Three Easy Steps To Planning Your Engagement Session | How To Plan Your Engagement Session With Intention

Columbia River Gorge Engagement | Government Cove Oregon Engagement Photographer | Adventure Session

Three Easy Steps to Making Your Engagement Session Personal and Intentional

A lot of couples in the PNW are wracked with nerves thinking about having their photos taken. An engagement session is where I put all those nerves to bed and show you just how much fun documenting your life can really be. The best approach is an intentional one. Now, that doesn't mean we have to have some long itinerary, but rather a small list of goals set for how you want to feel and what you want your album to make you feel like every time you look at it.

Step 1: Think about any of the places you've been together that hold sentimental value; a first, second or third date spot, a favorite hiking trail or campground, a piece of property owned by family, perhaps the annual county fair you always attend for date night in the summertime. There is no bad idea! This conversation not only is a killer brainstorming sesh, but it allows me to get to know you both even better. I'll get a deeper glimpse into your love story and what's more, I'll be able to share stories of my own with you, too. The more we can connect on all the good food, drinks, places we like and the experiences that have molded us, the more your gallery will reflect a true, beautiful picture of your life together. Once we figure out a location to incorporate, whether it be the actual location or one with a similar aesthetic, we can begin planning the rest of your day; pit stops, clothing and color theory, and most likely a killer lunch spot stop.

Step 2: Wear clothing you feel comfortable in and that makes you feel good. It may sound so simple, but it is often overlooked. I hear it a lot; "I gotta go shopping now.." and I always interject with a "well you don't have to!" If you truly want some new pieces to add to your wardrobe, by all means please do that. But I always encourage you to think about your absolute favorite piece of clothing; perhaps it is a well-worn jean jacket or the orange cotton dress you live in during the summer. All you need to do is start with one piece and you can build a beautifully coordinated set of outfits for both partners that will look amazing for your engagement session. I recommend also bringing layering options and a hat if you are usually a hat person. My final advice on choosing your outfits is to not wear anything you wouldn't normally wear.

Step 3: Choose an activity! Picnic in the park, hiking to your favorite waterfall to pop a bottle of champagne, getting lunch and beers at your favorite brewery, roasting marshmallows on the fire you just built on the beach at sunset, the options are endless! And as I said before, there is no such thing as a bad idea. I will take everything you tell me into consideration and come back to you both with a couple outlines of a your day. Most engagement sessions with me are a half day commitment and FUN and JOY are the entirety of our time together.

So if you are nervous about taking your engagement portraits, don't fret. If we stick to these three easy steps to planning your Oregon engagement session, I guarantee a great time will be had. Check out what Corrinne and Mike had to say about their experience with White Oak Photography after their Mt. Hood Engagement Session :

​"Jen is absolutely amazing, and we feel so fortunate to have her as our wedding photographer! Jen took our engagement photos at two stunning locations she recommended, and she made the day truly joyous and magical. Not only is Jen an extremely talented photographer technically and artistically, but she is also a wonderful person. Her fun, laid back personality and guidance put us at ease during the shoot. She made these two nervous, camera-shy people have fun having our photos taken, and it clearly shows in the beautiful gallery of photos she has given us. After looking through the gallery, we realized we had favorited almost every photo! The images are all beautiful, making it impossible to choose a favorite. We couldn't be happier with our whole experience with Jen so far. If you are reading this review in search of a photographer, look no further, because Jen is truly phenomenal all around; you won't find anyone better."
- Corrinne + Mike

Kendra + Sam also had super kind words for me after their Columbia River Gorge surprise proposal and engagement session at Government Cove Peninsula outside Cascade Locks, Oregon below.

"Jen was such a pleasure to work with! She was flexible with planning pre-shoot, provided great input on where to meet for the best views and was prompt with all communication. Jen made us feel so comfortable and at ease during our session, we had so much fun! And in the end, the wait was totally worth it as our photos turned out better than we could have imagined! She provided so much variety and it's impossible to pick a favourite. I would highly recommend Jen if you want to have fun and have wonderful memories to cherish forever!"
-Kendra + Sam

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