seasons, pets, vibes, and more!
Engagement Tale Guide
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I’m so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait for our time together during your engagement tale! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your tale (I get nervous getting my photo taken at times too and I’m a photographer!). No worries though, we'll have a blast and you'll forget all about the little butterflies.
I’m a huge fan of engagement tales for a few reasons. First, they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera. It takes time for most couples to warm up to being photographed and understand how I shoot. To give a preview: I take the photojournalistic approach (candids are life), so there is no posing involved. I may give prompts to evoke movement & emotion but I'm all about you being YOU and posing doesn't work with that. Timelines can be pretty tight on weddings days and 30 minutes may be all we have for portraits - which is why I’ve found that wedding day portraits turn out so much better when couples do engagement tales ahead of time.
Second, you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant (or completely new) to the two of you (and even include pets!). While they’re great for save-the-dates, I’ve photographed engagement tales anywhere from a year in advance to a few days before the wedding.
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a tale and I've found many couples have similar questions at the beginning of the process. So, after making my wedding tale guide, I thought that it would be pretty cool to have something set up for engagements as well (hello precious guide).
I’ll cover what to wear (just briefly, rock what you want you amazing creature!), whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and more!
-Chettara
Engagement tales can take place anywhere from immediately following a proposal to just a few days before the wedding. There is a right time and a wrong time to schedule your tale. The right time is sunrise or sunset. The wrong time is every time in between.
Tales typically last about 2hrs and when I can—I love to begin tales about two hours before or during sunset (golden hour magic is a real thing). I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. Within the first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot.
I schedule tales during what I believe will be the best light of the day - which means that it’s super important to be on time. If you’re late to an evening tale, we could run out of light before we’ve finished shooting and if your tale takes place in the morning, the sun gets more harsh as it rises. Don’t get me wrong, if you're only available at a time when the sun is harsh (usually around noon) we’ll make magic happen and work with it.
Time & Light
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall
Seasons
While I photograph most of my engagement tales between May and late November, tales can take place all year. Most couples choose a season based on the location where they want to shoot and what closely matches their wedding vibes while others just do their own thing.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Click the season for more details
Winter
If you’re planning to take your engagement photos during the winter, keep in mind that if your tale takes place in the evening, we could begin shooting as early as 2:30pm to catch the sunset. I recommend dressing in layers so that in between photos you can warm up. Make sure you bring hand warmers as well as a little extra makeup and tissues in case your nose begins to run.
snowfall, hot cocoa, and cozy coats
back to Seasons
Spring
Even though Spring begins in March, in Michigan we know it can still be pretty chilly. So, when I schedule spring dates, I typically schedule both a primary date and a backup rain date (we’ll talk about rain in general later) or if it's too cold for the vibes.
fresh flowers and sunny days
back to Seasons
Summer
In spite of the heat, I’m a fan of summer tales! This is because of the later sunset, tales sometimes begin as late as 6pm which works better for some schedules. If you’re taking your engagement tales during the summer, I recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh-fresh throughout our time together.
walks on the beach hand in hand or sharing some ice cream
back to Seasons
Fall
Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year (also my favourite season) and because of the perfect weather and ohhh the leaves, Halloween goodness, and vibes... my schedule typically books up quickly! If you have your heart set on a fall engagement tale, I recommend scheduling it as soon as you book (I’m totally flexible if it needs to be a weekday to make it work for you).
colorful leaves and snuggling close
back to Seasons
Save The Dates
If your wedding is local, save the dates should be sent between 6 and 8 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, you’ll want to send them out 8 to 10 months before the wedding.
If you’re hoping to use your engagement photos for your save the dates, I recommend scheduling your tale at least two months before you plan to send them out. Between weather, editing, designing your save-the-dates and printing, two months is generally a safe amount of time to make sure your images and cards are ready.
Also, if you’re feeling like sending them isn't your thing, I can help make a Save-The-Date Website or you can skip it all together.
Do what works for you.
Location
Many couples have an idea of where they want their engagement tales to take place. Oftentimes, it’s meaningful, in their own home, or a place that complements their wedding. If you don’t know where you’d like to go, I’m here to help. I’ll ask what vibes you’re going for (city, street art, chic, greenery, or a combination) and will provide you with a list of places that I think fit.
Pets
My dogs are everything to me, which is why I love when couples choose to incorporate pets into their tale. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location.
I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then either dropping them off or having a friend take them home. We won’t use the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots.
