Collin + Robert

Anthony + Kim

Wow, what a spectacular May day in the Columbia River Gorge. We started at a Hood River Winery (to loosen up, you know?) before we ventured out. Vast views, intimate moments, and special blasts of color. This day was truly magical.

20 Engagement Shoot Posing Ideas

Let me guess. You’ve got the editing down, the lead generation, the website looking fresh, and you LOVE your couples… but once you get to the shoot, you just don’t know what to do with them?

I’m here to help.

Posing is an art; it’s not something you can just look up in a textbook. Every couple is different & it is imperative that you get a good feel for what the couple is comfortable with before you embarrass them (and yourself!).

Getting great photos (often times) relies on composition and posing is your own way of getting them to do the lovely things that make a great photo. Some people think that “posing” means you aren’t capturing candid moments and that is completely NOT true.

Posing tips are not stale. It’s more like a suggestion and less like a rule.

So, let’s get started.

I chose Anthony + Kim because I felt like their affection was just want I needed to show you what I’m talking about. Also, they haven’t had a professional photoshoot like this before- so it is a fresh perspective and a good test.

ONE : Using Props will always help with a pose. I mean, c’mon- it’s already a fun third item.

TWO : Get dramatic with angles. Play with the focus! Have them lift their hands up!

THREE : Use the background to create a more interesting layout for a simple pose.

FOUR : Instruct them to get realllly close. Tell them that being super close in person doesn’t look as close on camera!

FIVE : Focus on eyes. Brighten them up. Make sure that you can see the emotion. It always helps to instruct the couple to be touching each other’s face.

SIX : I always try to get a few “formal” looking photos in. Just tell them to cuddle up and look at the camera… CHEESE! This is great for gifts (grandparents love seeing a smile!)

SEVEN : Holding hands and walking creates intimacy & movement!

EIGHT : Tell them when and where to kiss if they look “lost.” It will help give them something sweet to do.

NINE : You know me and the cozy poses. When they are sitting, you can always have one literally sit down on the other! And it will create a few belly laughs.

TEN : You can tell them to tell each other dirty secrets, or just.. secrets in each other’s ears.

ELEVEN : Dancing is ALWAYS a win.

TWELVE : It’s also up to you to get some different angles. Have them turn around or run around them for a different background.

THIRTEEN : Have them play with their own dress, hair, or shirt.

FOURTEEN : Give them silly instructions. The worst that can happen is it is a bust and you move onto the next pose!

FIFTEEN : Even telling your couple to laugh ends in real laughs, I’m telling you. Instruction is key.

SIXTEEN : Do the classic “pick up and twirl.”

SEVENTEEN : Create a mood by immersing them in a more intimate space (like grass).

EIGHTEEN : Always ask for more kisses!

NINETEEN : Big hugs are the best.

TWENTY : Have them run, skip, or jump to add some movement. Also… DANCE!

Hopefully these give you some good ideas for your next shoot!

xo

Chelsea

8 Ways to Be Comfortable in Front of the Camera

You may find that being in front of the camera comes natural.  When you were 4 years old, your Dad pulled out the vintage VHS video camera and you were jetting out into the hallway in your princess dress, having stolen Mom’s shoes and smothered her lipstick all over your mouth without her knowing.  Some of us were just *born with it.*  We love the limelight, the spotlight, and the camera flash.  However, some of us were more… run into the corner and cry when Mom comes out with the “First Day of School” picture idea. 

What I’m trying to say is, this stuff starts at a YOUNG AGE.  Some of us just aren’t natural runway models and that is A-OKAY.  I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to be comfy cozy New York Fashion Week material to get great photos of yourself and your loved ones.

For those of us who only sing in the shower.. and not at karaoke.

For those of us who have Nordstrom do our makeup for a… date.

For those of us who need a personal stylist.

For those of us who all these girlie external things just *don’t come natural,* well, this blog is for you.

So, let’s get into it.

