Inside the Engagement Session with Kim Hymes Photography

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Kim Hymes Photography

Engagement photo sessions have gained immense popularity as a cherished prelude to the wedding day. These sessions not only capture the love and excitement of a couple in the period leading up to their marriage but also provide a unique opportunity to showcase the couple’s personality. Photographer Kim Hymes, the talent behind Kim Hymes Photography, shares her insights on choosing the right look and feel to make your engagement photo session shine.

Two key factors that impact the outcome of your engagement images include your choice of outfits and location. In fact, the most common questions Hymes receives prior to engagement photo sessions pertain to attire and location. Your photographer will guide you, but you should still independently consider what you want the pictures to convey. Let’s dive into the details!

LOCATION

Wedding Theme

To create meaningful photos, couples should consider a session location that complements their upcoming wedding theme. “For example, if you’re planning a chic, elegant wedding, it may be fitting to take your engagement portraits among the classic architecture in downtown Atlanta, while a local park or flower-filled fields may be more fitting for a couple planning a more rustic affair,” Hymes adds.

Personality

Selecting a location goes beyond aesthetics; it unveils a bit of the secret language of your love story. Whether it’s an adventurous mountaintop session or a cityscape with a cup of coffee, couples can choose locations that add personality to their narrative. As Hymes suggests, “It’s an experience where you get to know your photographer and get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day.”

Time of Day

Considering the time of day is equally important. Hymes recommends aiming for the beauty of sunrise or sunset,

also known as the “golden hour,” for the most captivating light. Flexibility is key here, as sometimes scheduling right after sunrise can beat the crowds, especially on weekends when popular locations may be busy with other events. However, if you’re booking a studio session, you have a little more flexibility with time of day and, as a bonus, you don’t have to worry about the weather.

ATTIRE

Color Palette

Now, onto the styling and fashion portion of your photo session! Hymes suggests, “Stick to neutrals on the lighter side and choose outfits that you are comfortable in but are still polished, classic and elegant.” Avoiding bold patterns and bright colors ensures the focus remains on the couple rather than their clothing. Additionally, bright colors can reflect back on your skin, giving you an unnatural colorful glow. However, if bold colors resonate with your personality, stay true to yourself!

Matchy-Matchy

When it comes to outfit coordination, Hymes suggests thinking in terms of “complement” rather than “match.” Choosing color families to style around, such as pastels, neutrals or jewel tones, allows couples to express their personal styles while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.

Fit

Fit is also important to consider. “I typically have my clients moving quite a bit, so you don’t want something super restrictive,” shares Hymes. You want to easily wrap your arms around your fiancé(e) and act naturally! It’s normal to feel self-conscious when posing in front of the camera for (possibly) the first time, so don’t burden yourself with worrying about wardrobe malfunctions. You want to spend your session laughing and having fun, not stressing about a gaping shirt, buttons popping open or unflattering fabric bulges.

Dress for the Season

Lastly, dressing appropriately for the season is essential. If it’s January, it will be hard to get joyful facial expressions if you’re freezing. Similarly, if it’s July and you’re wearing a chunky sweater, you’ll be sweaty and miserable! Being comfortable ensures genuine and beautiful expressions.

It’s important that you look and feel your best for your engagement photo session — after all, this shoot is a celebration of your love and commitment. So, have fun, be yourselves and we’ll see you on the other side of the lens!

About the Author

Kim Hymes is the visionary force behind Kim Hymes Photography, is a seasoned wedding and elopement photographer specializing in capturing and creating timeless memories. With a commitment to making clients feel comfortable and authentic in front of the camera, Hymes creates timeless images that reflect every couple’s unique personality and love story

Kim Hymes Photography | kimhymesphotography.com