Engagement Shoots

It is always a good idea to do an engagement session before shooting the couple's wedding for two reasons: it is good for you and good for them.
Why it is good for you: You meet and get to know them as a couple. You can teach them how you will be giving them direction the day of their wedding for their portrait session. You will be able to know if there are any quirks about them. I had one groom who would blink EVERY time I took his picture. Luckily I learned this about him at the e-shoot and not the day of his wedding.
Why it is good for them: They get to "test drive" you. In all honesty, if the couple did not like my style, then I would not want to shoot their wedding. I would WANT them to find someone who THEY feel comfortable with. I always tell people who have already hired their photog to make sure they do an engagement session because if they are unhappy with the results they should try to get out of the agreement.

Here are some tips and suggestions:

The Location
Pick a location based on the couple not you.
Think of a few locations that you like to shoot if they want ideas but always suggest a place that they like to go to.
Local Locations around Southern California (be aware of permit issues)
Beaches:
El Matador Beach
Laguna
Santa Monica
City Scapes:
Downtown LA:
Little Tokyo
Flower District
Los Angeles Farmers Market
Union Station
Pinks on La Brea (and all up and down the street, great galleries and thrift/antique stores)
Pasadena (Old Town in the back alleyways behind the shops parallel and south of Colorado Blvd.)
South Pasadena:
Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain
The Rialto Theatre
Parks:
San Marino: Lacy Park
San Marino: The Huntington
La Canada Flintridge: Descanso Gardens
Agua Dulce: Vasquez Rocks
Stevenson Ranch: Mentryville
Theme Parks & Carnivals:
Santa Monica Board Walk
Disneyland
Magic Mountain
Knott’s Berry Farm
Local Carnivals and Fairs

The Best Time
Best time is one hour before sunset
Alternate time is at sunrise
Check out http://www.sunrisesunset.com

Advice to Give the Couple
Dress: Casual, earth tones, solids, no white pants, shoes that look good but you can walk in grass.
New clothes or unfaded clothes are best. If you choose black it must be new.
Make sure things are clean and wrinkle free.

Props: Only if they want something fun like picnic items, blanket, bicycle, etc.

Hygiene: If the guy sweats a lot tell him he should bring a handkerchief and you might want to bring some blotters. For the girl, natural is best. Tell her to do her makeup as if she were going on a date. This should not be a trial run for the wedding makeup as it is usually more heavy for the wedding. They should both get manicures and she should have her ring cleaned.

What to Bring
Everything on your person with backup equipment in your car.
You may want an assistant if you are doing any bounce/fill lighting or to hold your camera bag.

What to Wear
Think professional yet durable. Good sturdy shoes, a black shirt (not faded) and jeans are always good. You may be potentially getting on your knees or your belly to get some shots. A black shirt will help you to not reflect yourself in anything like their sunglasses or her ring.

To view more of Jen's work visit her main website.
To learn more about photography go to the PHOTO 101 Tips and Tricks Archives.