Can you imagine taking your driver’s test for the first time without any concept of what to expect? That’d be a total nightmare! It’s already hard enough with a few practice runs under your belt, but the stress of never trying it before would freak out even the most level-headed person.

And that’s totally natural. Trying new things and stepping outside your comfort zone always comes with a little fear of the unknown. The best way to ditch that fear, though, is to practice. Even if the first time is a little awkward, by the second round, you’re basically a pro! That’s why I believe so strongly in doing a practice photo session before your wedding day.

Benefits of a Practice Session

First and foremost, a practice session helps us get to know each other so that we can build a solid working relationship. This session will also give you some key tricks for understanding your most flattering angles. Best of all, there won’t be any surprises on your wedding day (in the photo department, at least)!. In my experience, things go so much more smoothly when the couple and the photographer are already comfortable together.

What to Expect at Your Practice Session

This is a free, 20-minute shoot. You can choose from one of two locations: Gasworks Park if the weather is nice, or if it decides to rain, under the Fremont Bridge near the Troll. I’ll show up and coach you on how to find your best angles. Then we’ll decide whether you’re more comfortable with verbal cues or visual representations when it comes time to pose. Some people are visual learners, while others prefer a little vocal guidance! During the second half of the shoot, I’ll direct you into fun, candid setups to get you smiling and laughing! It’s such a great way for us to get to know each other.

Feedback Time

The fun part comes after the session when you get to see what I was able to capture in 20 minutes. Maybe I nailed it and you love everything about it! Amazing! But sometimes that’s not the case, and this is when we have an open conversation about what did and didn’t work for you.  The end goal here is to make sure you’re happy. And you don’t have to think of everything you want to say right then and there. During our final logistic timeline meeting, you can share all of your feedback with me after you’ve had some time to think it over.

Practice Sessions vs. Engagement Shoots

If you’ve ever taken a timed test, you know how quickly 20 minutes can fly by. Before you know it, the entire thing has come and gone. While there is much to be learned from practice sessions, of course, even better insights can be gained from doing a full engagement shoot, which is included at an amazing price in our Signature Collection.

A stand-alone engagement session costs $850 as an a la carte item. In the Signature Collection, however, it’s bundled to save you money and it only costs $300! You still get all the bells and whistles at that price, including up to one and half hours with me, two outfit changes, and two different shooting locations that are near one another. Plus, your practice session is now built in! That’s a win-win in my book.

Bonus! How to Take Advantage of Your Practice Session

In my engagement sessions, I always recommend that my couples schedule their makeup and hair trials on the same day.  Why not do the same for your practice session? Use it as an opportunity to get all dolled up! If you’re going to do it, you might as well have some fun in the process.

If you need a little inspiration, here are some examples of couples who really pulled out all the stops and got some amazing shots during their practice sessions!