what do I do with my hands?

All you have to do is show up and make out.

Obviously I’m joking there (a little). My point is that above all else, the session is about the two of you and that special thing you have together. I pride myself on showing real couples and what their love looks like, not what Pinterest thinks it should look like. You’ll get some rad photos of out of the deal, and get to spend an hour or so with yours truly. Once we know each other a bit better, couples are more likely to relax and show their true selves, which is what I’m really after. This especially comes into play on your wedding day, which is a really emotional & exciting day. If I can take away any of that pressure, you better believe I’ll do it. I like to think of myself as a stress sham-wow for my couples. And that’s why I value engagement sessions so highly; because the person you hired to be your paparazzi for the day is now your friend and someone you trust. That trust can only be made through spending time with one another, learning about each other as human beings, and having a little fun that might include a drink or a burger or something. Because of that, you don’t even have to think about me on your wedding day. I got you, boo.

“All that from a couple hours together?” Yep; you better believe it.

What do we wear?

To put it simply, wear what you’re comfortable in. But I said that already. (See how important that is? I’ve said it like four times.)

Some couples want a formal set of photos and a casual set of photos. In that case, I recommend the guy wears slacks & a button down of some kind as a base. Then you could bring along any kind of accessories or a jacket to add a little spice. For girls, a flowy dress photographs beautifully. Whatever silhouette you feel your best in, that’s the one you should wear. For casual photos, jeans & a t-shirt, or a cute top work great! Again, adding or bringing along accessories to switch it up if you start to feel like your look is stale. Try complimenting one another’s outfit by wearing shoes the same color as the other person’s shirt, or both adding a pop of the same color. (More on color next!) This will help it all look cohesive.

Ok, but what about colors & patterns & Textures?

Wow, such a great question! You’re wicked smart.

I love when couples wear complimentary colors. Bear with me as I nerd out a bit about it, but essentially, colors that are opposite on the color wheel are considered complimentary colors. I.E., blue & orange, yellow & purple, etc. Google the color wheel for more ideas! If you aren’t into colors quite like that, earth tones or black and white are stellar in photos. Also, if there’s a pattern to be worn, only one of you should wear a pattern at a time. You’ll have to duke that one out yourselves. Two patterns can compete for attention and draw focus from your beautiful faces instead of complimenting them. Plaid, floral, anything like that is great. Stripes tend to be a tough one, so I’d stay away from them just this once!

Don’t forget about textures! Not everything has to be a jersey material or long and flowy to photograph well. In fact, including a chunky sweater or lace or fur or whatever you fancy, can really add to the photo and make it more interesting. Like I said before, bringing different accessories can really change up a look too! I love hats, leather jackets, cool shoes, etc. The easiest way to refresh your look is with accessories.

erinhannumphotography|morganbillengagement-47.jpg

WHAT DO WE DO?

Do what feels best to you. Some couples may want to dress up and twirl around in a grand hall. Others may want to grab a beer and walk around a festival. Whatever feels most like you, that’s what we should do. Don’t feel pressure to buy a new outfit or get your makeup professionally done if you don’t want to! If you do, DO! More than anything, the photos should feel alive. And don’t worry if you think you’re awkward in photos. Trust me, you aren’t. I have a few tricks up my sleeve that will put you at ease. My aim is that when your children and grandchildren see these photos, they’ll see you.

erinhannumphotography|laurenrobengaged-81_websize.jpg

Where Should We shoot?

This is something that works really well when it’s a collaborative effort. Say the two of you always go out for pancakes on Sunday morning but you don’t feel like your local breakfast joint is great for a photoshoot–no problem. First of all, order me some hash browns please. Second, I’m 100% sure I can find or already know of a great spot that will check all the boxes. Want a good mixture of city & nature photos? Belle Isle. You want to climb sand dunes? Let’s head to Sleeping Bear. Pay homage to your alma mater? Ann Arbor here we come!

On the flip side, if you’re like: “Erin, we don’t have a preference and we want you to think of something original.” I’ll say, “Thank you for the challenge and I’ll start brainstorming!”

All that being said, a lot of my absolute favorite engagement sessions have just been me and the couple traipsing around a park or a city and shooting when inspiration strikes. No schedule or locations to get to, just us having fun and taking some stellar images. That’s when the magic really happens.

Photo shoots can be scary, I totally get it! You hired me for a reason, we’re gonna have a blast. Let out a little of your weird, I’ll let out a lot of mine, and we’re gonna have some photos you’ll love forever; trust me.