ACT ONE Photos Engagement Session Photography Guide
Your Engagement Session
Engagement sessions are a great way to get to know your photographer and take some fun photos that you can use for your:
- save-the-date cards
- invitations
- wedding website
- custom guestbook
- canvas, metal, or wood print "guestbook"
- welcome table print
- canvas, metal, or wood print "guestbook"
- welcome table print
- sand ceremony frame
- and more!
- and more!
Engagement Session Planning: Things To Consider
Location, Location, Location
From mountain views to urban graffiti, there are plenty of engagement session location options in Colorado. Let us know if you have already have a location in mind or if you would like suggestions.
Please be aware of the following:
1) Travel fees are assessed at $0.50/mile after the first 50 miles.
2) All entrance and/or permit fees are the responsibility of the client and will be invoiced separately.
3) If it's easier for you, we can obtain any necessary permits. Most permits require advance notice. Not all permit requests will be approved by the issuing body, so have a backup plan in mind!
- Denver City Parks: All parks require a permit to be submitted seven business days in advance. There is typically no additional fee for photographing in Denver City Parks.
- Boulder County Parks: There is a $50.00 fee for parks and open spaces in Boulder County.
- Jefferson County Parks: There is a $25.00 fee for parks and open spaces in Jefferson County.
- Colorado State Parks: Each park has its own permit and fee structure. Fees can range from $25.00 - $55.00+ and do not typically include park entrance fees.
- National Parks: Each park has its own permit and fee structure. Fees start around $50.00.
- Union Station: Photographing in Union Station requires a permit request submitted and received at least five business days in advance. Photography is only permitted Sunday through Wednesday between the hours of 1:00PM and 3:00PM and no photography is allowed in the corridors of The Crawford Hotel or in the Cooper Lounge. No additional photography equipment is permitted, including tripods, flashes, reflectors, etc.
- Other Private Spaces: Private spaces require permission from the owner or manager. Please let us know if you are thinking about photographing on private property. Places like hotel lobbies, The Dairy Block, parts of Larimer Square, etc., will require us to submit requests and make preparations in advance.
- Other Public Spaces: Like parks, some public spaces require a permit (e.g. - Byron White Court House).
Please be aware of the following:
1) Travel fees are assessed at $0.50/mile after the first 50 miles.
2) All entrance and/or permit fees are the responsibility of the client and will be invoiced separately.
3) If it's easier for you, we can obtain any necessary permits. Most permits require advance notice. Not all permit requests will be approved by the issuing body, so have a backup plan in mind!
- Denver City Parks: All parks require a permit to be submitted seven business days in advance. There is typically no additional fee for photographing in Denver City Parks.
- Boulder County Parks: There is a $50.00 fee for parks and open spaces in Boulder County.
- Jefferson County Parks: There is a $25.00 fee for parks and open spaces in Jefferson County.
- Colorado State Parks: Each park has its own permit and fee structure. Fees can range from $25.00 - $55.00+ and do not typically include park entrance fees.
- National Parks: Each park has its own permit and fee structure. Fees start around $50.00.
- Union Station: Photographing in Union Station requires a permit request submitted and received at least five business days in advance. Photography is only permitted Sunday through Wednesday between the hours of 1:00PM and 3:00PM and no photography is allowed in the corridors of The Crawford Hotel or in the Cooper Lounge. No additional photography equipment is permitted, including tripods, flashes, reflectors, etc.
- Other Private Spaces: Private spaces require permission from the owner or manager. Please let us know if you are thinking about photographing on private property. Places like hotel lobbies, The Dairy Block, parts of Larimer Square, etc., will require us to submit requests and make preparations in advance.
- Other Public Spaces: Like parks, some public spaces require a permit (e.g. - Byron White Court House).
It's All About Timing
Though it depends on your chosen location, I typically require starting your engagement session photos approximately 1 – 1.5 hours before sunset. This time usually provides the best lighting conditions and the chance for a colorful sunset. Unless you’ve chosen an indoor or heavily shaded location, noon (and several hours before and after) is the worst time of day for photography.
Kids and Pets
Your children and/or pets are welcome to join you in some of your engagement session photos. You will need to bring along a friend/handler for small children and pets. Treats or a favorite toy can help get them to look at the camera, so please bring something that will get their attention.
Props
Feel free to bring special props or signage. Just remember, depending on your engagement session location, you may need to carry them along with you for the entirety of the session. (Bring a backpack if it makes sense.)
Change It Up
Many couples opt for both a formal and a casual look. Choose clothes that you love and don’t clash with your fiancé(e)’s outfit. Definitely avoid busy patterns (fine stripes/checks) and anything with graphics or logos that are distracting. We typically have time for two outfits if you book our Classic Engagement Session and many more if you choose our Signature Engagement Session.
Take care when selecting footwear as high heels may be fine on city sidewalks, but can be dangerous in fields or on slippery rocks. Bring a pair of flats if a lot of walking or hiking is required. Also, keep in mind that your changing room options may be limited to public restrooms, your vehicle, or other potentially less convenient places.
Take care when selecting footwear as high heels may be fine on city sidewalks, but can be dangerous in fields or on slippery rocks. Bring a pair of flats if a lot of walking or hiking is required. Also, keep in mind that your changing room options may be limited to public restrooms, your vehicle, or other potentially less convenient places.
Weather
Please be aware that weather may become an issue that requires we reschedule your session. Rain, snow, wind, and other inclement weather can make it difficult or impossible to capture quality photos. A change of date or location may be necessary in these situations.
I keep an eye on the forecast and will contact you with concerns, if necessary. There's nothing worse than getting hair, makeup, and clothes ready, driving an hour, and being forced to reschedule due to weather.
I keep an eye on the forecast and will contact you with concerns, if necessary. There's nothing worse than getting hair, makeup, and clothes ready, driving an hour, and being forced to reschedule due to weather.
Let's Do This!
Are you ready to schedule your engagement? Do you have a few more questions you'd like addressed? Shoot us an email or call/text and we'll help you out!
info@actonephotos.com
720-477-0198 (call/text)
info@actonephotos.com
720-477-0198 (call/text)
Classic Engagement Session
Our 1.5-hour Classic Engagement session can be added to any wedding photography collection for $350 and is available as a standalone option for $550.
(Mileage fees are charged at $0.50/mile after the first 50 miles of travel.)
You will receive 25 - 50+ edited, full-resolution digital images and an unlimited personal use license.
Signature Engagement Session
Our three-hour Signature Engagement session is $700 and includes additional time for multiple wardrobe and location changes and/or travel between many mountain destinations.
(Mileage fees are charged at $0.50/mile after the first 100 miles of travel.)
You will receive 50 - 75+ edited, full-resolution digital images and an unlimited personal use license.