How to Photograph an Engagement Session (BEHIND THE SCENES)

[@Scott_Alexander]

Breaking the ice during group shots and couple shots, my go-to is "A little happier, a little happier, ok, that's too happy, bring it back down a little..." This usually gets the ACTUAL happy face out of the couple or even a whole family group

[@mjolnirbull3779]

That’s a really good tip lol

[@chain.driven]

That’s great. Got any more?

[@AmendMD]

"They aren't technically engaged anymore" 😫 "They got married this past summer" 😅

[@EricFloberg]

😂😂😂 I thought the same thing when I listened back while editing hahahaha

[@5thElementDFW]

Lmao same.... I was like “oh no!!” Then I caught on

[@xOctavioSx]

I had the exact same reaction

[@anirbanbose9974]

I'm a simple man, i see Eric's vid, I click.

[@EricFloberg]

What a guy. 🙏🏼

[@chrisjaime4453]

Best tip, Whisper favorite vegetable in a sexy voice. Definitely going to use that one on my next engagement shoot! Thanks KZbin Dad!

[@EricFloberg]

lol I shouldn't have made that seem like it was my own - definitely learned that from my friends over at Mango Street 🤘

[@AS-rp7qd]

I’ve never heard a photographer describe with such genuine words about removing yourself from the story and focusing it all about them, bringing their story into focus, their life, their relationship. You’re an amazing photographer and an even more amazing human.

[@EricFloberg]

😭❤️

[@AS-rp7qd]

I teared when you talked about playing the other couple’s first dance song and how much it must’ve meant for them. Your video about posing/photography made me reflect heavily on my own relationship. Please keep doing what you do, you have a gift.

[@rileychaney2003]

This was literally the most genuine thing I have heard out of a photographer's mouth. You're real man. Appreciate you!

[@EricFloberg]

Wow. So kind. Thank you!!

[@leathenjin]

Riley Chaney, I agree with you. This was quite refreshing to hear a photographer genuinely focusing on taking the people's precious moments/ relationship instead of hearing "1 hour of session time of however many digital prints for X amount of $$"

[@jbivphotography]

YEEEEEEEESSSSSSSS Thank you for putting the tip about not doing 1-hour session. My first year I did the 1-hour session thing and it just didn't feel right. Moved on to 2-3 hour engagement sessions and that is EVERYTHING. More time for the couple to warm up, more time for us all to warm up to each other, to get to know the couple and maybe even do multiple locations. Great video thanks for sharing!

[@EricFloberg]

My dude! Right? Same thing here. 1 hour always felt way too panicked. I love just chilling for the first 15 minutes talking and hanging out haha! Thanks for watching, John!

[@sandydessalines9574]

What do you charge for 2-3 hours??

[@xSam_u_el]

This video has me pumped for whenever I have my next couples shoot! I really want to work on slowing down a bit for my shoots and not being so stressed about time, so thank you for pointing that out!

[@memereview5836]

Yoo my dad is KZbin famous

[@BenjaminColeSander]

I always struggle to throw together a relevant playlist before sessions - thanks for the Spotify helps!

[@EricFloberg]

least I could do in return for your gift 😂

[@Dinosnore7]

“These photographs are about what they mean and not how I can get Instagram famous.” This is EVERYTHING! Thanks for having an amazing approach to portraits. This is exactly why I love portrait sessions. 🥳

[@hurleygreen927]

Love your video on couples photography and especially the backgrounds, because I'm also a Chicago photographer! :)

[@breathemovebliss]

Thank you for this fantastic video! It was helpful and inspiring, the images are gorgeous, and I love your thoughtful, client-centered approach and that you put your heart into it. You almost made me cry. You are definitely the photographer I would want to do my photoshoot if I were near Chicago.

[@Braxtonwallis]

Rip to the office on Netflix and the algorithm

[@EricFloberg]

OH YOU JUST HAD TO BRING UP THE OFFICE

[@Braxtonwallis]

@@EricFloberg 😪😪😪

[@ckritzelt]

Just recognized that I always watch all your videos till the end. I think thats a good thing (at least for you hopefully) :D

[@mhoctober]

Love the Bluetooth speaker idea! That's awesome and I'm goner buy one soon!

