Engagement Session...When to Schedule?

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Engagement Session...When to Schedule?

posted 3 years ago in Beehive

Member

104 posts

Blushing bee

peony80 June 6, 2009 Chicago

Hi Bees,

My wedding is not until next year (June) but my Engagement Session is coming up in mid-November. Its pretty cold in November in Chicago (except for last year when we had a freaky Indian Summer!). My photog asked if we could start the E-session at 10am and she said they typically last 2-4 hours. I thought nothing of it at the time but the more I think about it, the more i'm wondering, is that the best time of year and time of day?

I read somewhere that 2 hours before sunset is the ideal time of day for shoots because its the best light. I'm a little worried also that its going to be freezing outside and all we'll get are shots of us in our coats.

Anyone have any suggestions of what to do? Has anyone had a cold weather E-session before? How did they turn out?

:) As always, thanks Hive!

3 years ago

Member

88 posts

Worker bee

MissGoodie July 24, 2010 Coquitlam

I think the time of year and day you choose is totally up to you and what you want for your e-pics. Its kinda nice to get them done in the colder weather if you're getting married in June, since it contrasts the weather. One of my girlfriends did hers during winter in the snow and just braved the weather without a coat for a while and her pics turned out awesome!

3 years ago

Member

75 posts

Worker bee

Bridediy 3/29/08 Chicago, IL

Ultimatly you are right that the lighting will be better about 2 -3 hours before sunset. Check online to see what time sunset is expected to be for that day and maybe resuggest about 3 hours prior to your photographer.

We did our pictures last year at Navy Pier in mid October and started about 3pm and then took pictures until about 6:30pm (by then it was pretty dark) and got some amazing pictures because of the lighting. I think it really depends on where you are taking the pictures as well if it is somewhere that is brightly lit with lots of color such as Navy Pier or the Mag Mile I think you can get away doing a later shoot but if it is just at a normal park or along the lakeshore then you might want to start at say 2 to give youself enough time to get in some good shots before dusk. I personally wouldnt have wanted an earlier shoot since that would have meant dragging my FI out of bed at 8am to get ready on a weekend, meaning grumpy uncooperative man, not good for photos:). Just food for thought.

Also if it is going to possibly be cold or rainy (which in IL in Nov. is def. possible) thing about bringing along some brightly colored scarfs or mittens with stripes or a cool looking umbrella to use as props. That way you stay warm/dry and your pictures look cool. Also think about maybe using your jacket as part of your accessories instead of just something to bundle up in. I ended up wearing a cute jean jacket I had to help stay warm and an orange and white scarf (which looked great in photos! But you could also do something like a nice brightly colored (white, red, pink, etc) peacoat to help add some visual interest while your honey is maybe in a dark navy or black one. Just keep in mind that unfortunatly IL is pretty drab that time of year so you may need to go some where that will add some color and interest or bring your own with the outfit you choose.

Where are you guys thinking of taking your photos?

3 years ago

Member

124 posts

Blushing bee

SoonToBeKGC New Jersey

We are also getting married in June and we just did our engagement photos last weekend. We are in NJ and we did them at a marina, and it was freezing! My fiance wore a blazer and sweater and jeans and I wore a dress and boots and a long scarf. You'll be cold but it is only a few hours and the end result will be worth it! We thought the cold weather pics would be a nice contrast to the beach pics we will have from the wedding. Not sure if you have picked out your Save-the-Dates yet but we are doing ours as Holiday cards/Save-the-Dates so the 'cold look' works! Also, I think it is even cute to do winter coats and scarves and hats if you think it will be too cold where you are...you will have enough formal portraits from the wedding.

3 years ago

Member

104 posts

Blushing bee

peony80 June 6, 2009 Chicago

@Bridediy - we're thinking of doing it in Bucktown/Wicker Park for the 1st half of the session to get some "urban" shots. Then we're heading out to Millennium Park for some classic Chicago shots. :) I hope they turn out ok. My photog is booked for the 2nd half of the day so 10am it is!

Thanks for all of your suggestions! I will definitely be figuring out the wardrobes in these next few weeks!

3 years ago