When you are working with a photographer, obviously, you want to like your photos (duh).

There are literally only two key ingredients to loving your photos:

1.     You had a good, positive experience

2.     The photos are good quality and stellar images

Let’s dissect these a bit.

ONE : GOOD, POSITIVE EXPERIENCE

This does not just mean, the actual photoshoot moment.

This encapsulates the moment you came into contact with this photographer.

+ Did their work resonate with you?

+ Did their captions mean something to you?

+ Did you feel connected to them as a person, as a friend?

+ Did you have a smooth experience on their website?

+ Did they get back to you right away?

+ Did they seem warm and inviting?

+ Did you trust them?

Wow! These are all things that happen before the camera even makes its debut.

So then, what about before the shoot?

+ Did the photographer get to know you and your needs?

+ Did you feel valued?

+ Did you feel heard when it came to your wants and needs?

And of course, during the shoot:

+ Did the photographer make you feel comfortable?

+ Do you feel like you were able to freely be yourself?

+ Was the photographer clear about their goals and intentions during the shoot?

+ Did you enjoy the mood and vibe of the shoot?

And… can’t forget the “post production,”…

+ Did your photographer follow through?

+ Did you get what you desired?

+ Were you happy with the way you were treated?

+ Did the photographer go above and beyond?

As you can see… that 2-part ingredient sure does break down into a whole host of important questions within. 

Also, notice that maybe 5% has to do with you, as the client.

It is our job as photographers to make you happy.  To make you feel like you are safe, taken care of, and valued.  It is our job to give you the best images, but also become a trusted confidant.

These are some of the most precious moments of your life… you want to be “cool” with the photographer seeing you in them.  You know?

TWO : GOOD QUALITY PHOTOS / GREAT IMAGES

Okay, this needs little to no explanation at all.  If you are a photographer, this is just a given.  Have good images! The (unreal) fact of the matter is that most normal folk can’t tell the difference between a remarkable photo and a mediocre photo of themselves.  They will adhere MUCH more to PART ONE.  People don’t always remember what you said or what you did… but they will always remember how you made them feel. 

this is key.

People love photos of themselves, guys.  Everyone does! Don’t be ashamed.  Having amazing work is just simply on the conscious of the photographer because trust me, we know when we are giving 110% and you will not ;). I’d encourage any photographers reading to try to go above and beyond… even when your clients won’t notice the small differences!

So let’s get back to the main point of the blog:

10 Ways to Be Comfortable in Front of the Camera

I really want to help you with a few tips (whether you are the photographer or the client).

1 : Play Music

This is totally up to you.  Some people think it is distracting.  Some just don’t vibe with music.  If you love music and it will help you take your mind off of the fact that you are making out in front of us photographers… then bring that Beats “Pill.”  Or… request your photographer bring it!

AUSTIN + DESTINY

Check out their Pacific City, OR Proposal Moment Here

2 : Speak Up

If something makes you feel awkward, let us know.  Some people are more dare devils than others.  Some want to go into knee deep water and ruin their dress, some don’t.  And that is TOTALLY okay.

3 : Try to forget about the camera

Get all nuzzled up.  Get intimate.  Be yourself.  Just focus on the person you are with and not the snapping of the shutter.

4 : Take a drink

If you love a good tequila shot, this is definitely an appropriate moment for it.  If you love wine, bring a picnic blanket and a bottle opener and go to town.  You might as well make it a part of your special moment.  Don’t be afraid to do the things that will loosen you up and make you feel good during the shoot.

5 : Get to know the photographer beforehand

Even if it’s a Facetime call, just get familiar with them. 

Learn about each other. 

Become friends and not strangers.

6 : Get some extra beauty done

You don’t (by any means) NEED to have your hair done and your nails done… but if you are feeling a little out-of-sorts with the whole thing, go and get that spray tan.  Do whatever it takes for you to feel beautiful!

