Your engagement season is short. Your photos shouldn’t be.

It’s been a little quiet around here, hasn’t it? You might’ve wondered where I disappeared to. The short answer? Life got beautifully busy.

Spoiler alert: your photo session doesn't have to feel like standing still and forcing a smile. It can (and should) feel like a date night with your favorite person!

Your love story is one of a kind - your photo session should reflect that. Whether you’re planning your engagement photos, an anniversary shoot, or a just-because session, personalizing your session helps make your images feel authentic and meaningful. Let’s look at four ways that you can personalize your session: Choose a Location That Tells Your Story Let’s set the tone of your photo session by choosing a place that captures the essence of your relationship. Choose a spot that holds meaning or matches your personalities. This could be the place you had your first date, a trail or creek/lake for the nature lovers, or around murals or modern architecture for an urban and artistic lovers. Bring Props That Reflect Your Relationship Incorporating props into your photo session can add a layer of personality and tell your story deeper. These props could be your bikes if your enjoy hitting the many trails Northwest Arkansas has to offer, your favorite stack of books if you enjoy reading, let’s set up a picnic if you enjoy relaxing in nature, bring your pets if your animal lovers. The possibilities are endless, but if you aren’t sure what to bring, if anything, let’s talk about it! Incorporate Your Journey as a Couple What represents your relationship and how can we weave it into your session? This could be recreating a memory such as the place you got engaged or had your first kiss, or incorporating props that reflect your shared goals or interests (just like #2), Plan Activities for Natural Moments Do you have an activity that both of you enjoy? Let’s incorporate it into your session for even more authentic touches. This could be walking your dog, dancing in the park, playing your favorite board game or sport. Whatever you enjoy doing together, let’s capture the love!

When you think about professional couple photo sessions, you probably think engagement session. But what about celebrating your love without waiting for a big milestone like a proposal or wedding? Couples photoshoots “just-because” are a beautiful way to celebrate your relationship at any stage of your journey, and it’s growing in popularity more and more. Here’s a five reasons why you should consider booking a photo session with your loved one: No Milestones Needed Capturing the everyday love that makes your relationship so special. You don’t need a major milestone, like a ring, an anniversary, etc. to celebrate your love. Explore Creative Locations or Photo Shoots Just-Because photo sessions are a great way to try something new. Go to a unique/creative location that you might not go to for a special occasion session. Or try a creative themed session like paint fights, creek/rivers, or the county fair. Perfect for Social Media or Home Decor Living with your partner but still don’t have any photos hanging on your walls? Having photos can help your house (or apartment) feel more like home. Or maybe you’re looking to refresh your instagram feed. Either of these calls for a fun couples photo shoot! Freeze A Moment in Time Life goes by quickly, photos help you hold on to the little things, the inside jokes, shared glances, and the way you fit together right now. Photos also help you document your journey together, from dating to married to anniversaries and beyond. Strengthen Your Connection Photo sessions are a great way to connect and celebrate your love. It’s a shared experience that strengthens your bond and creates new memories. Laughing, posing, and spending intentional time together. No matter where you are in your relationship, let’s create timeless, meaningful photos capturing your love and celebrating your journey together!

Planning your wedding can be stressful and booking your photographer can be a stressful task. To ensure your getting a photographer that matches your style and budget, here is a list of questions you should ask any photographer you are reaching out to about your big day!  What is your photography style, and can I see a full gallery of your work? Knowing the photographer’s style can help make sure it aligns with your vision. Do you like dark/moody or bright/airy? Do you want a more photojournalistic or fine art approach? Knowing what style you like can help you determine which photographer will be able to help you achieve the look you’re shooting for. Asking to see a full gallery can give you an idea of what yours could look like, but it can also reveal consistency and quality in different lighting and settings. What is included in your wedding photography packages? Every photographer is different in what’s included in their packages. Be sure to ask when your searching for your photographer. Ask about hours of cover and whether it’s continuous or can be broken up, whether an additional photographer or engagement session is included, how you’ll receive your photos whether via digital download, flash drive, album, prints, or a mix of all. Have your worked at our venue or a similar one before? Having a photographer that has completed a shoot at your venue can be an added bonus. They may already know the best photo opportunities, how the lighting is, the best angles, etc. However, if a photographer you’re considering hasn’t been at your venue before, it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. Your photographer may scout the venue beforehand or arrive a little early to look around. What happens if you can’t make it on our wedding day? This is a nerve-wracking topic and one that I’m sure is on your mind. Life happens, and it’s important to know what your photographers backup plan is whether it’s a trusted associate shooter that will fill in, refund policy, etc. How long will it take to receive our photos, and how will they be delivered? Get clarity on turnaround time and how the images will be delivered. Is it via an online gallery, USB, or printed formats. If your photos are delivered via online gallery, be sure to ask how long the gallery will remain accessible.

Are the wedding bells ringing? Is you partner dropping hints left and right? Are you ready to get down on one knee? If you answered yes to any of the questions above, this post is for you! A surprise proposal is such a special way to propose to your partner, and I'd love to be there to capture the moment for you! Take a look at this surprise proposal I recently had the opportunity to photograph.

Have you ever scheduled your photo session and thought; “What if the weather is bad that day”. Well have no fear, if the weather is bad the day of your session, we will reschedule for another time. However if it’s an overcast day (cloudy day, sun hiding behind the clouds), this is actually a perfect day to do a photoshoot. Why? Lighting. On an overcast/cloudy day, you don’t have to fight the sun has much!