Hey,
I've helped out on a few engagement sessions, but I've never shot one my self. I have my first this Wed afternoon. I'll be shooting at 5:15.-6:15PM. Does anyone have any tips that they could give me? Any help would be great.

Thanks,
Mark

Congrats on your first one- I hope you post the pics, we would love to see your work.
If you can extend the engagement until sundown, do it. I know it's still pretty bright where I live around 6:15 (after the time change last Sunday). Some of the best pics come when it starts getting dark.

Make sure the couple is relaxed, find out what their limits are, and honor them. I always ask if they wan to keep it PG, PG-13, or make it a Harlequin Cover... Use moderate humor to keep them loose. The real magic happens when you get them to focus on each other, and not you. When they don't know you're there, you can capture their natural expressions as they get all gooey with each other. Ask about their history- how they met, how he proposed, etc. When they start telling their story, make sure to capture the glances they give each other as they share.

Have fun!

Great stuff - have fun with it - remember there really is no down side to doing this, you get to shoot people without any pressure of the wedding 'one shot at this'.

Have fun with it - communication is the key, just relax and let them do the talking, just ask questions that will keep them talking and listen to what they say.


I also agree - make it to sundown/dusk and use a flash if you have one to get some gold.

Sunset rules. Of the three we did this weekend, two we started before sundown and finished well passed dark. Stop down your lens and get in close. Above all shoot with your heart, not your mind.
C

I always meet with my couple beforehand over coffee or such, talking, joking around, discussing ideas and concepts. I like to learn more about them and get their ideas. It gets them comfortable with me and involved in the process. Since many folks are a little shy (or a lot) in front of a camera, I don't pull out any camera gear until we are relaxed ... it can be intimidating to quickly pull out a camera and big lens upon first meeting them!

Lots of good advice already given, so no need to repeat. I like to keep things flowing by creating scenarios that I ask them to simply play out any way they like, then I just pull back and shoot, sometimes guiding, sometimes just letting it all happen naturally. If I feel the couple is still uncomfortable, I will shoot from a distance for a while to allow them opportunity to relax.

You're in SB, so you've got a lot of great location choices. I once did a session there on State Street at sunset and into the evening. It was a blast shooting there at night with all the lights, traffic, and crowds!!

Best wishes!!!