session details, tips, and answers
Engagement session
It's best to schedule your engagement session 6–8+ months before your wedding, especially if you're wanting to use your phots as Save The Dates. Each season offers a unique backdrop for gorgeous photos – even winter! The session's time of day will depend on the season and location and will be finalized at booking.
When you're ready to schedule your session, please email at info@katespencerphotos.com so I can secure your date in my calendar.
scheduling
01.
There are countless landmarks, buildings, parks, and more around Springfield that can accommodate your engagement session. I highly recommend picking a spot that's special to you and your fiancé. Over the years, I've been to dozens of locations with couples. Select 'next' to view my top engagement sessions locations.
Downtown Springfield has so many great spots, offering a lot of options all close by! From the Illinois State Capitol to Horace Mann, you can't go wrong. This is perfect for you if you want a city look or neutral backgrounds!
DOWNTOWN SPRINGFIELD, IL
Taking photos at a parking garage are best at sunrise or sunset, where the light is always gorgeous. This is definitely one of my favorite spots in Downtown Springfield!
DOWNTOWN SPRINGFIELD PARKING GARAGE
The studio is one of my favorite places for engagement photos for so many different reasons! It's simple, but intimate. Plus you don't have to worry about the weather, which is a major plus!
THE STUDIO
Looking to incorporate water into your engagement photos? Look no further than Lake Springfield/Lindsay Bridge! This picturesque spot offers stunning views, especially during golden hour.
lake springfield / lindsay bridge
Centennial Park is a beautiful spot for your engagement photos! With its open fields, beautiful willow trees, and stunning sunsets, it provides the perfect backdrop.
CENTENNIAL PARK
I love Jim Edgar State Park for engagement photos, especially in the fall and winter! There are endless open fields, a creek, and the most gorgeous overlook that always has the most insanely beautiful sunsets.
Jim Edgar State Park
If you're wanting open fields, water, and tall grass, Riverside Park could be the perfect place for your engagement photos! I love this location because there are a ton of gorgeous spots throughout the park!
RIVERSIDE PARK
Lincoln Memorial Gardens holds a special place in my heart for engagement photos! With its expansive grounds offering numerous picture-perfect spots, it's a fantastic location all year round.
lincoln memorial gardens
Lewis Memorial Acres is a beautiful location for engagement photos! It's filled with tall grass, open fields, and it's convenient accessibility makes it even better.
lewis memorial acres
Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary is another gorgeous location that has open fields, tall grass, and a back country road. You can't go wrong with this spot!
nipper wildlife sanctuary
best for: fall, winter
best for: SUMMER, FALL
best for: spring, summer
best for: spring, summer, FALL
best for: spring, summer
best for: SPRING, FALL
best for: FALL, WINTER
best for: ALL SEASONS
don't forget the weather
no bright or neon colors
avoid bold patterns
when in doubt, go neutral
accent with accessories
use complimentary colors
Picking your outfit color palette and planning your outfits for your engagement session is the first (and most important) step in creating gorgeous photos! While you should consider the weather, it's best to be comfortable and confident in what you wear. I've collected some do's and don'ts for picking out your outfit, along with some outfit inspiration from previous couples.
outfit inspiration
03.
take advantage of a hair/makeup trial
get a manicure for close-up shots
clean your engagement ring
Pampering yourself is always a great idea, right?! Although not necessary, there are a few to-dos that will elevate your engagement photos:
trust me as your expert photographer
relax, have fun, and just be you
There's absolutely no reason to worry about your session. I like to look at your session as a way to get to know each other and have some fun! As you approach your session, keep in mind these 2 things:
session tips:
04.
I will deliver your final gallery link via email within two to three weeks of your session date. The email will be accompanied with instructions on how to download or order prints directly from your gallery. A print release will also be included.
06.When Will Our Final Gallery Be Ready And How Will We Access It?
Please! These are YOUR engagement photos and I want these to reflect you and your relationship. Have a favorite bar that's your go-to? Want a Pinterest-inspired session? Let's do it! I'm open to all of your ideas!
05. can we do a unique/themed session?
Of course! Please reach out to me to inquire about traveling to a specific location and I can give you an idea of travel costs! Or, if you are looking for a more unique location other than in/around Springfield, I am happy to give you ideas of cool locations I have photographed at with short travel involved that would give you something different!
04. Do you travel?
In your final gallery I will deliver all of them in color but with a good mix in of some black and white copies as well! I absolutely love the look of black and white images so I always make sure to include them!
03. Do We Get Color And Black And White Copies Of Our Images?
Absolutely, yes! I love love love in-home sessions.
02. Can we do a session at home?
No worries if the weather decides to not cooperate! I keep a close eye on the forecast, and if it's looking iffy, I will reach out to you about all of your options. If needed, we will reschedule!
01. What if the weather doesn't cooperate the day of our session?
Have a question about your engagement session? I've got an answer! And if you don't see your question here, please reach out via email: info@katespencerphotos.com
FAQs
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