For Brides

For Brides: Preparing For Your Engagement Session

June 30, 2015

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Ladies,  engagement shoots are so much fun, and you should get excited!!! Engagement shoots are a chance for you to kick back and snuggle with your honey!! It also gives you a chance to spend a little bit of time with your photographer. Trust me, if you are going to have your photographer with you all day on your wedding day, you will want to get to know them before. To help your photographer out, and get the most out of the pictures you will want to prepare before the big day!

1) GET YOUR RING CLEANED

When shooting an engagement session I always LOVE to get a “ring shot”. This means I will take the ring and shoot it in various places, & positions to capture that pretty bling! I will seriously be up close so you want that ring to shine! You can even do it yourself! Just get a ring kit! EASY!

Nicki Metcalf Photography Richmond Wedding Photographer_1769

2) GET YOUR NAILS DONE

Either book an appointment or give yourself a mani. Whether you are holding hands, showing off your ring, or have your hands around your man’s arms your pretty paws will be in the pictures. They don’t have to be a french manicure or painted they just have to be cleaned up (I’d recommend getting them done though). You’d be surprised how much the camera picks up. You don’t want to look back on your images and think, “Wow, my nails look horrible!”.

3) BOOK A MAKEUP APPOINTMENT

This is a GREAT time to test out a make up artist for your big day. Getting your make up done for your session is perfect because you can see what you do and don’t like. I also highly recommend getting this done because you always want to wear a little more make up then usual when you are in front of the camera. It may look heavy on you but in front of the camera it looks normal.

4) COORDINATE WITH YOUR MAN BUT DON’T BE MATCHY MATCHY

This is easy. Look cute together but don’t be identical twins. Trust me that looks dorky. Keep your styles similar and play off each other!

Preparing for an engagement shoot

5) WHERE BRIGHT COLORS

Now this is just an opinion but I really firmly believe in it. Wearing colors at your engagement shoot will make you and your man “pop” so much more then no color at all. You can totally put together a cute outfit without looking like a clown (a bright dress with nude pumps). Easy!

6) PICK TWO OUTFITS

Bring your “Sunday Best” and then bring something that is a little dressed down. You’ll love looking back at the pictures and seeing to different outfits- it can totally change the feel and mix things up a little!

7) ITS OKAY TO BE NERVOUS BUT JUST HAVE FUN

When going into this, I’m not expecting anything of you guys except to BE YOURSELVES. I don’t expect you to know what you are doing because you have never done this before. I’ll pose you guys, arrange you guys and then I’ll just step away and watch you all do your thing! All you can do is let your love unfold while I document it!!!

Preparing for an engagement shoot

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HI SUNSHINE!

I'M NICKI

I see the beauty in imperfect things. As a Christ-follower, faith is central to my life, work, and connections. I am fueled by joy, known for my bubbly and sunny disposition, and always with a warm hug. Imperfect beauty inspires my love for all things vintage, abstract art, and real love stories. I love moments full of grit and emotion; life off the beaten path; stunning views along the shore; and the juxtaposition of New York grunge and laid back Cali-vibe. 

As a mother of two, I am very familiar with how quickly life’s most important moments fly by too quickly. I will calmly and seamlessly guide you through frames that will endure. I strive to capture your memories with one-of-a-kind images full of meaning. I cannot wait to connect with you! 

I bring all of these elements to my time with my couples. With over a decade of experience in the industry, I know how to gently guide you through poses that are natural and beautiful. The transition into this sentence doesn’t make sense. Throughout your day, you will feel the love from those there to celebrate
 you two. 
When I’m not photographing weddings, I enjoy long walks in the neighborhood with my husband, my kiddos Tuxie and Sunny, and my labradoodle Hokie.. Also, I am a huge dog-lover! I’m pretty sure heaven is full of dogs. I can’t wait to connect with you, and yes, your pup is always welcome here! 

RICHMOND & CHARlottesville WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

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For Brides: Preparing For Your Engagement Session

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For Brides: Preparing For Your Engagement Session

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