If you’re going to bring a pet, it’s ideal you exercise them before the tale and bring your fur loves favorite toys or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot (I always carry a lint roller but it doesn’t hurt to have a good brush down or fresh cut).
Style
Wear what makes you feel comfortable. Try not to be matchy-matchy. Try not to clash. I do not recommend wearing heels - either of you, as there may be moments where we are moving around and/or dancing quite a bit!
Depending on the location, reds and mustard yellows usually make strangers comment “nice tones” on your IG photos, but again, you do you! Now, motion makes for all the drama and I’m here for it, so if you’ve got something flow-y and you’re into dramatic photos, pop that skirt, that jacket, or that shirt. Let's make all the magic.
I love the way larger patterns photograph - just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Generally couples pick two outfits for an engagement tale: a more formal outfit and a casual outfit. I recommend saving your favorite outfit for later in the tale, when couples usually feel more comfortable in front of the camera.
Hair & Makeup
Engagement tales are the perfect time for a hair and makeup trial! Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better for humidity and wind.
I think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your engagement images - and if you’re planning to do a hair & makeup trial anyways, the engagement tale is a great time to test how your hair & makeup look on camera.
It’s typical for me to schedule two engagement tale dates. A primary date and a rain date. Now, if you don’t mind the rain, I highly recommend a couple of clear umbrellas and some rain boots because rainy days can still be beautiful! We’ll just have to get creative. I can and will put a plan in place to ensure a beautiful tale with memorable imagery to tell your tale properly.
I’ll check in the week of your engagement tale to confirm the time & location we’re meeting at and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for an engagement tale and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain.
Rain Tips
When I can, I always try to take a photo of your engagement ring. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself. To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
**There will be moments when I may get close-ups with them on your hands. It'll be ideal for both of you to have a nice manicure to show off the goods.**
The Rings
If you’re planning to bring props to your engagement tale, I recommend including them only if they’re meaningful to you. Shots of drinking coffee at a local coffee shop would be cute if that’s where you met; however, trying to fly a kite together when it’s not a part of your relationship may come off as fake and we aren't about to taint your tale that way. So, if it's special, bring it along. If it's something that we may need to carry around, just let me know in advance and we'll figure it out.
Props
Let's pop some bottles or drink some tea!
Date Night
If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t get dressed up all that often. Which means that the day of your engagement tale is the perfect occasion for a date night (or brunch if your tale is in the morning!).
Night In
At home engagement tales are for sure a favourite of mine. There's nothing like cuddling up, cooking or playing games, and showing your love in your own special place. Oftentimes when this is the main location, couples pick an additional one for an outfit change. Before setting a time I often send out details for a light study. This is so we can select the best time of day for lighting in your home.
Studio
Gaining popularity is the good ol' studio based tale! You can get super creative with them because in most cases you have a blank space. It's perfect to build up the vibe for your wedding day by including similar elements or doing something nice and simple.
Frequently asked
CAN I PRINT MY OWN IMAGES?
HOW MANY IMAGES WILL WE GET?
CAN WE MIX IN A SIREN TALE (BOUDOIR) W/OUR ENGAGEMENT TALE?
How soon will I get my images?
Yes, you can! While you can download, print, and share from your private gallery, you will be given a print release that allows you to print them on your own if you wish to do so.
CAN I PRINT MY OWN IMAGES?
HOW MANY IMAGES WILL WE GET?
Can we mix in a siren tale (boudoir) w/our engagement Tale?
HOW SOON WILL I GET MY IMAGES?
Yes, you totally can! As long as it takes place in your home, there is no additional fee to do the mix. However, if one of my locations is needed there is an additional charge to cover space rental.
CAN I PRINT MY OWN IMAGES?
HOW MANY IMAGES WILL WE GET?
CAN WE MIX IN A SIREN TALE (BOUDOIR) W/OUR ENGAGEMENT TALE?
HOW SOON WILL I GET MY IMAGES?
You will receive your Engagement Tale images within 2-3 weeks.
If you have any questions or would just like to talk, I'm here for you. Feel free to email me any time at psst@chettaratphotography.com.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read through the guide!
Beyond stoked to tell your tale!
Sending you all the good vibes!
Wait A Sec...
I know this is a lot of info thrown at you all at once, but, you got this! Also (because why not add one more thing right), I highly encourage you to make a playlist. Your playlist should include tunes that are meaningful or just make you both want to dance like no tomorrow! I'm a huge fan of dance breaks. My speaker is ready to play all the goodness and my camera is ready to capture it all. While I didn't inherit my Mom's dance gene, I'm totally down to dance with you! Let's make some MAGIC.
