Engagement Session - Suggestions & Props?

CrazyStars

Hello everyone!

I've been lurking for awhile, but am finally coming out into the light.

Some friends of a friend that I've never met have actually contacted me about doing an engagement session for them and I've never done one before! I am, however, excited (and nervous!) to give it a try. I want to have fun with it, and by that I especially mean that I'd like us all to be relaxed, as well as a bit silly.

Any suggestions for props to bring along? As yet, the location has not been determined, so unfortunately I can't use that for inspiration! And, naturally, I will be discussing all of this with them beforehand, but I'm curious as to what types of non-camera related things are in your arsenals. Blankets, umbrellas, toy guns...?

Jeremy Winterberg

Hello Samantha, welcome to Dgrin!

I don't usually use props when out of studio. I use the environment in the area as "props".

E-Sessions are generally about the people engaged... but if the couple have that fun attitude, I would do whatever the're open to doing. A nerf gun war sounds like alot of fun... you should do that, if they're a fun couple... I'd love to see results from that!

CrazyStars

Thanks for the welcome, Jeremy!

I definitely intend to focus on the couple first & foremost and I hope the location will give me options.

I suppose I'm projecting myself a bit, as my husband & I had some fun with our wedding photos and did a bit of 007-type shots with some airsoft/bb "pistols", haha. I've also gone out with friends to playgrounds and taken some fun photos.

This couple may or may not be up to that sort of playfulness, of course. But I thought it might be good to bring something "boring", like a neutral colored picnic blanket, along (for a beach or park, for instance).

cj99si

Tons of posts within the last month about engagement photos. Do a quick search or just go a few pages deep and you should be able to find your answer, and if you dont you will be able to narrow it down to a specific question.

wadesworld

I'd stack the deck in your favor and scout a few good locations and then suggest them to the couple. No sense letting them make the shoot more difficult with a bad location.

Additionally, I'd suggest the "magic hours" as a time (i.e. 6 pm or so depending on your local area, how much talking you need to do before you start shooting, etc). Otherwise, they're sure to suggest something like 1 pm. I'm sure that's a "No Duh!" type comment, but you'd be surprised how many people seem to have trouble steering the client towards a different time when the client suggests high-noon.

In other words, give yourself as many advantages as possible going in.

ChatKat

Permits
Make sure that if you are shooting in a park or at the beach you get a permit. I know of several photographers in the area that have been cited and it's very expensive.

insanefred

Bubble machine, get them at Target! roflrofl

they are only $12 comes with batteries
Only down side is you'll attract weird people and kids.