Happy Woo Wednesdays! Tips on how to feel comfortable in front of the lens.

Congrats on your engagement!

Happy Woo Wednesdays!

This is the happiest time of your life. You must be over the moon to be marrying your best friend. You also might be feeling a little overwhelmed with making your guest list,  booking your venue, your vendors and all the nitty gritty details that go along with planning your big day.

Taking photos for your engagement session and wedding day should not be something you feel stressed about. Some of my clients say they feel stressed and anxious about getting their photo taken but I insure them that it's such a fun, high energy experience. My past couples would agree.

Here are some tips on how to feel comfortable in front of the lens. Preparation is key.

Also, don't forget to check out my youtube channel for more tips and tricks. Here is a episode how to get the best engagement photos.

 1. Look your best, I will do the rest

This applies to your engagement and your wedding. Get your makeup trial done the day of your engagement shoot so you know exactly how your makeup will look on your big day. This will help you feel "done up" for the shoot and boosts your confidence.  In my experience shooting engagement sessions, girls want to feel confident and pretty....and sometimes spending a little extra time getting ready achieves just that! if you would like recommendations I’d be happy to pass a few a long who’ll take amazing care of you!

My couples are trendy, stylist and love color. Go shopping, try on outfits and take photos of them. I tell my clients to send me their outfit choices. Bring 2-3 options. Here is a pinterest board of what guys should wear and another pinterest board on what girls should wear.

-poppy bold colors look good

-If one person is wearing dark colors, the other person should wear light colors, visa vera

-The waist area on a dress or blouse should be fitted, not loose

-Jewelry adds character to your outfit

-I love flowy skirts and dresses

Here are some good places to get your outfits for girls: Morning Lavender / Rent the Runway / Stylist LA

For guys: Top Man / Nordstroms / Express

Here are some other blog post that can help you look your best.

http://carissawoophotography.com/woo-wednesdays-what-to-wear-to-your-engagement-shoot/

http://carissawoophotography.com/woo-wednesdays-colors-of-the-rainbow/

2. Get inspired and get excited!

You are going to be a model for the day. You will look back at these photos and it will take you back to this special time in your life. You get to use these photos for your save the date cards, wedding invitation, canvases, sign in books, wood prints and so much more. Guests at your wedding love looking at photos of you on your big day. This is something to get excited about!

I'm sure you are all pinning away on Pinterest and gathering ideas. Here are some of my favorite sites that I  also draw inspiration from.

Inspired by This / Green Wedding Shoes / 100 layer Cake / Cosmopolitan /

Last but not least check out my blog with over 200 engagement shoots and 200 weddings.

3. Make a fun day out of your engagement session

I want you to be relaxed and in the best mood

Take the whole day off of work. Schedule your makeup and hair appointment early so you have some time to relax. Go to your engagement shoot location early so you have some downtime to walk around and enjoy some alone time. All of your outfits and props should be prepared before the shoot. Don't wait until the day of.

Plan to have a date dinner night after the shoot. You are all dolled up already so take advantage.

3. Be carefree and let yourself be in the moment. Have fun!

Don't worry about the session. As long as you are prepared and on time, everything will go perfectly. My shoots are never rushed so we always have time to take breaks and get to know each other. My shoots last around 2.5 hours.

The best photos are all about connection, emotion, and candid in-between moments. It's hard for me to get these shots if you are worried about your hair being in place or lipstick on your teeth. Don't worry, if you look awkward or your necklace is mis-alined, I will adjust you.

When you are having fun, you really get lost in the moment and this is when magic happens.

I will show you some sneak peeks on the back of my camera so you know your makeup is on point.

4. Bring props

Bringing props breaks the ice in the beginning and are a way to add character to your photos.I personally love using props because of their storytelling superpowers. A lot of couples don't know where to put their hands and feel a little awkward in the beginning so brining props can help.

Where to purchase props: Etsy, Homegoods, Michaels, Oh hello Friend

If you are creative and crafty, I encourage you to make your own props. There are a ton of ideas on Pinterest.

If you are too lazy to do this, grab some decor that is laying around in your house or decor you bought for your wedding. Borrow some from friends

Examples of props: Favorite books / confetti / feathers / powder paint / flowers / picnic blanket / wine and wine glasses / picnic blanket / fruits /

I view every engagement session like a mainstream shoot--complete with models and props and scenery. I want every engagement shoot to look like it could be in a magazine, so feel free to bring things that really reflect your personalities.

5. Ask for help from your tribe

Ask for help from you bridesmaids and maid of honor on your engagement shoot and wedding day. Some of my clients bring their MOH with them during the engagement shoot to help with outfit changes. This is not required but it's totally up to the bride. It's always nice to have a support system. If you need help picking up the balloons or choosing between outfits, that is what your best friends are there for.

For your wedding day, delegate tasks to the wedding party and know the role of your wedding planner. You should not be doing everything, this will lead to a break down. Have one of your bridesmaids be in charge of getting breakfast for everyone and put another bridesmaids in charge of handing the transportation of the day of. This will put you at ease on the engagement and wedding day so you can focus of taking photos and being present / in the moment.

Delegate tasks so you can focus and taking photos and being in the moment

6. Choose a location that reflects your personality

Location, location, location. Don’t hesitate to check out photo shoot locations beforehand.  If you have a cool idea, please let me know. We can bounce ideas off of each other.  I encourage you to find a spot that reflects your love and a place that you will both feel comfortable. And please note that there is no such thing as an ‘ugly’ location....there is beauty everywhere...we just have to find it! i have shot pretty much every location imaginable (dumpsters, graffiti walls, etc) so please know that the location doesn't necessarily have to be pretty at every corner :)

7. Communication with your photographer

Get on the phone with your photographer. I will get on the phone with my clients 3-5 days before the engagement shoot and a week before the wedding just to know that we are all on the same page. Some communication can easily get lost in email. This will put your mind at ease to know that you will be taken care of.

Things to remember: Have a fresh coat of nail polish // bring a cute colorful picnic blanket // please don't forget your shoes // I love props from Anthropologie and Homegoods // Bring your favorite lip gloss or lipstick // bring eyelash glue just in case // If you go tanning, not too orange, please // Please eat breakfast the day of the shoot, don't starve yourself and feel free to bring snacks // bring a pair of flats // try on all outfits beforehand // wear flattering outfits that show your waist line // Don't be nervous, the shoot is super fun!

After you receive your amazing photos from your photographer, this should give you confidence on your wedding day. You will feel like celebrities on your big day!