Hermitage Hotel Engagement Shoot

Isaiah and Hanna had the stay of a lifetime. Gorgeous views of Nashville, the most historic and stellar hotel, and amazing photo memories.

Anthony + Kim

Wow, what a spectacular May day in the Columbia River Gorge. We started at a Hood River Winery (to loosen up, you know?) before we ventured out. Vast views, intimate moments, and special blasts of color. This day was truly magical.

20 Engagement Shoot Posing Ideas

Let me guess. You’ve got the editing down, the lead generation, the website looking fresh, and you LOVE your couples… but once you get to the shoot, you just don’t know what to do with them?

I’m here to help.

Posing is an art; it’s not something you can just look up in a textbook. Every couple is different & it is imperative that you get a good feel for what the couple is comfortable with before you embarrass them (and yourself!).

Getting great photos (often times) relies on composition and posing is your own way of getting them to do the lovely things that make a great photo. Some people think that “posing” means you aren’t capturing candid moments and that is completely NOT true.

Posing tips are not stale. It’s more like a suggestion and less like a rule.

So, let’s get started.

I chose Anthony + Kim because I felt like their affection was just want I needed to show you what I’m talking about. Also, they haven’t had a professional photoshoot like this before- so it is a fresh perspective and a good test.

ONE : Using Props will always help with a pose. I mean, c’mon- it’s already a fun third item.

TWO : Get dramatic with angles. Play with the focus! Have them lift their hands up!

THREE : Use the background to create a more interesting layout for a simple pose.

FOUR : Instruct them to get realllly close. Tell them that being super close in person doesn’t look as close on camera!

FIVE : Focus on eyes. Brighten them up. Make sure that you can see the emotion. It always helps to instruct the couple to be touching each other’s face.

SIX : I always try to get a few “formal” looking photos in. Just tell them to cuddle up and look at the camera… CHEESE! This is great for gifts (grandparents love seeing a smile!)

SEVEN : Holding hands and walking creates intimacy & movement!

EIGHT : Tell them when and where to kiss if they look “lost.” It will help give them something sweet to do.

NINE : You know me and the cozy poses. When they are sitting, you can always have one literally sit down on the other! And it will create a few belly laughs.

TEN : You can tell them to tell each other dirty secrets, or just.. secrets in each other’s ears.

ELEVEN : Dancing is ALWAYS a win.

TWELVE : It’s also up to you to get some different angles. Have them turn around or run around them for a different background.

THIRTEEN : Have them play with their own dress, hair, or shirt.

FOURTEEN : Give them silly instructions. The worst that can happen is it is a bust and you move onto the next pose!

FIFTEEN : Even telling your couple to laugh ends in real laughs, I’m telling you. Instruction is key.

SIXTEEN : Do the classic “pick up and twirl.”

SEVENTEEN : Create a mood by immersing them in a more intimate space (like grass).

EIGHTEEN : Always ask for more kisses!

NINETEEN : Big hugs are the best.

TWENTY : Have them run, skip, or jump to add some movement. Also… DANCE!

Hopefully these give you some good ideas for your next shoot!

xo

Chelsea

10 Outfit Ideas for Engagement Photos

The time has come, the question was finally POPPED and you are ready to start Wedding Planning. But first, Engagement Pics! This is one of the most exciting times, yet when you burst open your closet doors… you just can’t seem to decide on what would make a great outfit for photos!

Hopefully, this blog will help.

ONE : FLOWY DRESSES

Okay, this is K.E.Y.

Dresses that flow in the wind are surely the best and brightest answer for your Engagement Photo Needs. You don’t have to break the bank at Nordstrom for this one, especially if it is something you may only wear once. It’s okay to get something special that feels a bit “over dramatic” for your photoshoot, it really is. It doesn’t have to be something you would wear to a grocery store! Fashion Nova & She In are two of my favorite sites for cheap dresses that look amazing in photos. I typically go one or two sizes larger on She In, but Fashion Nova is pretty true to size (both have curvy sizes too!).

FLOW IN THE WIND, GIRL

TWO : FLANNEL

Flannel looks REALLY good on guys, but a little texture and print can look good on the ladies too! I would try not to have every single outfit a flannel-moment, but definitely one. It works whether you are city-folk or country-bumpkins!

