This downtown Grand Rapids engagement session was with two of my favorite people-my sister and her fiance! Lindsey and Giu have been together since middle school! They’re getting married soon before a big move to Nashville for PA school, and I’m so excited for them!
Trendy Flash Engagement Photos
Lindsey LOVES trendy vibes and photos with a film feel! For their session I approached it in my normal style, but mixed in direct flash and more filmy black and white edits than I typically do. Photos with direct flash are a big hit right now, and it’s something I’ve been playing with a lot in my work. If you follow me on Instagram or TikTok then you definitely know this!
My sister and Giu completely nailed it with their outfits, and their looks completed the vibe they were going for! They stuck with a neutral color scheme which always photographs well in a downtown location. Lindsey’s first outfit was a little, flirty white dress. We played with adding a veil into her hair and had a small bouquet of white flowers. And her shoes with the bows-OBSESSED! Her second look was a sleek satin dress which gave their photos a sophisticated feel.
Tips for a Flash Engagement Session
For Lindsey and Giu’s engagement session we ran around to some of my favorite spots in downtown Grand Rapids. I did my normal posing flow, but at each spot I had my flash mounted and ready to go! Before we moved on to the next spot or if they were in a cute pose, I’d photograph it with my flash on too.
If you’re wanting your photographer to include some fun, flash engagement photos into your session here are a few tips:
- Either find an engagement photographer who you know already does these type of trendy flash photos. OR ask the engagement photographer you booked if you can try flash photos at your session. Make sure you love the normal look of your photographer’s photos because your gallery will likely have a mix of their normal style and the flash photos.
- Gather inspo photos whether you use Pinterest or have posts saved on Instagram. Share them with your photographer so they can have an idea of what you’re going for and can help you plan around that. And remember that inspiration photos are simply for ideas and a guide. It doesn’t mean your photos will turn out exactly like those. Your photographer has their own unique eye, style, and approach! Trust them!
- Your outfits and locations are key to completing the look you’re going for! For example, if you want a city or paparazzi feel then you need to plan for an urban location. You can ask your photographer for feedback on your outfits and see what locations they suggest to go with your vision.
I wanted my sister and Giu’s gallery to have plenty of photos with my normal editing style and a mix of black and white edits and direct flash photos throughout! I LOVED taking my sister’s engagement photos and getting to play with some different styles of engagement photos!
Grand Rapids Engagement Photographer
I’m a Michigan wedding and engagement photographer based in Grand Rapids! I travel across the state and beyond to photograph weddings and engagements. To get in touch about all things engagement and wedding photography head to my contact form!
Curious what direct flash photos could look like on your wedding day? Check out Sara & Garrett’s wedding for some direct flash wedding photo inspo!
