Destination Engagement Session In Maine
In November, I had the opportunity to capture an engagement session for a recently engaged couple, Maria and Ian. They wanted to celebrate their engagement with photographs of them together and had traveled all the way to Maine from Georgia!
The Beginning
Ian initially inquired about setting up an engagement session before arriving in Maine. He had seen some photos on my Instagram and website that he liked and he wanted to emulate and sent some ideas of my work that he loved. This helped during the booking process to know the vision he was seeking for this session. We emailed back and forth several times and arranged the engagement session!
It is really important to me to communicate well with my clients, especially before we meet! This is mostly so that they feel comfortable with me before we even meet in person, but also so I know how to bring your vision to life! I love to discuss location ideas, inspirations, must haves, etc.
Finding The Perfect Location
Since this was their first time ever in Maine, I was able to work with them suggesting multiple beautiful locations that would bring his vision to life. Some of the locations I suggested were Two Lights State Park and Portland Head Light. Both locations are located in Cape Elizabeth. Ultimately we decided on Portland Head Light as it is a great spot that encapsulates Maine best - the lighthouse, rocky cliffs, ocean, and a large field.
I love suggesting photo locations to clients - I spend a lot of time in southern Maine, so I know locations quite well. I know “all the best spots'' for photos at multiple locations, as well as where the sun sets and the sun rises. Knowing the locations well allows me to help my clients feel at ease even when they have never been to Maine before. It also allows me to truly bring their vision to life and also capture shots in spots they would have never thought of or would have known about.
Since I know these locations so well, I can even help ease my clients even more with giving in detail directions to the locations. This really helps the couples, like Maria and Ian, when they’re unfamiliar with Maine.
These two lovebirds traveled here from Georgia so I just HAD to suggest we go to Portland Head Light!
Capturing The Moment
We set the session time to be at golden hour, right before sunset! The benefit of them coming during November was that Portland Head Light was much less busy than usual compared to the summer, but it was still warm enough to be outside to take photos!
Unfortunately, the gates to get out onto the rocky cliffs were locked, so we captured shots on the large grass field. This worked out and was perfect as the sun was setting directly behind them! We also captured photos directly in front of the lighthouse. I use my 16mm lens to make sure I am able to get the full lighthouse in the background. Then we took photos along the Cliff Walk which provided photos of the lighthouse in the background.
I told Maria and Ian to pretend that I’m not there and just enjoy each other in the moment (meanwhile I’ll be photographing them while doing so!) We photographed for a solid 45 minutes. We honestly probably could’ve kept going if the sun wasn’t setting!
What To Expect During Your Session
It usually takes clients/couples 20ish minutes to fully relax during a session, which is why I love shooting couples closer to 45 minutes to an hour. I prefer to spend the first 10 minutes or so talking with the couple/clients more than photographing them, it allows you to truly feel at ease with me as your photographer. I usually do this after meeting you in the parking lot and walking to where we will first start taking pictures, rather than just immediately jumping into taking photos. Which is also why I don’t like doing mini-sessions, but that can be a topic of discussion later in another blog :)
I allow my clients to interact, embrace, love each other the way they would naturally without me prompting them too much. It’s how I always get the most genuine emotion from my couples! It also helps them be more relaxed and comfortable during sessions, especially if they’ve never taken photos before.
With Maria and Ian, by the end of the session we were talking, laughing, and even joking like we had known each other for years. The ability to connect with my clients is the most important part about the experience I like to give to my clients and will always produce the most memorable and genuine photos!
Newly engaged? Let’s plan your dreamy session! Let’s get in touch!
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