How I plan My Engagement Session's
The fear of being in front of a camera and with someone you just met can be intimidating.
The First Thing That I do.
Before you book with me, we can go out for Coffee or lunch if you are coming into Wichita for your session a zoom meeting is optional. It lets you see if I am the perfect photographer to capture all of the most memorable moments. Starting With your Engagement Photos. It also gives me the opportunity to talk about your love story! Also, for you to ask any and all questions! especially outfit ideas, poses, and of course my editing style!
I help with outfit coordination and locations that fit your personality! So, feel free to get as creative as you want! Send me all the Examples and what you have in your closet. Each outfit I then will coordinate with locations in or around Wichita. Based on Your budget.
BEST TIME TO TAKE PHOTOS
Best times to shoot that I recommend for every season that I absolutely love shooting at.
I call both Magic and Golden hour, Magic isn't as orange, or the deep sunset. It is a lot softer, not as harsh during the afternoon sun but a perfect middle. Golden is the beautiful gold, and deep blue in the sky. Some Locations do close once that sun is gone. So, we will have to time things perfectly.
- Summer: magic hour, and golden hour, magic hour during the summer is around 6-7 and golden is 7-8.
- Fall is by far the busiest shooting season! The sunset time changes (again) drastically during these three months. In September, you can plan on magic hour at 5:00-6:00 and Golden at 7:00-7:45pm until the third week. Starting in Mid-October, you can plan on magic hour at 4:00-5:00pm and Golden at 5:00-6:00 pm shooting time. After the first week of November, we are back to shooting Magic Hour at 3:00-4:00 pm and Golden hour from 4:00-5:00pm.
- During December through Mid-March you can plan on your engagement session taking place for Magic hour 3:00- 4:00pm and Golden Hour from 4:00-5:00pm. However, the time changes in Mid-March and so that will make the start time one hour later.
- Once Spring is here, the sunset time drastically changes throughout the course of these two months and so our shooting times change as well. You can plan on April approximately Magic hour from 5:30-6:30 pm and Golden Hour from 6:30-7:30pm. May Magic Hour at 6:00-7:00pm and Golden Hour from 7:00-8:00pm
Now I Know sunset time isn't for everyone. If you do plan for an earlier session, I recommend finding some place with shade that won't cause harsh lighting or shadows on your face. When choosing a location pay attention to the background and how much editing would need to be edited if any. As a photographer I try and work with the locations that each of my clients choose that is memorable to them.
Some Asked Questions
Children Are always welcome!! I do take the time to add the children into photos as well as time with the 2 of you! With younger children bring a friend, parent, or a sibling of yours, to help watch the kids when I am taking photos of the 2 of you. If that is not possible, we can still make it work!
Animals are always welcome to every shoot! I do recommend having another friend or family to come with to help and watch. Bring a favorite toy and treat! Now this goes for Dogs, and cats... if you have a very hyper or overactive dog/cat, For the first 2-3 months I do recommend you take the dog/cat, to the park you want photos taken at. Spend a good 30 min-1 hour every day. NOW be very committed in doing this every day. If your dog/cat is scared or skittish, feel free to let me know the time you take your puppy, and I can help your puppy get used to my scent. By the time the session arrives. You will have a Model Pup or Cat in no time!
If you don't feel comfortable with going out and taking photos an in-home session or a studio session is always an option and I prefer doing them on the weekends, for my safety I do tell you that I bring a friend or my husband to an in-home session. Upon meetup as I said at the start when we meet for coffee or lunch, we discuss the style and location for your Engagement session and go from there to setting a date. I will have my laptop to show you examples of said location that will also help you choose outfits!
Now The Studio that is rentable, does not allow pets.
DO I WORK WITH SAME SEX COUPLE? THAT IS A YES!
I do work with all couples! I try and not exclude or make any couples feel unwelcomed. Now I know with working with same sex couple it does make several people uncomfortable. I do hope we can still work with each other regardless. If not, I am sure I can help you find a Photographer that you would feel comfortable working with to capture your photos.
My editing style.
If I had to label my editing style I would have to say, Vibrant Moody. But I do try and base my editing based on your outfits. Neutrals I tend to keep the whites warm creamy, and Colors more Vibrant with the exception of Greens a darker tone. I can always keep the green a more vibrant color if asked. Maybe in the future that may change but for now I try and keep things cohesive based on the Color Pallets of your clothing/locations.
Now Below I will go over Location's with examples. A few I hope to build up as I go. Several I have wanted to and have seen other photographers use said locations! I did include addresses, for you to look up the locations yourself. As I do more sessions and grow my photography, I hope to have books/ or a look book online for said locations! I do know a few are a little out of Wichita and does have a small fee, and a few locations in Wichita that also have a small fee. If you have any locations that are accessible and legal do let me know. I am very much open to more locations!
Beautiful Location's that are free.
Great Plain's Nature Center
Address: 6232 East 29th St N #2200, Wichita KS 67220
There is also the back entrance on Oliver
There is several locations especially during the spring and Fall that is absolutely beautiful!
There is a front and back entrance, depending on what you are looking into that won't be to much of a walk especially during the Very Hot weather and or the Very cold weather.
McLean Park
Address: 6801 N Hydraulic Ave, Park City, KS 67219
During the Summer and Fall McLean Park is very colorful and Beautiful. During the Winter the location has a row of trees down each side of the road that Gives it that Character.
I don't see alot of photos taken there but Did my own engagement photos as you see above!