7 : Ask for help

If you need more help with posing, just let us know.  Sometimes you guys look like you are doing great (from our end) but you might feel uneasy, and that is totally okay… just let us know if you need specific ideas!

8 : Bring lots of outfit changes and options

You know those days where you put something on and you just aren’t feeling it?  Make sure you have a whole bag of clothes in your trunk for those moments where you just want to try something new.

 Overall, this is about Y.O.U. You are the one paying the big bucks to get photos that you will love the rest of your life.  These are the special moments that we want to capture in the best way possible. 

Whatever you do, make sure that you communicate exactly what you want out of your shoot. 

It’s all about YOU and getting you spectacular, meaningful images.

Hope this helps!

XO

Chelsea

10 Outfit Ideas for Engagement Photos

The time has come, the question was finally POPPED and you are ready to start Wedding Planning. But first, Engagement Pics! This is one of the most exciting times, yet when you burst open your closet doors… you just can’t seem to decide on what would make a great outfit for photos!

Hopefully, this blog will help.

ONE : FLOWY DRESSES

Okay, this is K.E.Y.

Dresses that flow in the wind are surely the best and brightest answer for your Engagement Photo Needs. You don’t have to break the bank at Nordstrom for this one, especially if it is something you may only wear once. It’s okay to get something special that feels a bit “over dramatic” for your photoshoot, it really is. It doesn’t have to be something you would wear to a grocery store! Fashion Nova & She In are two of my favorite sites for cheap dresses that look amazing in photos. I typically go one or two sizes larger on She In, but Fashion Nova is pretty true to size (both have curvy sizes too!).

FLOW IN THE WIND, GIRL

TWO : FLANNEL

Flannel looks REALLY good on guys, but a little texture and print can look good on the ladies too! I would try not to have every single outfit a flannel-moment, but definitely one. It works whether you are city-folk or country-bumpkins!

STAY WARM, WEAR FLANNEL

THREE : EXTRAS, PROPS, & “THE THIRD ITEM”

In blogging, we like to call a hat, purse, or sunglasses “the third item.” It really adds dimension to the photo. If you can, grab a wide billed hat, Pendleton blanket (you can get one second hand here or a look-a-like here), or even some Ray Bans to spice up the photos. It may just be me but I would leave the cheesy signs at home. Sometimes (if it’s special and memorable), they can add something fun to a photo, but for the most part- stay classy. These are photos you are going to hang around your house and you want them to be timeless.

If you play guitar, bring that! Trumpet? Throw it in the trunk. Let’s GO.

Try to think of things you really love and incorporate them into the photo. Beer? Yes please.

CHEERS, BABE.

FOUR : BIG SWEATERS

You want your photos to show that you are warm and cozy, so be… warm and cozy! I try to stay away from stark white sweaters, just because the camera already adds 10 lbs (ya know?), but if you can get something trendy and fun… do it!

COMFY SWEATER OBSESSED

FIVE : BOOTS

Cowboy boots, fancy boots, high heeled boots, all of them; throw them in the bag. There is something that just “sticks out” when it comes to boots. Be a little dramatic! You won’t be sorry.

SIX : A FANCY MOMENT

This is a special, special time for you two. Dress it up! Act like you are going to your fanciest date and get all dolled up. Guys look SO good in a dress shirt with either a suit jacket or sweater. Ladies, dresses are a MUST.

OH YOU FANCY, HUH

SEVEN : JEAN & LEATHER

Speaking of jackets; jean texture and leather (of any color) are SO CHIC. They really add to the whole look. Jean jackets can really dress down a dress and leather jackets can add a little pizazz.

SUGGA HOW YA GET SO FLY?

EIGHT : ANIMALS

I guess this isn’t something you wear… but it is still a very important aspect of your photo! Bring the little fur balls and add your “whole family” into the photos! You can even take them out to the beach or the Gorge!

NINE : MONOCHROMATIC

Instead of matching exactly, change up the textures and keep the color palette.

MATCHY-MATCH!

