downtown Olympia engagement session

I firmly believe that all photo sessions should be fun, but especially engagement sessions! I know as well as anyone that it can be nerve wracking trying to figure out what you are supposed to do in front of a camera, but that's why you hire me! Katie and Adrian were so nervous about their session, but I provided them with preparation tips, comfortable and fun prompts to take the posing pressure off, and the most important ingredient for a relaxing session - beer!

The first thing I want to know when planning an engagement session is what the two of you enjoy doing together. Of course we will get romantic shots in pretty places, but my first priority is capturing the REAL YOU. Whether you and your love enjoy hiking, gaming, cooking, eating, or just drinking together, I want to document it. Let's go to your favorite places and do your favorite things - like the best date ever, but with a third wheel photographing you. It's not as awkward as it sounds.

We decided to start our "date" off with an Olympia favorite, Oldschool Pizzeria. Pizza, beer, and a great atmosphere - plus it's one of Katie and Adrian's favorite places to go together! After lunch we walked to all of their favorite downtown Olympia spots. After their wedding they will be headed back to Bend, Oregon so snapping their favorite spots was important to me.

I offer several options for engagement sessions ranging from 30 minutes to 4 hours! Though a 4 hour engagement session may sound like torture, what it really is is a really fun day of looking cute and doing fun stuff with the person you love. Engagement sessions are also an opportunity to get to know me better, to enjoy the company of each other, and to learn just how easy and comfortable it actually is to be photographed - before your wedding day. These two had so much fun together and are now totally confident in front of my camera. I'm so stoked for their wedding!!! Thinking of scheduling a session of your own? Contact me to set one up! Tags: Downtown Olympia, Olympia, WA, Washington, Engagement, Session, Photographer, Photography, Cherish Shanell Photography, Wedding Photographer, Waterfront, Percival Landing, Old School Pizzeria, Capitol Building