[@coloradoweddingphotographer]

This is everything I wanted for Christmas. Thanks dad!

[@EricFloberg]

Yes! You're welcome!!

[@charminbaer2323]

Excellent video, minus the BOKEH part, need to learn how to pronounce that properly

[@jessicadevins6]

Thank you for sharing! I love your idea of having a playlist of music for your sessions. Any country music suggestions?? :)

[@Laura-dolphinfanl]

GREAT video , how did you overlay silhouettes filled with down town ???

[@FILMFRAT]

Awesome short film, love your work! I make short films as well, any support would really be appreciate!

[@vindeshe3564]

You Earned my sub😊. Great video and even better shots❤ respect from Milan, Italy

[@faraazsaeed5505]

What is the Notes application is he using? It has many options to plan out everything, I need to know. Also an amazing helpful video you’ve got man!

[@NickGeorge]

I was looking for capturing the proposal from a distance

[@oliviadawn9002]

Wowowow. I loved what you said about it being more about them than about us.

[@radomirpesek8720]

Bro not only during the video I was like, damn this guy deserves a like for sure, but even afterwards at the end of the video, when you spoke about the engagement session about not just a job, but about bringing a memory to the couple and that it's mostly about them, it just resonated in my ears and put a great direction into my future photography! Thank you for that! First video I've seen from you btw. definitely not last!

[@chrisandjenelle]

Doing my first engagement photo tomorrow and this helps a lot! Thank you!

[@Danyopharaoh]

Bro you listed everything but that fire ass hat! Let me know

[@thomas.roberts]

Did they volunteer the information about their first dance song or did you ask?

[@nishanthas3050]

Thank you for this wonderful video. Got to know a lot of tricks and tips.

[@ashleyrodriguez7430]

What lense do u recommend for engagement! Can u comment please

[@9xixix9]

Love your authenticity, honesty and genuine love for the craft and your clients. This is truly inspiring and I didn't expected to be touched by a video I only just came across to get some pose tips :P Keep up the wonderful work and I know you'll touch a lot of people's lives for the better!

[@deewonda1952]

This was VERY helpful for me! I mainly shoot headshots and branding photography, and I haven't done an engagement/couples session in over 3-years and two state-to-state moves ago. A networking friend connected me to a couple who want an engagement shoot and I needed a "refresher" course. Your video was exactly what I needed. I even remembered where I had filed those old engagement session images. I feel sooo relieved! Blessings!

[@iDigress77times]

What kind of straps? For your cameras.

[@abbyjoystudio]

Hey, Eric! I love the idea of not having a strict hour for a shoot-but how do you charge and make sure you’re utilizing your time?

[@JohnLFilm]

this is great! thanks for the advice man!

[@memereview5836]

Can you make a video on colour grading you are videos look so cinematic ? And which luts do you use ? Thank you 😊

[@artistandcamera3245]

can't express how important music actually is for getting the vibe going!

[@-muk1lty343]

Just wanna let you know. Tomorrow, the 2nd on december 2022 is my first engagment photoshoot. You basically tought me what to do and you made me so calm for that day. THANK YOU VERY MUCH❤️

[@misssusyramos]

You are so talented. Beyond inspired.

[@mk-xq6vk]

thank you for the great tips! I appreciate it a lot

[@5thElementDFW]

Dad!! Great video. Hope you had a great Christmas and have a wicked New Year!!

[@EricFloberg]

Thanks so much!!!

[@Cmillet2810]

What is the song at the very end? thanks

[@reveillem0name]

This is really the loveliest video I’ve found. So often posing couples can become a purely practical process. This has really gone back to why I got into shooting and helped me to think about my approach to shooting couples again.

[@jpmissmo]

WE NEED MORE VIDEOS LIKE THIS. SO GENUINE AND EMOTIONAL. It’s not just another “tutorial” on how to do an engagement session but rather a true and great lesson on keeping it real at every shoot. And also, great tip for bringing a speaker. 👍🏽

[@neginsoleimani2038]

what the name of first song you used?

[@nelson5871]

i've watched it 2 times already ! First time alone, second one with my wife :) We loved it !

[@mariemabaach]

Amazing video !! Thanks !

