Nail Your Pittsburgh Engagement Session

Earlier this fall, I had the pleasure of photographing my brother in law and sister in law to be, Dominic and Morgan. Capturing their engagement session was perfect, in large part because it was perfectly planned but also flexible. My favorite part was that we made a day of it. There was no rushing, no stress (except when we had to run into the middle of the street for the iconic Pittsburgh bridge shot) and just plain fun. We were able to catch up with one another between shots, I did my best to cure any timidness with awkward mom jokes (yes, they are better than dad jokes) and I think we came away with some great shots that they can hold onto for years to come.

To ensure your own engagement session goes smoothly, I’ve thrown together some tips for how to ensure your photos come out as well as theirs did!

Think about what places best reflect you as a couple…

Are you outdoor enthusiasts, upscale city folk, trendy beanie-wearing besties or just plain homebodies? However you identify, make sure the location of your engagement shoot reflects that, otherwise the result will be flat and unnatural. You want to pick somewhere that speaks to you as both a couple and individuals. We didn’t exactly plan for this PNC Park (pictured above) shot, but it naturally happened, and with knowing the couple and their love of the Pirates it was just plain perfect!

Figure out what you’ll be using the photos for…

It’s not exactly required, but it will help give your photographer direction if you know the purpose of these shots. If you are just checking a bride to-do box, you can skip to the next bullet… but there are plenty of reasons for engagement sessions, and knowing that will inform the empty space a pro will give you, the amount of horizontal or vertical options you have, and even perspective of certain images.

You can pass this list to your in-laws in case they give you any beef:

– Save the date art

– Future home decor

– Christmas cards (yes, really)

– Wedding decorations

– Family keepsakes

– All of the above

Find inspiration online…

It’s ok to copy someone else’s homework! Check out pinterest, instagram and Facebook for what other couples have done. Not only will this help guide your photographer, it will also help inspire you for some poses. I’d always recommend keeping an inspiration board for the day of, so you can make sure you hit all of your imagery dreams.

Imagine the day as a test run for your wedding…

Practice, practice, practice. I will say, no one has ever gotten worse as the day has gone during any of my shoots. Well – that is for engagements – kids and pet photography is a different ballgame. Think of this day as a dress rehearsal for your big day, you can get comfortable with your photographer, with your significant other, and with yourself. It’s not normal to be in front of a camera, so you need to get used to it and this session will build your confidence, especially after you see the final results!

Wear something you feel confident yet comfortable in…

I’m not suggesting stretchy black pants and a hoody – yet I am both comfortable and oddly confident in my daily uniform – but you don’t want to be adjusting your shirt at every turn, or pulling up your pants, or limping around in sky-high heels (just no). Grab a new outfit, which fits you well and is partner approved, and give your new outfit a trial run. Has anyone used Stich-fix (use this link for $25 off) or Peach? If I am forced into normal adult clothing (sans my Nikes), these are my go-to options.

Consider some beauty “assistance” …

Ok, on one hand you don’t want to overdo it, but on the other, this is going to help in the confidence department, which ultimately translates into your engagement photographs, which you’ll just have for…forever. If you can rock a contour look but can’t quick nail the blowout – then schedule one, and visa versa. This will *hopefully* simplify your day and add a boost of glam you didn’t know you needed. Note: If you do have your makeup done, please ask for a natural look, and even use this as the trial run for your wedding day look. I’m here for two-birds-one-stone moments all day.

Be understanding of your significant other…

I hate to generalize, but in my experience with these shoots, is not exactly the guy’s favorite thing to do. Esp., if football, soccer or whatever his poison is on. Really consider the timing here if you have an addict husband-to-be! And understand when he’s not exactly into the posed looks. I’m not suggesting alcohol makes everything better, but if you need to make a pit stop for a mimosa or bloody to loosen your guy up, so be it. Another thing that may help, is bartering with him for a guys night. Bribery doesn’t just work on children. (See, these mom jokes are solid)

Let the sun (or rain) set your schedule…

Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh. The land of little sun but many bridges. This one is simple, yet strategic. If you have an awesome photographer, I am confident they will allow you a bogey if you happen to schedule on a rainy day. If you don’t, make the most of it with a backup plan for an indoor shoot location. Timing wise, I would heavily suggest planning for either early morning – when you can catch the morning rays, and even glimpses of fog – or the early evening as the sun is setting. Both options will provide beautiful lighting as your backdrop and bring your pictures to another level of WOW.

Bridges, stadiums, parks, rivers, and more…

There are so many draw-dropping spots throughout the Burgh. But like I said, pick your spots because of their meaning to you as a couple, end of story. Here are a few suggestions based off of shoots I have done in the past, each had a special tie to the couples I photographed.

Sports Junkies: Northshore Riverfront for great views of PNC Park

Best morning light: Point State Park

Early evening light: Highland Park or Washington’s Landing

Brick / Graffiti Shots: Strip District or South Side

Nature Lovers: Schenley or Frick Park’s great stone bridges, or journey out to North Park for some

pictures on the water

Small town vibe: Oakmont or Mt. Lebanon’s brick streets

Best view: Mt. Washington, c’mon what did you think; but runner up is Polish Hill

Urban approach: Downtown Pittsburgh Side street, especially at night!

#engagement #photography #pittsburgh #piratesbaseball #mintmo