AUSTIN ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

Most people tell me this before the session, so you are in good company. I will give you enough direction that you are not just standing there wondering what to do, but I am not trying to turn you into different people. The goal is to make the photos feel like you, just with better light and a little help getting comfortable.

I usually start by figuring out what kind of environment feels most like you. Downtown gives us architecture, rooftops, parking garages and city streets, while South Congress has storefronts, neon and places we can explore on foot. I’m also a big fan of locations that aren’t obvious photo spots. Give me interesting light, architecture or something weird to work with and we can usually make something good out of it.

Yes, engagement sessions can usually be included with wedding photography or booked separately. If you are already talking with me about your wedding, we can use the engagement session as a low-pressure way to get comfortable before the wedding day and make photos in a part of Austin that feels personal to you.

I usually plan the start time around the location and what we want to do with the light. Sunset isn’t automatically the goal. I’ve started sessions early in the morning for empty downtown streets, photographed in bright daytime light at the Long Center, and continued after dark when a location is more interesting at night. Once we choose where we’re shooting, I’ll recommend a time that makes sense for that particular session.

Wear something that feels like a slightly better version of what you would actually wear together. Texture, layers, boots, jackets, color, and pieces with movement usually photograph better than matching outfits or anything too stiff. If you are torn between options, bring both and I can help you choose based on the location and light.

Absolutely. Pets are welcome as long as the location allows them and we plan the session around what they can realistically handle. I usually recommend bringing a friend who can take over pet duty partway through, so you can get some photos with them and still have time for photos of just the two of you.