As a seasoned wedding photographer, I haven’t had much experience with same sex couples and upon researching myself it was difficult to find useful information. I decided to come up with Tips for Same Sex Engagement Sessions so hopefully you can find this information helpful. However, here are some ways you can make your couple’s experience as extraordinary as their story and capture images of them that depict an authentic representation of their love.
Excited to announce that this beautiful couple was featured on “How They Asked, by The Knot” on February 24, 2020. They did a double engagement which was so fun and unique.
Communication is key
Communicate with your couple in a way that doesn’t treat the session any different than your other sessions. Try to understand the dynamic between them without prying questions, usually the standard questions you would ask any couple, such as how did they meet, how did they propose, what are you most excited about the wedding, etc.
Background Information can help
When Alie and Steph proposed to each other just two weeks apart it was something they had both decided ahead of time they would do. I think that is so unique and fun making same sex engagements way less pressure on one side.
They secretly planned two different engagements, but when Steph got wind that Alie might propose she popped the question before they went on a big trip to Vermilion Lakes.
While Alie popped the question, she secretly hired a photographer to capture the moment, however, to even out the score they needed to do a second engagement session just so that they could keep things fair.
Invest in building rapport
As with any couple, the more time you invest in building rapport, the more comfortable your couple will feel in front of you and the camera, and the more natural the images will look. Get to know the couple. Ask them about their story, and observe how they interact with one another and the positions that they naturally fall into. Check out next steps in Wedding Planning from the Knot for Tips Same Sex Engagement.
Ask the right questions
Most likely they know that you might not have lots of experience, especially if they have taken a look at your website or Instagram page, but by asking the right questions that give you the answers you might be asking yourself.
Assuming gender specific roles are something I would avoid as you never know what each couple may have decided they are even for themselves. When it comes to who’s wearing what, where they are celebrating the ceremony, if they are doing any traditional wedding dances, etc. All of these simple questions should answer all the ones you might be wondering.
Action shots are fun and easy
Try asking them to walk towards you or to hug one another while alternating looking at one another, this is a simple yet intimate way to capture both of them in a way that evens everything out. I adored making them do the same things to each other, it made my job even easier.
Focus on the dynamic
Just have fun, it will be like doing a session you’ve not done before, but all the skillset you have is like having all the answers right in front of you. Tell the couples love story in its truest form as I promise you, they will be forever make you smile whenever you see them!
Looking for more Tips or Locations for your engagement session in Ottawa, Ontario? Check out our other blogs below: Beautiful Engagement Photo Spots and Tips for Engagement Photo Outfits.
