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      ENGAGEMENT SESSION GUIDE

      It’s become a running joke that almost every couple we’ve ever met says, “Hey, just so you know, we are really awkward in front of the camera.”

      Let’s be honest, I don’t know many couples who are 100% comfortable snuggling up and sharing intimate moments while they have a camera so close to their faces. So, we totally get it!!!

      We’ve put this little guide together to help put you at ease and answer any questions you may have leading up to your shoot. As you look trough this guide feel free to reach out with any questions you may have. We’re always here to help!

      Most of our engagement sessions begin an hour or hour and a half before sunset (depending on whether or not we need to hike out a bit). This gives us enough time to meet up and get to know each other, hike out to our location, and shoot until the sun goes down. You can expect to do a lot of hiking, running around, twirling, sitting, standing, etc. We’ll have you play silly games and give you things to talk about and give you space to just be close. We don’t expect the two of you to model (in fact, we don’t want you to model), but rather enjoy each others company while we document this little piece of your story together.

      LOCATION.

      Choosing a location for your photos can feel a little overwhelming. There are so many beautiful places to choose from (especially here in Arizona). Typically our engagement sessions happen between here in Phoenix to up to a days drive away.
      We feel most inspired and creative shooting in the outdoor breeze and love the intimacy that the top of a mountain or middle of the desert canyon lends. Here are a handful of our favorite locations, though we are always down to share some of our more *secret* spaces if there is something unique that you’re looking for:

      The Greater Phoenix Area (Lost Dutchman, Canyon Lake, South Mtn)
      Black Canyon, AZ (Sunset Point)
      Flagstaff, AZ (Snow Bowl, Volcanos, Lockett Meadow, Grand Canyon)
      Payson, AZ (Mogollon Rim)
      Tucson, AZ (Mount Lemmon, Saguaro National Park)
      Page, AZ (Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, Waterhole Canyon)
      Tuba City, AZ (Coal Mine Canyon)
      Utah (Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Bonneville Salt Flats, Monument Valley)
      Southern California (Sunset Cliffs, Joshua Tree, Imperial Sand Dunes, El Matador Beach)

      If you’re feeling like making a trip, we also love Yosemite National Park, Big Sur, Telluride, etc! We travel all over and are pretty flexible so hit us up if you are feeling up for an adventure!

      WHAT TO WEAR.

      The most important thing in choosing what to wear is finding something that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable. BUT I know our couples usually want a little more help than that. 😉 View our “What to Wear Guide” below for some more tips and tricks to look like major babes in your photos.

      CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE GUIDE
      MINDSET.

      Your session will be a lot of fun and our couples are constantly raving about was so good for them amidst all of the wedding + life craziness… but it’s so important that you both come to your shoot on with the right mindset.

      During your time with us, let your focus be on connecting with each other, rather than on “what looks good in photos”. We promise that if you have a great time together, you’ll come away with some really beautiful photographs. The vibe we’re going for is whatever your vibe is on a great date, so wether you’re super flirty, or sweet to each other, or you give each other crap and laugh the whole time; we want that! The more you relax and enjoy each other, the more you will love your photos. (And the more photos you’ll get!)

      Your engagement session isn’t a photoshoot, it’s a fun date you’re going on together. 🙂

      IN-HOME SESSIONS.

      For some people, the best way to get “their authentic connection” isn’t on top of a mountain or in the middle of the desert, it’s cuddled up on their couch with their best friend.

      We LOVE shooting in-home sessions. It can be so much easier to relax when you’re in your own space and we have waaaay more freedom to have you snuggle up close on a couch vs a rock on the side of a cliff. It also has the advantage of having a way more relaxed vibe, t-shirts, shorts, PJs, they’re all killer options for in home sessions. If you have pets you want in your photos this is a great way to include them as well.

      We shoot in-home sessions midday for about an hour so we have the most amount of light in your house. You don’t have to have the picture perfect house or some very specific layout, we’ll shoot around and find good light and make things awesome.

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      The Shepards are a husband and wife wedding photography team documenting raw, honest love stories in Phoenix, Arizona and across the United States. They love to take photos of couples that capture who they are and how they love each other. They love adventure and aren’t afraid to take risks to get beautiful photos.

      © 2019 The Shepards Photo