Engagement Session at Hanging Rock State Park

Engagement Session at Historic Yates Mill County Park

Reynolda Gardens Winston Salem Engagement Session

Engaged Couple at Historic Yates Mill County Park

Hanging Rock State Park Engagement Session

Engagement Session at Grandfather Mountain State Park

Couple at Historic Yates Mill County Park

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ENGAGEMENTS

East Coast Engagement Sessions

This batch of images celebrates the build up to your big day. Greensboro has beautiful gardens and lakes. A few hours out one has access to Grandfather Mountain, Hanging Rock State Park, Mount Mitchell State Park, Duke Gardens, JC Raulston Arboretum and a host of other possibilities.

SESSION ESSENTIALS

Choose the Right Clothing

 Everyone knows black is slimming, but on camera, black shows off every stray piece of lint or hair. It also makes you blend into the background. The focus of engagement photos is you and your fiancé. But avoid dressing alike. “One thing you do not want to do is match,” says Sonya. “Having corresponding colors, textures, and patterns is best. Another thing you want to avoid is shirts with large logos or writing on them – these can be distracting.”

When choosing colors for outdoor shots, Sonya suggests natural colors that will complement the backdrop of greens or hues of golden browns. A few great colors would be blues, tans, coral, rose, and browns – pretty much any color that you would see in natural settings.

In terms of how many outfit changes, we agree that three is plenty. Also, bring clothing items that can be layered. This is a quick way to change the look of the outfit.

If you’re more of a casual couple, opt for casual clothing like a pair of nice jeans and a top or consider going barefoot. If you’re a formal couple, try a sheath dress and heels. Your fiancé can wear dress pants and a nice shirt. No matter what your style, always dress in a comparable tone so one of you is not more casual or formal than the other.

Look Your Best 

If you’re a makeup and hair novice, it might be a good opportunity for you to get your makeup and hair done professionally for this occasion. That way you’re not worrying about whether or not your eyeliner is straight or if you chose the right shade of lipstick. “Go a little heavier on makeup on your cheeks, eyes, and lips than you normally would so it pops in the images.”

Golden Hour

Outdoor photographers agree: The best time for engagement photos is during “the golden hour.” This is late afternoon or early evening when the sun is setting or within an hour of sunrise; you get the natural gold glow. At Studio Sonya we start our sessions two hours before sunset to get some of the lighter daytime hours in as well. It’s crucial to show up on time so you get the best lighting possible for your engagement photos.

Props

Don't be afraid to use props! “For engagement photo session, props could include a vintage chair, a banner with your wedding date, or something that is special to both of you,” says Sonya. If you’re involved in activities together – like boating, or biking, or hunting, for example – find an old bike or a row-boat to incorporate in your photos.