[@jerrym8140]

Good stuff. For my sessions I always tell my clients to plan on an extra half hour as I want them to just relax and have fun and not worry about the time too. Worst case scenario we still end on time.

[@alannaperez6084]

Thank you. You’re so inspirational with the way you explain and breakdown your processes and how you build relationships with your clients. I can’t tell you how many videos I’ve seen recently bringing up “batch shooting” “how to charge” etc, and I get it I’m sure those work in certain situations. However the mentality that you bring and express on your channel is truly a game changer, and really resonates with me. So thank you for being real and sharing your knowledge on here! 🙌🏽

[@ahohey]

Oh the last guy ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@dicarlo2525]

How do you do the picture at 1:38?

[@WeiK0]

Wonderful video~~

[@saraventura1333]

Thank u for this video

[@MsIRISMB]

Thank you for sharing 😊

[@justinarndt7147]

hey KZbin dad, do you sell presets on your websites?

[@elisabethtobias2395]

I don't think he sells presets but I know he's used Benj Haisch's Cascade Presets

[@justinarndt7147]

@@elisabethtobias2395 There are a few links in the description that I saw. I think those are his but im not sure

[@EricFloberg]

Those are Benj's Cascade Presets! :) One of my faves! I'm hoping to build a pack or two of presets this year!! :)

[@jamesogara2219]

Fantastic guide thx.

[@NoahStephens]

Needs more neck camera, bro!

[@JOERUFFINO]

Definitely saving this

[@Alexproduction27]

My KZbin dad ☺️😁

[@EricFloberg]

ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU

[@KylerSteele]

Been meaning to make a playlist for my shoots. Def going to check out yours

[@Lindsay48481]

Even for someone who has been doing this a few years, it’s a great refresher! Thanks for all the great content!

[@EricFloberg]

yes! So good to hear! :) Thanks for watching!

[@ConsoleAuthority]

I am done with bhatsssap!! (As said bySean tucker) .... I actually learned a lot..... Thank you man.... I have worked 11hrs non stop coding .... This made my day

[@p.p696]

Good video glad I clicked

[@leeli502]

Where is the Spotify romantic playlist link ? 🥺

[@EricFloberg]

In the description! 😊

[@jillianescudero4004]

I think you’ll be a good tiktoker, youtube dad! ✨

[@EricFloberg]

hahahaha BUT I DON'T WANT TO lol

[@fredrogers4186]

Another ice-breaker: "Squeeze up real tight. Pretend like you like each other." Also works great with corporate group portraits. Buys you about 5 seconds of genuine smiles.

[@TheKevinUtz]

This video is super cool!! I really needed it. Thanks for the playlist and the app recommendation as well. Loved it!

[@EricFloberg]

Thanks, Kevin! Absolutely, my man. Happy to help!

[@TheZachMendez]

Hi, Eric! - I've been following you for several years now & just signed up for your Patreon. Wow. Thank you for your work. I am so impressed by the amount of value you have packed into that platform. It's basically like finding a photo mentor who we have access to 24/7 for just a few bucks a month. My mind is blown. Should have done it sooner! Best wishes to you & your family for the New Year. Cheers!

[@EricFloberg]

Thank you so much for signing up, Zach!! So happy you’re finding value in it. Can’t wait to keep making much more this year!! 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@liouhdz]

Amazing!! Thanks for sharing your best practices and experience!!

[@aaronbazil]

I'm not even into wedding photography like that (I do more fine art/ conceptual fashion stuff), but I love your videos, and I'm also from Chicago (northwest burbs tbh - Arlington Heights/Mount Prospect) and the algorithm did a great job recommending you and boy did it nail it! Thanks for inspiration! 🙏🏾

[@MabelVelazquezP]

Loved unscripted! Thank you for sharing

[@forthebooks3547]

Such a great video! Inspiring and educational! Truly love your personality, thanks for sharing

[@christianharsa1446]

There are so many fun applications for this video. Love it!!

[@EricFloberg]

So good to hear! Thanks, Christian!

[@francissosing]

Great advice Eric! This helps me so much. I'm subbed now. I also downloaded the app! I'm only in Texas and we are cold here at 20-30s 😂 I'm sure it's much colder there up north. Looking forward to more videos like this.

