Timing

The portrait shoot lasts approximately two hours. I generally prefer late afternoon light and start the session approximately three hours before sunset, but this can vary depending on the ideas for the shoot. So, I will confirm the exact start time once we decide on the location we are shooting in. You can check what time the sun will set here to get an idea of what time of afternoon we will start, depending on the month.

Locations

One to two locations are best. We can either walk to the next location and shoot along the way or jump in an Uber to get to the next location (the only thing to keep in mind is that we do not want to lose 30 minutes in a car during the best light).

I love photographing people that is a place that is significant to them - a place that has a special meaning, as I believe it adds more depth & meaning to the photograph. We can meet up at your place, shoot there for a little and then walk around your neighborhood or a favorite spot. But I am welcome to ideas, if you have a mood board, please share with me as this can spark new ideas on my end too.

Outfits

You want to look and feel your best so you feel comfortable and yourself in front of the camera.

Shooting in NYC always presents a unique set of challenges, the biggest of which is footwear. We will be doing a lot of walking throughout the shoot, so please wear shoes you can walk comfortably in for 2 hours. I really recommend finding a comfortable pair of shoes that look good and you can walk in and then base the rest of your outfit around that. If you bring a spare pair of shoes and change them every time we move locations, this will put a halt on a lot of in-the-moment candid photographs, turning the shoot into a more staged production if you have to change your shoes every time we move.

When it comes to deciding on outfits, it's best to find outfits that compliment each other without being too ‘matchy’. I always think plain or neutral colors photograph better then busy / pattern fabrics but at the end of the day, you want these photographs to reflect the real you - so go with whatever you love the most.

Style-wise, you want to make sure you both match the overall feel of your look. I always think a more casual look photographs best for engagement shoots, because you will be more comfortable and yourself and this reflects in the photographs of you both having a great time (rather than an outfit that makes you feel stiff & awkward).

If you are wondering if you should have a few different outfit options – this will really depend on where we are shooting and thinking about the logistics. It’s not really possible to bring outfit changes with us if we are walking the streets of NYC, so unless you have a car to store your outfits in, I recommend only one outfit for the entire shoot. If I am going to meet you at your apartment, we can shoot one outfit first and before heading out, you then you could change outfits before we move to the next location.

What to bring

Please do not bring much with you during the shoot as you do not want to putting down a bag every time we want to take photographs, spending time worrying if the bag will get stolen. Again, this takes away from the candid in the moment photographs that I love making the most.

You are welcome to put a few small things in my backpack, like your keys, phone and a bottle of water, but anything else will start weighing my bag down. You do not want to store anything in pant pockets. Please remember to bring a bottle of water as you will get thirsty through the shoot, particularly in summer.

Going into the shoot relaxed

A problem I run into every now and then is when a couple is running late and the shoot starts off with the couple feeling super stressed. It can make it hard to feel relaxed and loving in the photos, if you have been stressed out moments prior.

Plan to have your hair & make up complete at least an hour or two before you plan to leave and always allow extra time for traffic. I recommend to arrive early to the meeting location and head to a local bar if you like to relax with a drink. This means you will be completely ready prior to the shoot time, allowing you both to relax and unwind and be in a great headspace prior to the portrait shoot starting.

Also make sure you are well feed before the shoot starts – please do not start the shoot feeling hungry – your energy levels will plummet in the middle of the shoot and hungry people do not take the best photographs. Bring a protein bar for an emergency if you didnt get a chance to eat before.

The most important thing to remember about prepping for a portrait shoot is that I am photographing you, so be yourself. I know that can be hard when there is a camera pointed in your direction. If you feel nervous, just try your best to get comfortable and have fun. You will get the hang of it before long. Be silly, laugh, play. You will have a much better time which will make for better photos.

Dress nice, but don’t get so dressed up that you are uncomfortable. Interact with each other the way you normally would. In fact, focus on each other a lot during the shoot – keep your eyes on each other and try to forget the camera.

Can we include our pet?

Yes of course, I am a big animal lover and love shooting people with their beloved pets. I would recommend shooting with your pet at home. We could do a few shots inside your apartment and/or in your neighborhood before bringing them home, and we head out for the second half of the shoot. Otherwise, I can meet up with you at the first location, shoot with your pet for the first portion, then have someone come collect your pet and take them home while we carry on with the rest of the shoot.

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I am always happy to get on a call to discuss the plans for the shoot and help pick out locations and build a timeline for our shoot. Just reach out when you a ready to setup a time to chat further.