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This October couples session was sooo much fun with McKenzie + Ian! The first location was a cozy, cuddly in-home photoshoot at their house. The second location was at Tiffany Castle, which was perfect for their classic, spooky October photoshoot!
My packages include multiple locations as long as time allows. I love finding versatile spots to help my couples feel comfortable in front of my camera! Whatever location you have in mind, I’m totally down to try anything that helps us capture your unique love story!
You don’t need to wait til the weather is warm to have your couples shoot! In-home shoots are gaining popularity and for good reason. Exhibit A: these pics of McKenzie + Ian!!!
Cozy, In-home Photoshoot
I looooove doing in-home photoshoots because it’s capturing such a real part of their lives! This is the home Mckenzie + Ian live in together and the couch they cuddle on every day. Plus doing an in-home shoot means that your photos definitely won’t look like anyone else’s. This captures them in an authentic way, especially with how goofy these two are together!
Five Tips For Your In-Home Photoshoot
1. Include Your Pets
The BEST part of doing in-home photoshoots is 110% hanging out with furry friends. They’re a part of the family, so why shouldn’t they be included? Photos with your pets will forever be a beautiful way to remember them. As a cat mom myself (shoutout to Mozzie!) I loved having these two cuties jump in a few pics. And their adorable dog, Rosie, was such a sweetheart.
2. Find Good Lighting
Good lighting is KEY to having a beautiful photoshoot. Of course I’m trained and experienced in all kinds of lighting, but glowy, gorgeous lighting is absolutely the way to this photographer’s heart.
We can find good lighting in your house by shooting near windows, like these amazinggggg windows in McKenzie + Ian’s sunroom.
Another tip is to consider the time of day and the direction your windows face. If your windows face west, then right before sunset will help us get the dreamiest pics of you two.
3. Be Yourself!
A lot of people get nervous in front of the camera, and that’s okay! If you want to loosen up, let’s kick off our shoot by making a drink. For example, if the two of you love mojitos, I can start photographing you two making drinks together. This movement not only creates ADORABLE candids, but doing something helps you relax a little.
To keep your mind off of the shoot, or to get unique photos, you guys can keep doing things while I take photos. Make cookies together or cook a special family recipe. Don’t try to be perfect – show up as yourself and that will be more than enough!
Try dancing in the kitchen, cuddling on the couch, kissing and hugging your partner. I’ll certainly help direct you, these are just some tips to get super authentic photos!
4. Wardrobe
Some people love dressing up for their photoshoots while some people dread it! My number one tip will always be to find something you’re comfortable + confident in.
If you’re unsure what to wear for an in-home photoshoot, I suggest something a little more casual. I’m assuming that you guys don’t wear formal outfits to hang out at your house together, right??
I love how McKenzie + Ian had colorful, patterned socks on for their in-home shoot. And then because it was quick and easy, McKenzie threw on a cardigan for a little versatility!
When we do an in-home photoshoot, you can totally wear your slippers. Like I said, just wear whatever makes you comfortable!!
They switched into their more formal, spooky outfits for our pictures over at Tiffany Castle. Just like how their jeans matched the in-home vibe, these all-black fits were gorgeous for a spooky shoot!
5. Go Outside
It’s not a classic October photoshoot without some pumpkins on the porch, right?? I love how these turned out. It’s a great reminder of the details of their engagement season.
The second location was Tiffany Castle, a beautiful Kansas City castle built in 1909! Someone actually lives here but McKenzie and Ian got permission to use their house as a backdrop.
The spooky vibes were amazing with their dark clothes. And the red shoes McKenzie chose were adorable!
I love how we got to celebrate McKenzie + Ian’s engagement with a photoshoot that showed off so much of their personalities and their lives together. The October theme and in-home setting really tells their love story in such a unique way!!
Photoshoots always make for the perfect date night but here are some other really great fall date ideas.
For more fall photo session inspiration check out Sofi + Robert at Shawnee Mission Park and Chelsea + Thao at James A Reed.
It’s time to get ready to have the best engagement photos ever now that you’re engaged. With these 6 tips you’re guaranteed to make your experience even better and end up with photos you’ll cherish forever.
1. Wear something you’re comfortable in
Your engagement photos are a time for you and your future spouse to let loose and have fun. Wear something that’s easy to move around in. Being comfortable and true to your personal style will make your photos more true to who you are.
2. Location Location Location
When choosing the perfect location for your engagement photos consider picking a place that is significant to you and your partner. If it has special meaning to your relationship it will be a great spot. If you don’t have a place in mind search your city for photo worth spots.
recommendations for Kansas City Locations
3. Timing is EVERYTHING
Plan your engagement session for a time that the sun will be its absolute best. Ultimate lighting conditions are an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset.
4. Show off the best version of YOU
When you look your best, you feel your best. Stick with your typical getting ready routine but maybe step it up a notch; consider hiring professional hair and makeup for your engagement photos. Don’t feel like you need to be someone you’re not- if you don’t wear make up on the daily don’t wear a full face of glam makeup to your session, but a little effort goes a long way, especially in boosting your confidence in front of the camera.
5. Hire a photographer you trust
The perfect photographer for your session should be someone you can trust to capture photos that represent you as a couple. When you prepare for your engagement session you should choose a photographer that has the style you are looking for and that will help you be comfortable in front of the camera.
6. Get ready to have FUN!
The most important thing to remember is to have the best time ever! Get ready to spend an entire photo session with the love of your life. You can make the session anything you want. You can be; silly or serious, loud or quiet, if you only want photos of you looking at the camera and smiling- you can have that! If you want to run around and spin in circles- you can have that too!
These photos are about you!
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