TO
We’ve found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. We normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” a couple has in mind, spring flowers for example, or based on schedules.
Sessions typically last about 30 min to right over an hour.
We schedule sessions during different times, but make sure we choose locations that have amazing light for whatever time we select! I hear people getting nervous about afternoon sessions, or cloudy days, but don't worry! You'll have the same light, airy images no matter what time of day we have your session at. We'll chat about availability!
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
TIME & LIGHT
If this if for an engagement session & your wedding is local, save the dates should be sent between 6 and 8 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, you’ll want to send them out 8 to 10 months before the wedding.
If you’re hoping to use your engagement photos for your save the dates, we recommend scheduling your session at least two months before you plan to send out your save-the-dates. Between inclement weather, editing, designing your save-the-dates and printing, two months is generally a safe amount of time to make sure your images and cards are ready.
Picking Outfits
Locations
South CAROLINA LOCATIONS
We love when clients choose a location for their session that complements who they are. For example if your style is a chic & elegant, it may be fitting to take your portraits among the classic architecture in downtown Greenville, while a local field may be more fitting for a couple planning a more rustic affair. For a preppy coastal vibe, downtown Charleston or the beach may be a great option!. From mountains to open fields and college campuses, the options for portrait session locations are endless!
Downtown Greenville (click to view sessions here!)
Hotel Domestique
Grace Church (large, white church downtown)
Furman University
CLASSIC & ELEGANT
COASTAL & Beach
Warehouse Complex in Taylors
Wyche Pavilion downtown Greenville
RUSTIC
The above locations are all beautiful but we also love exploring meaningful locations with our couples!
click the text to view our work there!
NC Arboretum
The Barn at Sitton Hill Farm
Bald Rock
Downtown Greenville Park
Rock Quarry Downtown Greenville
Greenery
Destination Sessions
While we take most of our engagement sessions in the Greenville area,
we’ve photographed sessions everywhere from Savannah, GA, to Charleston, to Lake Jocassee. If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you, let us know because if our schedules align, we might be able to take your engagement photos outside of our normal area.
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and our availability.
Without the Kids
We'll be sure to get some shots of just the adults at the session! Whether it's you and your partner, or a nice headshot of yourself to use. Just let me know!
We love when couples choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location.
We recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then either dropping them off or having a friend take them home. We won’t use the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots.
If you’re going to bring a pet, we recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing your pets favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot.
Pets
Outfits
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
When picking outfits we recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.”
For example, if it's dad is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the girl may want to choose a long, soft blue dress. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or jewel tones. Then choose the kids last.
We recommend one great outfit for families! If there's an outfit change, just let me know so we can be sure to account for timing and finding a place to change.
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
Because we want you to have the session of your dreams, we always see if rescheduling is an option if the weather is inclement. While we know of covered locations incase our clients can't reschedule, we think it's always worth waiting for a beautiful day!
We’ll check in the week of your session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. We know it takes a lot of time to get ready for sessions and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain.
Let us know what works best for you - but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, we typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance.
Also, don't worry if it's overcast! That's actually a GREAT time to shoot (the sky is like a giant softbox!)! So you'll still have amazing images even if the sun isn't bright.
When it comes to posing for your engagement session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! We’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make the two of you laugh - and that’s the photo I'm actually looking for.
I'll tell you exactly what to do, while making sure things are natural and joyful!
Throughout your session, I'll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
"What do I do with
my hands"?
"What do I do
with my hands"?
POSING
COMBINATIONS & INDIVIDUALS WITH THE KIDS
During the session, I'll be sure to get a variety of combinations with you all and the kids! I'll also photographing individual portraits of your children!
Be sure to let me know if there are any special combinations you are hoping for!
As soon as possible after your session is complete, I back everything up that evening. We'll schedule your reveal session right after your session, and meet up so you can see your images showcased! After this, your orders will be placed and your purchased images delivered within 6 weeks of final payment.
When to Expect Your Images
We know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your engagement session! However if there is something we missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email
christa@christarenephotography.com