1. First thing’s first: forget any preconceptions you have about being photographed

Almost every single person has told me that they’re nervous and uncomfortable in front of the camera. If you are too, no worries - you’re human. It’s normal to feel that way!
My intention is to make your session as fun as possible and your photos to look very natural and candid. I’ll be guiding you the whole time so let go of the idea that you’re going to a “photoshoot.” Think of our session as an opportunity to capture your life as it is currently - it’ll be more like a date that I’m thirdwheeling!

2. Choose a meaningful location or trust me to choose one

Choose a setting that is sentimental or exciting to you both. Whether you're at home, in the city or in the total wilderness - what matters is that you resonate with the place we’re going to, even if you’ve never been there before (i.e. if you love adventures and want to explore a a provincial park you’ve never been to before or you’re obsessed with interior design and we book an airbnb)
Chances are, I see light and locations in a different way than you do. If you’re open to it, I encourage you to trust me on choosing the location! I’ll make sure it fits your vibes and has great lighting.

3. Wear what you want

Don't feel like you need to dress up - wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable. If that's ripped jeans and a tshirt, wear that! 
Neutral colours are best (beige, grey, taupe, ivory, shades of white and black) as well as desaturated colours (eggplant, moss green, navy, deep orange) for what you wear.
Avoid wearing fluorescent colours or anything with crazy patterns and logos on it because they'll draw attention to the clothing. The photos should be about the love between you two, not about the clothes you're wearing.  
Make sure your clothing is easy to move in and wrinkle-free. Iron your clothing beforehand - this will make a HUGE difference!
I suggest wearing one outfit and bringing a second one either as backup or to have more variety in your photos.

Check out my outfit inspo board here to see some outfits I love! It’s pretty tiny but pay attention especially to the colours being worn against the different backdrops.

4.  Be entirely yourself

I want to document the two of you as you truly are. Remember how you two act when you're alone and let me into that space.
If you're incredibly affectionate with each other or ridiculously goofy - I want you to be entirely yourself so don't hold back!
I’ll guide you the whole time but the energy you give me is what will show in the photos.
I want to encourage you to FULLY be present with one another and be completely yourselves around me!

5. Arrive on time

Most of my outdoor sessions start 1.5 hours before sunset. Working with natural light, this isn't a coincidence. It's scheduled this way so that we have the best lighting for your photos. Please make proper considerations for transport time. If we start late, we won't end late. We'll be shooting right through sunset and the timing ensures that we can take advantage of the best lighting to give you the best results!

6. Make a day out of it

You're not going to be your most relaxed and optimal self at the end of a busy and stressful work/school day - so consider playing hooky and taking it easy together! By the time we meet, you'll be filled with much more love and excitement as opposed to checking something off your wedding to do list! Let me capture you on your best day!

7. Nudity

I absolutely LOVE photographing couples without clothing on because it gets to the heart of what I love doing: photographing genuine intimacy without any fluff.  My nude sessions are intimate, sensual and tasteful. I do NOT shoot in an erotic or "sexy" style. You can wear undergarments or be fully nude - the choice is yours. If you are interested let me know! 

8. Leave everything in your car for mobility

I want you to be very mobile in order for your session to have as much of a natural flow as possible.
Freeing yourself up from carrying stuff will allow me to photograph more in-between, candid moments. Leave purses, bags and phones in your car!

9. Sentimental props & pets

I prefer focusing on interactions, body language and documenting you in your environment in the most natural way possible. 
A majority of couples don’t bring any props but if you’re called to bring something sentimental that you’d like to incorporate - feel free to.
A lot of couples bring their pets - you’re welcome to do the same. I love all animals!

10. Embrace things as they are

Let go of the notion that your engagement photos have to look “perfect.”

About "bad" weather: my favourite time to shoot is when it's cloudy or raining. The lighting is perfect for photos.
If there's a torrential downpour we can always reschedule.

Don’t worry about making sure your smiling perfectly or that your hair is completely straight. Be present and enjoy the session.

My goal is to create photos with emotion: photos that capture the mood, how you feel and how things naturally unfold.

I hope these tips are helpful when planning your session, but it’s by no means a rule book.
This is ultimately your session and you should do what’s right for you!
Add your own personal flavour to our session and don’t forget to have fun :)

See you soon!

- Liat