Cincinnati Wedding Photographers Hand in Hand Bridal Guest Post
I wanted to offer something different on this blog and had the idea of having a guest blogger provide some information to my readers. This month’s guest blogger is Kellie Daab, the owner of Hand in Hand Bridal. Hand in Hand Bridal is a full service wedding planning and consulting company that services all of Southwest Ohio. Kellie is a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants and a Professional Bridal Consultant with Distinguished Honors. Kellie’s work has been featured on Classic Bride, Preston Baily, and other nationally recognized publications. Hand in Hand Bridal produces events and classes for engaged couples all over Southwest Ohio.
———-
It’s February, the month of love! Even better… you’re engaged! I’m sure you’ve all been thinking non-stop about ways to make your e-session romantic, fun, unique, and a great representation of your love.
Tip # 1: Location, Location, Location
www.mastinstudio.com
For your engagement photos, pick a spot meaningful to you and your fiancé. If no places come to mind, ask us for recommendations. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box to find a location that will suit your style and personalities. Some ideas: the beach, a used book store, an industrial city area, a carnival, a train station, a park, an open field, a farm, an arcade, buildings with interesting architecture, a coffee shop, a castle, the woods, a vineyard, a racetrack, a bowling alley- whatever suits your style!
Tip # 2: Hair & Makeup
Consider wearing matte makeup (it photographs best) or getting your makeup applied by a professional. Not only will you look amazing, but the extra confidence will shine through your photos. Also, on hot days carry oil blotting tissues (makeup safe) available for $5 at your local drug store to avoid shine in your photos. A smart thing to do is to schedule a wedding hair & makeup trial run appointment for the same day as your engagement session to kill two birds with one stone. If you are confident about styling your own hair, then wear it however you’d like. If you’re not- it’s totally worth it to work with a stylist who will know what’s going to photograph best.
Tip # 3: Wardrobe
Your goal for your photos is to keep them fresh, modern, fun, and real. For the best results, try to be the best versions of yourselves. Look as hot as possible! Be you, be bold, and express your style. Plan your outfits to be appropriate for the locations you’ve chosen- if the location is casual, dress casual. If it’s trendy and fun, play up your outfit up as well. For the best photographs, think of each of your outfits as one large ensemble. If you were to lay both your outfits out on the bed would they go or would they clash? Do not match each other exactly- instead, coordinate within a color palette or choose one signature piece and build off that. Avoid an excess of loud distracting prints. Skip boring monochromatic outfits and wear colors that look great on you. Add in fun accessories and pops of color take an okay outfit to an extraordinary one. Also be sure to avoid extra baggy or too- tight clothes, writing or logos, and lots of light colors. Darker, saturated color photographs best.
Tip # 4: Be mushy gushy
Photographers promise to never say ‘get a room’. They are used to it- and they love it. These photos are for you. Let your guard down and show each other some love! We’ll do all that we can to help you feel comfortable, and from there it’s up to you to let loose. Hold hands, make each other laugh, give hugs and kisses, look into each other eyes. Stop to think why you are doing all of this- the photos, the wedding, everything. Those emotions will shine through your photos- and those will be the ones you’ll treasure and look back on through the times that are to come.
Tip # 5: Props & themes
http://www.gabrielryan.net
If you’d like to take your session to the next level, there is nothing more fun than doing a themed session. Now drop the cheesy images your mind is conjuring and think outside of the box. If you are looking for more natural, candid images we suggest creating a story or scenario to give you something to interact with rather than just smiling at the camera. These types of sessions are especially awesome for camera shy couples.
www.simplybloomphotography.com
Think of something that represents your couple style, something you love to do together and incorporate that into your session. Some ideas:
– Travel themed. Stacks of vintage suitcases. Old globes. Paper airplanes made of maps.
– Music themed. Musical instruments, your favorite vinyl set beside your record player.
– A picnic. A handmade quilt in a forest clearing. A picnic basket of yummy things.
– A beach adventure. Swimsuits and sunglasses. An old rowboat. Sandcastles and beach balls.
– Vintage style. An old vintage car. Pin up girl/ greaser style. Milkshakes in a diner.
– Fun & whimsical. Dozens of balloons. Kite flying. Big lollipops. Vintage bikes.
Tip # 6: Down and Dirty
Be prepared to walk, climb, sit, lay down, laugh, and just get down and dirty. Dress comfortably! I am all for wearing crazy, impractical high heels for photos- but throw a pair of flip flops in your bag too just in case you have to walk
Tip # 7: Stay stress free
Try to have everything ready days ahead of time so that you won’t be stressing out about details. Allow extra time to get ready and arrive to your shoot on time. Get plenty of rest the night before so you won’t be tired out. On the drive to your session, loosen up to your favorite cd and crank it up! Make each other laugh and have fun together.
Tip # 8: Grooming
Be prepared to be photographed head to toe- don’t neglect details! Girls, make sure your hair, nails, toes, and eyebrows are done. Guys, get a haircut a week or two before hand and make sure your nails are clean and facial hair is the way you like it. In the days leading up to your engagement session make sure to drink extra water to hydrate your skin for the photos.
Tip # 9: Be Yourself
Just be yourself. Play, cuddle, kiss, laugh. Work it. Girls- channel your inner Tyra and be fierce. Guys, get your swag on. You are going to rock your session.
The most important tip of all… hire a great photographer! You’ll feel relaxed and assured when you know you have a photographer who understands your vision and your personality!
Happy Valentines Day!!
