session details, tips, and answers
engagement session
It's best to schedule your engagement session 6–8+ months before your wedding, especially if you're wanting to use your phots as Save The Dates or as a guest sign in book. Each season offers a unique backdrop for gorgeous photos – even winter! The session's time of day will depend on the season and location and will be finalized at booking.
When you're ready to schedule your 1-hour session, please submit the scheduling form under 'contact us' below so we can secure your date on the calendar.
scheduling
01.
Session Times by Season
Winter
Summer
Spring
Fall
Dec - March 3:00-5:00 PM
During December through mid March you can plan on your engagement session taking place around 3-4pm. However, the time changes in Mid March and that will make the start time one hour later!.
Jun - Aug 6:30-8:30 PM
Summer engagements, just like all engagements, take place two hours before sunset. This will hopefully mean the shoot will be during the cooler part of the day. A typical session would be planned for 6:30-7:30pm.
Apr - May 5:30-8:00 PM
The sunset time drastically changes throughout the course of these two months and so our shooting times change as well. You can plan on approximately 6:30-7:30 in April & 7-8pm in May.
Sep - Nov 5:00-7:30 PM
The sunset time drastically changes throughout the course of these three months. In September, you can plan on 6-7pm until the third week and then you can plan on 5-6pm until Mid - Oct. After the first week of Nov. you can plan on 4-5pm.
There are countless landmarks, buildings, and parks that can accommodate your engagement session. I highly recommend picking a spot that's special to you and your fiancé. Select 'next' to view our top engagement sessions locations.
Another great location with many options! From the Bell Tower to the Mansion to the Red Barn & Pavilion, there are endless options for whatever 'Look' you are going for!
CoxHall Gardens, Carmel
Endless options at Newfields! From the Lilly Mansion to the Greenhouse or flower gardens you can't go wrong! The Mansion is spacious, airy, and always has gorgeous light. There is a $50 fee to shoot at Newfields.
newfields Indianapolis Museum of Art
Flowing Well park is a lovely area with lots of trees and a small river giving you a water feature as well as lots of greenery (or beautiful color in the fall!)
Flowing Well Park, Carmel
West Park is located just down the street from Cox Hall Gardens. This larger park contains trails with tall grass, a pond, and lots of trees. This is a great spot for fall photos!
WEst Park, Carmel
Want a city feel? The Indianapolis War Memorial is in the heart of Downtown Indianapolis. There is no fee to shoot here, however, it is a high traffic area and a fee to park! If you are uncomfortable getting your photo taken or with other people watching this may not be for you!
Indianapolis War Memorial
For the adventurous ones...Eagle Creek Park is located on the Northwest side of Indianapolis and is a huge park! It offers many walking paths, tons of trees, and multiple water features! Be sure to bring your walking shoes! it is about a 15 minute walk down to the water!
Eagle Creek Park, Indianpolis
best for: all seasons
best for: fall, winter
best for: all seasons
best for: fall, winter
best for: all seasons
best for: spring, summer
best for: spring, summer
best for: all seasons
don't forget the weather
no bright or neon colors
avoid bold patterns
when in doubt, go neutral
accent with accessories
use complimentary colors
Picking your outfit color palette and planning your outfits for your engagement session is the first (and most important) step in creating gorgeous photos! While you should consider the weather, it's best to be comfortable and confident in what you wear. We've collected some do's and don'ts for picking out your outfit, along with some outfit inspiration from previous couples.
outfit inspiration
03.
take advantage of a hair/makeup trial
get a manicure for close-up shots
clean your engagement ring
Pampering yourself is always a great idea, right?! Although not necessary, there are a few to-dos that will elevate your engagement photos:
trust me as your expert photographer
relax, have fun, and just be you
There's absolutely no reason to worry about your session. I like to look at your session as a way to get to know each other and have some fun! As you approach your session, keep in mind these 2 things:
session tips:
04.
Engagement session Albums have special pricing and include 10 spreads (20 pages) and 10-15 photos..
Engagement Session Album Pricing:
Don't forget that an engagement session album makes a PERFECT guest sign in book! If you are considering this as an option, be sure to consider how the colors in your outfits might look displayed on your big day!
8 X 8
10 X 10
$300
$500
Check it out
Albums
How to prepare your groom blog with all the tips on how to make your engagement session enjoyable for everyone -- Coming Soon!
06. What do I do if my fiance hates photos?!
ABSOLUTELY! Dogs are welcome to join you for your engagement session. We do ask that you bring another person with you to handle the dog for the photos that they may not be in! Please be sure to include this on your scheduling form below under 'special requests.'
05. Can we bring our dog?!
The times listed by season are based on the best lighting. After all, who doesn't want that golden hour glow?! For each session we check a sun tracker to ensure we are always shooting in the best lighting scenario (2 hours before sunset) to get those dreamy photos!
04. Do you only shoot during the hours listed?
Engagement sessions are normally shot on week nights as our weekends are filled shooting weddings! Having your session in the evening will ensure you're not rushed off to work!
03. Why are the times only in the evening?
Definitely not! We encourage you to come up with location ideas that are special to you as a couple and we are always up to explore a new location!
02. DO WE HAVE TO CHOOSE ONE OF YOUR LOCATIONS?
Ready to schedule your engagement session or have questions? Send us a note in the scheduling form below and we will get back to you ASAP!
01. How do we schedule our engagement session?
Have a question about your engagement session? I've got an answer!
FAQs
05.
Complete the engagement session scheduling form and we will get back to you ASAP to confirm all the details! Be sure to check the recommended session times by season above!!
Your album is being processed. Please allow up to 14 days to create your album's layout. Once it's complete, I will send a PDF version to your email for approval.
success!
Scheduling Form
06.