[@samplesphotocinema9406]

Eric, killer shots man. Your stuff is phenomenal as always.

[@EricFloberg]

Thank you so much!!

[@AdamJordanPhoto]

The bluetooth speaker is a really good idea. Also good call on Unscripted. That's something that I could definitely use in the future.

[@dhillonvideoniagarafalls]

❤very nice

[@richardthompson7671]

im serious when I say this is fantastic and I wish every photographer would watch this...over and over

[@corykphotography]

Thank you for this video, super knowledgeable and helpful. I am also a midwest photographer. Im just right next door about 45 minutes from Chicago in Lake Village IN. I have my very first ever paid shoot coming up. Its a 3 part : Engagement, family photos, and senior photos. I will definitely model the way I shoot the engagement portion in the manner you explained in this video. I am slightly less nervous now. Lol Thank you!!!

[@luislopezsaavedra2322]

Hi Erick, Which is the playlist that you used for this photoshoot? Thank you for your advices!!!

[@aaronvbarreraphotography2740]

Very helpful 👍🏻

[@wildernessandme1744]

400 images is a lot. I'll be fine with 50-80 images as a photographer and if it's my own e-session or wedding. It's more than enough images to hang around the four walls of a house.

[@VictorMFChan]

love these tips Eric. Just downloaded Unscripted. thanks

[@christyrenee8835]

I immediately clicked on the link to listen to your Spotify and was pleasantly surprised that the first song was, no doubt, Stacks by Bon Iver which is what I walked down the isle to. :) That is all... thank you.

[@AimaOj.]

And I just downloaded Unscripted a few weeks ago. 😅 Perfect.

[@aloysiuscalvin9467]

Hi dad , do you got tips for list in Spotify for portrait 😁? Thank you Eric! Greets from the Netherlands 🙌🏼

[@michaelawesome359]

How did I just discover your channel?! I subscribed right away!!

[@GerryLaytin]

Eric! I photographed my first wedding in 1985 and had my studio in NYC for years. The last wedding I shot was in May 2020 and it was a mask on/mask off day. Tomorrow I have my first engagement session in years. I sat at the couple's kitchen table and talked about what's important to them (they happen to be my next-door neighbor here in Florida) and I wanted to see what the new generation of photographers is doing. It felt good to see that much of what I have done over the years is still a staple of what you do. But, I have to tell you that I learned quite a bit. I am a lifelong learner and I'm grateful to have found you. Cheers!

[@joshuakim802]

This video is exactly what I was looking for, presentation was fantastic, enjoyed the editing and composition. Explained so well, that even a dummy like me can understand. I even downloaded the app, because it actually is helpful. Thank you :)

[@jasminewatson4013]

wow your amazing. This was the best break down I have ever seen! You can tell you really love what you do and it is so inspiring.

[@bsant7]

How much do you usually charge for one of these engagement/proposal sessions??

[@nadaj3500]

Whoa! Just found your channel. Liked, subscribed and loved. 👏🏾👏🏾 I have my first engagement shoot this weekend and I’ll be applying all of this. 🤞🏾🙏🏾

[@erickA-Nfilms]

I took screenshots of your poses and downloaded the app before a shoot. It helped me tons! Thank you for the advice!

[@gengphoto]

Great video. Really impactful points. Thanks so much for sharing your insights Eric!

[@Roseinda_Ghirawoo]

I can tell you’re so genuine and I feel so inspired by you and thank you for sharing your tips and tricks. ❤

[@monikarichansampert5836]

Really great. Humor and info., my kind of style where you focus on the story and not the fame/money. Aweseome stuff, will be following you for sure! and thanks!

[@emotiongraphersfilms3625]

The video is really on point. Thanks for sharing this with the community Eric, its very much helpful when such videos are there to guide you and help you plan with how and what we can shoot with our future clients. PS - Its a great blend of your BTS and on cam talk to guide it through… Loads of love.

[@bose80085]

Loved that "Wide-Medium-Tight" rule: pretty basic yet powerful ... thanks for that #youtubedad

[@jennymarkhamphoto]

DAMN i’m always blown away by your work, seriously don’t mind me drooling all over my new macbook