The engagement session is like the milk🥛to our cookies 🍪 and the spark ✨ to our bonfire 🔥. It allows us to have an even better connection and flow on your wedding day. We can get to know each other better; you, me and my camera. I can promise with an engagement session you will feel more relaxed and confident on your wedding day.
Are you thinking to yourself "Yeah, that sure sounds great but we are not models" It's okay, I also feel a bit awkward getting photographed. But I have great jokes, good people skills and pretty locations to share. We'll have fun for sure.
1. SO, HOW DOES THIS WORK?
Book your date early! Your are responsible for contacting me to reserve a date/time. I can't guarantee availability during the months of July/August considering the workload and attention the wedding season requires. I would not want you to miss out.
You are better off contacting me too early than too late (even if it's still snowing) so we can find a moment that works in our respective agendas.
Engagement sessions usually last around 45 minutes and take place on weeknights during the months of May and June. As we get closer to sunset, the light gets warmer and softer and we can play with it a lot.
LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER OF YOUR ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME DAYS (AND ALSO YOUR ORDINARY DAYS)
2. WHERE ARE WE DOING THIS?
There are so many options! We can pick a spot you know and love, visit a new place or do a mix of both. We can spend the entire session inside, outside or also a mix of both, as long as it fits in the time we have planned including the time it takes to get from one place to the next.
Make the experience fun by choosing a spot that reflects who you are and what you enjoy. Brainstorm about what you like to do together and places that hold meaning for you. The familiarity of your own street? The neighbourhood park? In front of your favorite coffee spot? Where you first met? The goal is to capture a little bit of your daily magic.
We can also meet somewhere you have never been before or do an activity you have never tried. The possibilities are almost endless. You could be surprised to see the potential of a less obvious choice or a spot that takes you out of your comfort zone. A walk to the local farmer market? A multi-level parking lot? A walk at the beach? Are you out of ideas or do you want to confirm the idea you have is a good one? Send me an email and I'll be happy to help.
3. PLEASE NOTE REGARDING THE TIMING
I have young kids so I know that sometimes we run behind despite our best efforts. My schedule is rarely unable to accommodate an extra 10 minutes and traffic can happen to anyone, but I really appreciate it when you can let me know if there are any changes (I will do the same for you). Please also note that you won't be on top of your game if you decide to do your weekly grocery trip right before your engagement session. Take a few hours to relax, make it a date and share a snack/drink together!
4. BUT WE FEEL AWKWARD
If only I'd gotten 2$ each time I heard this one, I could retire (y'know)!
Above anything else, be yourself! Let me in, laugh and have fun. Your only goal is to enjoy yourselves, I will be there to guide you. Tell me frankly how you feel! Stay open-minded and I will take care of the rest.
I like to start the sessions by chatting with everyone for a smooth transition (you know, taking the time to say hello is important and it makes everyone feel more at ease). I will ask for a tour of your home if that is where we are or I will let you know of the spots and points of view that I think we can explore together if we are outside.
Our brain plays tricks on us. How do you act when you are out in public? Let's not do that! I want to see you as your true selves when you are home alone together. Don't do what you think you should be doing, but rather what comes naturally. I am there for you, to document this exciting period in your lives. There are no right or wrong answers. We will do what feels like "you", what makes you come alive. Relax and view this as an opportunity to have fun, for real, not just to 'pretend' for the picture.
Do you have a past studio experience that turned out to be posed, awkward and cold? It won't be like that with me. I promise, we will have fun and you will forget the camera is even there.
5. BRING THE KIDS (OR EVEN YOUR FURRY FRIEND)
If you have kids I would be happy to meet them. They are part of your story. It also gives you the opportunity to get great family photos in a more relaxed setting. Wedding days are hectic, kids are stress sponges and get tired early).
Same goes for your furry friends! I love when you bring them for your engagement session!
Ideally, we will want to do about half of the session with the kids 👶 👦 👧 or your doggo 🐶 and half with just the two of you. It is the perfect time to use your "bestman/maid of honor" or "godfather/godmother" card so that someone can bring themsomewhere else for the remainder of the session. You will be more relaxed and at ease that way.
7. WHAT'S NEXT?
Within 4 weeks after your session, you will receive an email to access your private online gallery. All of the high-resolution files presented to you are ready for print. They are adjusted for exposure, contrast, sharpness and white balance. Worried about zits or scars? Let me know and we can talk about it to see what can be done.
Sometimes I share little previews on my Facebook page (if you are not already a FAN, the party is happening over HERE), so maybe you'll see your happy smiles there.
When using the photos on your own social accounts, a link to my page www.veroniquemoisan.com is the most appreciated gift you can give me. Word of mouth is the best advertisement! I thank you in advance for not modifying or applying filters on the photos. When you do that, somewhere on earth a unicorn🦄 dies.
If you need advice in regards to printing, don't hesitate to contact me, I'll be happy to help.
6. SOS, WE ARE SCARED BY THE WEATHER FORCAST/WE ARE SICK!
I always keep an eye out of the weather in the days before a session. I don't have a direct line ☎️ to Mother Nature, although that would be awesome. We are all at her mercy and unfortunately, it is not possible for me to promise to my clients a blue sky, a comfortable temperature, a softly blowing wind, a golden hour or any other weather condition. In the event that the weather would throw a wrench in our plans (heavy rain, thunderstorms, ice storm), I would be in touch with you to discuss a PLAN B for an option inside or a new date if possible. In any case, I am responsible to make the final decision and I would let you know around 24 hours in advance (when the weather forecast is more reliable).
For any accident or virus, call me as soon as possible so we can discuss what the problem is (you can reach me at 514-241-1244!) and we can evaluate our options. Depending on the case, it might be possible to hold the session at a later date.
