California Dreamin’

As summer on the East Coast approaches, I can’t help but to dream about California beaches, especially after this great day in Santa Cruz with Lindsey & Matt.  When Jung and I told Lindsey and Matt that we wanted them to take us somewhere special for their engagement session, they knew exactly where they wanted to go.  Santa Cruz.  Jung and I were excited to shoot in Santa Cruz since that was our family beach and we spent many warm and not-so-warm days there with friends and family.  And we certainly felt as if we were spending a fabulously lazy day on the beach with Lindsey and Matt.

We began our day with a tasting at Pelican Ranch, Lindsey & Matt’s favorite winery and then headed over to the cliffs for some barefoot climbing and high-heel climbing.  Our engagement sessions are always an adventure and Lindsey and Matt were the epitomy of pro!  They came prepared to bear their souls and with plenty of wardrobe changes (I love options!!)

Engagement sessions are hard work and here is some great advice from seasoned NYC & LA model, poet, writer and blogger (Dress Me Up in Hand Me Downs), Melissa Napoleon, on how to get the best results from your engagement session:

1.) Don’t Plaster A Smile On Your Face:

You should look happy and excited in your engagement shots, but give your facial muscles a break. You don’t need to smile big in every picture.  Relax and be as natural as possible, or else your pictures come off boring and unbelievable.  Mix it up a little bit with big and small smiles, smirks, drama, passion, contentment, and even silliness to show your personality.  Variation is the key and helps to keep things interesting and exciting.

2.) Leave Your Comfort Zone At Home:

Expect to be challenged.  Let go and let your personality and emotions do the performing.  Even if you’ve never been on or in a shoot, don’t let it stop you from acting like a pro.  Treat the camera like it’s your bedroom mirror.  Forget about the photographer and feeling embarrassed or awkward.   Photographers want you to let loose and experiment with different facial expressions and poses; it keeps their creative juices flowing.  They love being surprised, so give them all you’ve got!

3.) Pluck, Tuck, Clip and Fit!

Photoshopping will cost you time and money so don’t go thinking it’s your bff.  Pluck your eyebrows, tuck in everything that needs to be tucked, clip your nails, and make sure your clothes fit you perfectly before the day of the shoot.  DIY, or spring for a mani/pedi or even head to the salon for a blow out.  If you don’t want to spend extra money, just make sure you look and feel your best.  Bring a few different outfits; casual, dressy, edgy, fun, or whatever you think enhances your body and personal style.  Remember, you are creating art-your creative input and expression is just as important as the photographers!