TEN : BE BOLD

If there is a crazy style you’ve been wanting to try, a special occasion dress (try last year’s Easter dress!), or even a color you have been meaning to debut… just go for it!

a few other tips:

Come in your first outfit (this may seem obvious but trust me, half of the world does NOT think this is obvious)

Remember that y’all can wear the same pants twice. You don’t need to change into three shades of jeans unless you really want to, boys.

Pick a location that really speaks to you.

have SO much fun!

I hope this gave you some ideas :)

Happy Quarantining.

xo chelsea

Jesse + Lily

I can’t wait to shoot this lovely couple’s wedding in the Superstition Mountains in April. They literally glow with love. Enchanting, really. Here are a few of my favorites from this lovely shoot.

Hair/Makeup @awmakeup_hair
Dress @Luv_Bridal
Photographer @UrbanBayPhotography

Abe + Haley

Let me set the scene.

Abe calls me up about a month ago, he's sure. He's sure that he wants to marry the love of his life and he wants it to be -perfect-. He also knows that Haley is a little nosey and it is going to be a challenge to put together a seamless "surprise" engagement... so we start plotting. I rig a fake giveaway (sorry, folks!) and we coordinate with Haley's friend to tag her in the giveaway. She of course, wins, and WA-LA! She is setting up her own proposal shoot.

It took a few tweaks and turns, but we got her.

After convincing her she needed to do three outfits (because we wanted to turn this into a pseudo-engagment shoot as well, she was in. She had a small "inkling" that this would be the day, but I did a good job making sure it sounded like I knew nothing about them, asking questions like "Oh, did you two just start dating?" and "What do you do for work?" Like I didn't already know her whole story.

We set off to hike up Coyote Wall (which I have never been to) and we completely miss the start of the trail and end up walking along this long, what used to be a car drive, and ending up at the end after about a mile. As we headed back, we saw this little peak.

We set off to hike up Coyote Wall (which I have never been to) and we completely miss the start of the trail and end up walking along this long, what used to be a car drive, and ending up at the end after about a mile. As we headed back, we saw this little peak.

They can come back up to it for picnics and anniversaries in the future.

The sun was bright, but not too harsh. The air felt crisp, but not too cold.

And then... Abe pulls out the ring and Haley's face lights up. They popped the champagne and we all cheers'd to beers (including me, you know, I've got to get in on the action.)

The sun set and Abe and Haley had their first moments as an "engaged couple."

It was magical.

Troy + Sam

There's nothing like a fresh, November day where the sun comes out.. and stays out. Spending the evening with Sam and Troy with the golden light was perfect. They have this simple, refreshing love between them. My FAVORITE outfit was the white on white crop top situation. So stunning! Here are a few of my favorites from the shoot.

Tony + Kara

I love this couple. It is so fun to make my job more of a "lifestyle" and not just work. I loved getting to know them over pFreim brewskis and letting the wind take us up an unknown path. I told Kara that I love that the weather is always different during various shoots and how it is the one thing we really can't control.. making it that much more magical.

I think we lucked out... this soft cloudy light made for some stellar moments caught on camera!! Looking forward to their wedding next September!

Austin + Destiny

Okay, so here's the story. On the WAY to the beach I get an anonymous text from the "boyfriend" of one of my beach shoots. He wanted to chat with me because he had a surprise for his girlfriend.

My heart instantly sank.

I knew exactly what his next text would be. He was going to propose on camera! We planned out the whole thing and I even changed the shoot time to sunset. Destiny had NO idea. It was a total surprise and it was one of the most precious moments of my entire photography career. Congrats, Austin + Destiny!

Bryan + Amanda

It was pouring... and I mean POURING, but nothing was stopping this NW couple from making the long drive out to Trilium Lake for their engagement shoot! Troopers, for sure. These two were engaged at Multnomah Falls, so nature is a huge part of their story. The haze and fog above the trees gave such a cool effect. I think these two are a great fit for each other and I'm so excited to shoot their wedding next year!