session details, tips, and answers
engagement session
It's best to schedule your engagement session 6+ months before your wedding, especially if you're wanting to use your photos as Save The Dates. Each season offers a unique backdrop for gorgeous photos – even winter! (I'm always ready to drive up to the mountains with you!)
The session's time of day will depend on the season and location and will be finalized at booking.
When you're ready to schedule your 1-1.5 hour session, please email me at ana@anastasiyaphotography.com so I can secure your date in my calendar.
scheduling
01.
There are countless landmarks, buildings, parks, and more in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond that can accommodate your engagement session. I highly recommend picking a spot that's special to you both. Over the years, I've been to dozens of locations with couples. Select 'next' to view my top engagement sessions locations.
Palace of Fine Arts is a popular session location for its iconic dome, warm toned architecture, beautiful landscaping, and unique perspectives.
Keep in mind, this location is extremely crowded on weekends. A weekday evening session is recommended.
palace of fine arts
Muir Beach has been increasing in popularity over San Francisco's Ocean Beach. A perfect combination of lush greenery and beach backdrops, easy parking, clean sand, rock formations, and a somewhat secluded feel leaves this location on my top 5! Enjoy a beer and fish+chips and spend the night at the Pelican Inn next door!
muir beach
A Peninsula gem, Filoli Mansion House is always a gorgeous option with its ever changing blooms., lush greenery, and stunning Georgian architecture.
There is an entrance fee so make sure to book your tickets well in advance.
Filoli
Lands End is home to Sutro Baths, a popular San Francisco location. Wander among the trees overlooking the ocean or climb the ruins of the baths, this location is guaranteed to result in some stunning images.
sutro baths
The Legion of Honor museum is home to stunning rows of columns curating bright and dreamy images. Photography is not allowed inside the museum but the courtyard is the perfect location for romantic images with a modern feel.
legion of honor museum
Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area offers beautiful and mesmerizing views! Donner Lake and the public piers along with Sand Harbor, Emerald Cove, and Sugar Pine park are a favorite. Plus who doesn't love snow?!
lake tahoe
The San Francisco Bay Area is home to countless regional parks with beautiful hidden gems such as vista, unique trees, Redwoods- you name it!
A few favorites are located in Berkeley and Livermore.
regional parks
California is home to beautiful almond blossom orchards, lavender fields, rose gardens, tulip fields- you name it! Specific flowers will vary based on the season but lets chat about your vision for your engagement photos and see what's blooming!
orchards, lavender fields, & gardens
Is there a bakery that you both love to order croissants from? A local coffee shop that you frequently visit? A flower stand that he bought a bouquet from? How about a waterfront trail that you enjoy walking at sunset?
Local spots that you enjoy
We don't have to stay within the San Francisco Bay Area! Inquire for destination packages!
destinations
best for: spring, summer
best for: spring, summer
best for: all seasons
best for: fall, winter
best for: holiday
best for: fall
best for: fall, winter
best for: spring, summer
avoid bold fashion accessories
no bright or neon colors
avoid bold patterns
when in doubt, go neutral
accent with timeless accessories
use complimentary muted colors
Picking your outfit color palette and planning your outfits for your engagement session is the first (and most important) step in creating gorgeous photos! While you should consider the weather, it's best to be comfortable and confident in what you wear. I've collected some do's and don'ts for picking out your outfit, along with some outfit inspiration from previous couples.
outfit inspiration
03.
If you are currently shopping for outfits for your session, some favorite retailers are:
BALTIC BORN | FREE PEOPLE | JOYFOLIE | VICI COLLECTION | ETSY FOR MATERNITY GOWNS
I ALSO RECOMMEND CONTACTING NATALIE WITH CLAIR DE LUNE-SF TO RENT ONE OF HER STUNNING GOWNS
take advantage of a hair/makeup trial
get a manicure for close-up shots
clean your engagement ring
Pampering yourself is always a great idea, right?!
Although not necessary, there are a few to-dos that will elevate your engagement photos:
trust me as your expert photographer
relax, have fun, and just be you
There's absolutely no reason to worry about your session.
I like to look at your session as a way to get to know each other and have some fun! As you approach your session, keep in mind these 2 things:
session tips:
04.
avoid spray or self-tanners immediately before a session. The orange tint will take away from a timeless feel.
With the increase in gas prices, we now charge a travel fee for destinations outside of a 25-mile radius of Hayward, CA. We hope this does not limit your location selection. We have decided to charge a travel fee that is location-based rather than increase our overall service fees!
06. do you charge travel fees?
1-hour sessions will yield about 50 edited images; 2-hour sessions will yield about 80 edited images.
Mini sessions include 20 edited images with option to upgrade to the full gallery for an additional $75.
05. how many images will be receive in the final gallery?
You may print your images for personal use only. You may not sell your images for profit. You may not publish your images without written permission from Anastasiya Photography.
You will not receive RAW images because we believe in delivering a finished product.
04. what rights do we have to the images? do we receive RAW images?
Engagement sessions are available on weekends Friday-Sunday.
03. can we schedule a session on the weekend?
Post-production for engagement sessions are completed 4-6 weeks after the date of the shoot.
Expedited processing is available for a fee.
02. WHEN WILL THE IMAGES BE READY?
No, we do not. We eliminate duplicate images, test shots, missed focused shots, shots with bad expressions and other images that may dilute the overall product delivery.
01. do you deliver every image you capture?
Have a question about your engagement session? I've got an answer!
And if you don't see your question here, please reach out via email: ana@anastasiyaphotography.com.
FAQs
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