STAY WARM, WEAR FLANNEL

THREE : EXTRAS, PROPS, & “THE THIRD ITEM”

In blogging, we like to call a hat, purse, or sunglasses “the third item.” It really adds dimension to the photo. If you can, grab a wide billed hat, Pendleton blanket (you can get one second hand here or a look-a-like here), or even some Ray Bans to spice up the photos. It may just be me but I would leave the cheesy signs at home. Sometimes (if it’s special and memorable), they can add something fun to a photo, but for the most part- stay classy. These are photos you are going to hang around your house and you want them to be timeless.

If you play guitar, bring that! Trumpet? Throw it in the trunk. Let’s GO.

Try to think of things you really love and incorporate them into the photo. Beer? Yes please.

CHEERS, BABE.

FOUR : BIG SWEATERS

You want your photos to show that you are warm and cozy, so be… warm and cozy! I try to stay away from stark white sweaters, just because the camera already adds 10 lbs (ya know?), but if you can get something trendy and fun… do it!

COMFY SWEATER OBSESSED

FIVE : BOOTS

Cowboy boots, fancy boots, high heeled boots, all of them; throw them in the bag. There is something that just “sticks out” when it comes to boots. Be a little dramatic! You won’t be sorry.

SIX : A FANCY MOMENT

This is a special, special time for you two. Dress it up! Act like you are going to your fanciest date and get all dolled up. Guys look SO good in a dress shirt with either a suit jacket or sweater. Ladies, dresses are a MUST.

OH YOU FANCY, HUH

SEVEN : JEAN & LEATHER

Speaking of jackets; jean texture and leather (of any color) are SO CHIC. They really add to the whole look. Jean jackets can really dress down a dress and leather jackets can add a little pizazz.

SUGGA HOW YA GET SO FLY?

EIGHT : ANIMALS

I guess this isn’t something you wear… but it is still a very important aspect of your photo! Bring the little fur balls and add your “whole family” into the photos! You can even take them out to the beach or the Gorge!

NINE : MONOCHROMATIC

Instead of matching exactly, change up the textures and keep the color palette.

MATCHY-MATCH!

TEN : BE BOLD

If there is a crazy style you’ve been wanting to try, a special occasion dress (try last year’s Easter dress!), or even a color you have been meaning to debut… just go for it!

a few other tips:

Come in your first outfit (this may seem obvious but trust me, half of the world does NOT think this is obvious)

Remember that y’all can wear the same pants twice. You don’t need to change into three shades of jeans unless you really want to, boys.

Pick a location that really speaks to you.

have SO much fun!

I hope this gave you some ideas :)

Happy Quarantining.

xo chelsea

Jesse + Lily

I can’t wait to shoot this lovely couple’s wedding in the Superstition Mountains in April. They literally glow with love. Enchanting, really. Here are a few of my favorites from this lovely shoot.

Hair/Makeup @awmakeup_hair
Dress @Luv_Bridal
Photographer @UrbanBayPhotography

Troy + Sam

There's nothing like a fresh, November day where the sun comes out.. and stays out. Spending the evening with Sam and Troy with the golden light was perfect. They have this simple, refreshing love between them. My FAVORITE outfit was the white on white crop top situation. So stunning! Here are a few of my favorites from the shoot.

Tony + Kara

I love this couple. It is so fun to make my job more of a "lifestyle" and not just work. I loved getting to know them over pFreim brewskis and letting the wind take us up an unknown path. I told Kara that I love that the weather is always different during various shoots and how it is the one thing we really can't control.. making it that much more magical.

I think we lucked out... this soft cloudy light made for some stellar moments caught on camera!! Looking forward to their wedding next September!

Victor + Kelly

I am so thankful for this couple. They came and kept me company at my family beach house all weekend! It was so much fun to build a fire, grab a Pelican beer, and just catch up. I think these two are a great fit and I'm so glad they trusted me with such a special shoot. Here are some of my favorites!

Bryan + Amanda

It was pouring... and I mean POURING, but nothing was stopping this NW couple from making the long drive out to Trilium Lake for their engagement shoot! Troopers, for sure. These two were engaged at Multnomah Falls, so nature is a huge part of their story. The haze and fog above the trees gave such a cool effect. I think these two are a great fit for each other and I'm so excited to shoot their wedding next year!