Bradley Fair
Address: 2000 N Rock Rd, Wichita, KS 67206
Gives you that downtown feel without the downtown hustle. There is also the Island with the Water in the background. During Christmas with there Beautiful Tree and Window Decorations all year round from the local businesses in the area.
Downtown Wichita
Address: 353 N Mead St, Wichita, KS 67202
There Are Several Different Location's Being able to spend some time to walk and take photo's downtown is my absolute favorite! Parking in the Parking Lot besides Old Towne Theater would be easier, especially to get that sunset photo in the background. Getting this angle in the photo above, fall is the perfect time!
Blue Circle Building
Address: 320 S Market Ste, STE 101, Wichita, KS 67210
I did put an address very close to this building. An out of the box location if downtown photos are what you are looking for and open to out of the box locations!
I have not had a chance to photograph at but have seen photo's from the locations.
Union Station
701 E Douglas AVE, Wichita, KS 67202
apparently there is a 8 Degrees Below, who makes and sells rolled ice cream, is about ten steps away from this location. If you get a little hungry for something sweet during your session or a cute photo prop idea we can stop by and take some photos!
Oakland Avenue Buildings
Adress: 3231 Oakland ST APT 6, Wichita, KS 67218
A great spring and summer location, now I know parking is limited, so we will have to prepare for that. I hope to capture Some Engagement photos and get creative! There are several little buildings with different colors that give you this colorful vibe to be fun and flirty together!
Crown Uptown Theater
Address: 3207 E Douglas AVE, Wichita, KS 67218
Sunset time would be a perfect Location! There is also a cute coffee shop across the street and will share that location as well. It is also 4 blocks from Oakland Avenue Buildings!
Coffee Daze
Address: 3236 E Douglas AVE STE 100, Wichita KS, 67208
Coffee Daze is right across the street and if planned perfectly get some cute coffee photo's and once the lights a Crown Uptown Turn on take some cute photos!
Saturday's they are open until 6:30
Sunday's they are open until 2 pm so it is free to shoot in but coffee is not free.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
The front of the Church is very beautiful! The arches the door is by far my favorite location! I did a fun session with this beautiful couple through Complete I will be leaving the company but had to have there logo up.
More unique locations coming as I explore Wichita
This is a paragraph. Click edit and enter your own text. You can make changes like making the text bold, underline or italic. This is a great place for you to tell your clients more about your story and to describe the type of photographer you are. You can come back at any time to make more changes.
More unique locations coming as I explore Wichita
This is a paragraph. Click edit and enter your own text. You can make changes like making the text bold, underline or italic. This is a great place for you to tell your clients more about your story and to describe the type of photographer you are. You can come back at any time to make more changes.
Beautiful Location's that you would have to pay a small fee for.
Botanica Gardens
Address: 701 Amidon ST Wichita, KS 67203-3199
Pricing: $10 Adults | $8 Youth / Seniors (62+) / Military
Children 2 & Under - FREE
Absolutely Beautiful, Now remember it is busy especially when the Flowers are all in full bloom. But so many Locations to Choose from!
Perfect Location for couples who prefer mid afternoon!
Santa Fe Lake!
Address: 11367 SW Shore Drive Augusta, KS 67010
$10 Day Pass
To get that beautiful Lake behind you! There is a vehicle fee and you will have to get the ticket early. I do recommend Sunset time to get the best lighting. I know admissions close early, I want to say 5.
Above we did shoot the engagement session early on so I try and situate the sun behind you.
Bartlett Arboretum
Address: 301 N Line St, Belle Plaine, KS 67013
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 9 am - 5 pm. (Later on Concert Days.)
$10 per person
"Photography? Some concert Sunday evenings we will open until 7 PM to accomodate the multitude of inquiries - those who want to capture that "golden hour." Please try and schedule your session during our open hours. "
I had walked around there for a senior session and very beautiful!
They are closed during the Winter and will reopen Starting April- May
Now I have only ever done a senior session.
Pretty Kansas Farm
Address:
9135 S 103rd St W, Clearwater, KS 67026
Grit Studio and Collaborative
For this studio it is not included in mini session prices it will be added on.
Sunrise Studio
Address: will be shared when I can!
for this studio price is not included in the mini session fee, it will be an added on cost.
1 hour booking starts at $85
Ember Studio
Prices: $85
Address will be told once booked
Aura Suite
Prices: $40 for 30 min session-$75 for 1 hour session
Homestead
Price $50
Boudoir studio
$75
Let's Talk outfits!
I know that Everyone has a set style, set color scheme in their wardrobe So this is to help organize your outfits for your Engagement Shoot Together!
Now if one of you want to wear Bright details soften the tones with a lighter tone.
For Example, A Vibrant Pink with a lighter blue or Vibrant Blue
Neutral Tones with Neutral, for example a dusty rose with Cream or white.
Sage Greens with Dusty Rose, White, and cream
Dark colors. Dark Green with Black
Burgandy with Black
Burnt orange or Burgandy with Darker Blue
Mustard yellow and a darker brown or add some off white or white.
Dark Green with Black, White, Burgandy,
Light blue with light gray, white, or cream
Flowers
Flowers with lighter background - White or a softer solid color picked from the flowers
Flowers with a darker background pick a solid color in the fabric that is darker. With darker Tan.
"Now this is my preference as a photographer and what I feel matches. But feel free to be as creative as you want. This is for anyone who struggle with ideas especially when picking out your partners outfit."
Will have examples from my Pinterest Board Below.
Will add more ideas as I spend time on Pinterest!
