Include your dog in your engagement
Southern Indiana Wedding Photographer Kristina Sellers Photography- Including your dog in your engagement session
“Can we include our dog(s) in our engagement session? I get this question a lot and the answer is YES! I love dogs and my husband is allergic so any chance I get to love on your fur babies, I’ll take it!! After years of planning on adding a new addition to the family, we are finally ready and are actually picking up our puppy today! I’ll be sure to share lots of photos of our sweet boy over on Instagram so follow along if you want to see him! Preparing to bring our new pup home got me thinking a lot about photo sessions and how much I have enjoyed having pets included over the years. Including your dog in your engagement (or your Wedding or Elopement!) does come with a few extra details so I wanted to share some tips here with you to help you better prepare for your session!
Don’t do it alone
Bring someone along to help out! This is a new experience for your pup too and with that comes some excitement! Having a family member or friend, someone your dog feels comfy with, there to help out during your session will help calm some nerves. It will also give you and your fiancé a chance to get some photos alone together while your dog sitter helps look after them. We will of course get lots of photos of the two of you with your pup but you will want some of just the two of you as well. If bringing someone along for the whole session isn’t an option for you, there is a few other things some of my couples have done to help the process. Choose a location close to home(or at home)! This way we can start the session with your pup and once they’re getting wore out, over stimulated, or you’re just ready for it to be just you two, we can take them home quickly and return back to your session! Nothing close by? Some of my couples have chosen to have a friend or family member pick up their pet and bring them back home. This is a great option if someone doesn’t want to hangout for the full session but doesn’t mind to help out with transportation. It will also keep you from having to run back in forth. If none of the above works and you really want to include your pup, don’t stress! I promise we will make this work! Let your photographer so you can choose a location that will provide spots for tethering or that has parking next to beautiful locations so you can put your dog in the car(running with AC of course) and be super close by while getting those intimate, just the two of you images!
Know your dog
Knowing your pup will help a ton in choosing a location and making the process as smooth and fun for everyone! If your dog is highly food motivated, bring some treats along! Do they have a favorite toy that they like to be rewarded with? Bring it! Tiring your dog with a little physical or mental stimulation before the session starts is a great option as well! If you’ve never been to the chosen location, bringing them there either days before the session or early on the day of will make your dog feel much more comfortable and will also give you a chance to scope out any specific locations there you might like for your session!
Behavior and Limitations
Making sure the location matches the tempermant is the most important choice you will make when including them in your session. If your dog is not socible around other people or animals, this is something that should be discussed before choosing a location. There are tons of dog friendly places but if your dog get anxiety around children or dogs, choosing a secluded location will be the most appropriate option. Make sure to let your photographer know your dogs limitations ahead of time to help in the planning process.
Vaccinations
Just got a new pup and are so excited to get some photos of them on your wall? You might need to push your engagement session back a bit until they are fully vaccinated. Bringing your dog out in public before they’ve had all their vaccines is super dangerous for them. Don’t stress, just let your photographer know and push the session back until they can be cleared by a vet to be out and about!
Dress them up
Anything from a simple collar to a bandana, bow tie or flower crown. Match them to your attire and have fun with it! Make sure to bring a leash along, neutral colors are best!
Have Fun
Lose expectations and have fun with your pup! This is exciting for them so they may be a bit more energetic than usual. The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your dog will be! Don’t stress about getting the perfect photo. Enjoy this time with your pup and your fiancé and you’re sure to end up with some beautiful photos!
Ready to book your engagement session with your pup?
Adventure Sessions
Kentucky Elopement Photographer- Couples Adventure Sessions- Kristina Sellers Photography
What’s an adventure session?
Adventure Sessions are becoming a very popular way for couples to not only explore together but to have that experience documented! They can be used for engagements, proposals, anniversaries or just because! They can also be used for day after sessions for those couples that want a little more captured in their wedding attire. It is a great option if you really want that adventurous elopement aesthetic for your images, without having to give up on having a bigger more traditional wedding! These sessions are a way to capture your love for each other in an awesome location that truly reflects your sense of adventuring together! Where what you want, go where you want and do whatever you want! This new type of session has really become popular for couples wanting something unique and true to them!
Adventure: noun. an unusual and exciting journey or series of events.
When people think adventure, they typically think of the West. While the West Coast does have some amazing places, you don’t have to travel far from home to explore new places together and get some gorgeous views! There are truly beautiful locations all over the Midwest, East Coast and Southern parts of the United States! How do you pick where to go? This is completely based on what your interests are. You will receive a unique list of location suggestions based off the two of you as a couple! How far away are you willing to travel? Do you like to hike/what’s your experience level? What scenery are you most interested in? Mountains, Beach, Gorges, Waterfalls, the lists are endless of where we can go and if you already have a location in mind, that works too!
What do you do during these sessions?
What will we do on this adventure is also completely up to your interests! Along with exploring a new place, you can go kayaking, have a picnic, or ride ATVs. There’s no rules (except any rules put in place by the location we choose). Adventure Sessions are meant to be personal, a time for you to really connect and make memories together. We can work together to plan a day that is meaningful to you!
Escape and Breath the air of New Places
Get in touch with me and let’s start planning your adventure
Golden Hour Engagement Session
Golden Hour Engagement Session in Southern Indiana by Elopement & Wedding Photographer Kristina Sellers Photography
Lanie & Cody invited me to their personal property in Southern Indiana for their Engagement Session. There are so many gorgeous locations for couples sessions but if you have personal or family property you can use, I highly recommend it! You could do some in home photos before heading outside for sunset or do all your session outdoors but utilize a nearby town to switch it up! If you don’t have property you can use, that’s okay! Like I said, there’s so many places to choose from! Choosing locations that mean something to you and your fiancé will really help make your images stand out. Contact me and I’ll help you find a location that is truly unique to the two of you!
We were able to start at golden hour and after a quick outfit change, continued into some Blue Hour to finish off their session together. Getting to spend some time with my couples, photographing them, before the wedding is such a blessing! I learned so much about these two and how they authentically interact showing their love for one another! Not only did I get to explore their gorgeous land and capture some beautiful images, but I also got to meet their family pet Donkey! Scroll though to see the cutest photobomb ever!! So excited to photograph their barn wedding this coming fall!
Wedding Day - Start to Finish
Looking at someone’s highlights from a wedding day on Instagram or on a website is so different than seeing a full wedding gallery from start to finish! I wanted to show some of the moments you may not typically see when scrolling through my work. If you’re searching for your wedding or elopement photographer make sure to ask to see a full wedding gallery and if you think I may be the perfect photographer for you, send me a message and I’ll send you a couple!
When your photographer first arrives, typically they’ll start with details. Details can range from the rings, invites, the dress, cake and tablescapes. There’s so many things you can include in this category!
Some people choose to opt out of this next part and others want the entire portion captured! Getting ready for your wedding day can be done with family, friends, or intimately with just you and your fiancé. There’s no rules, it’s whatever feels best for you!
After you’re ready it’s time for a first look! Of course you can choose to opt out of this for your day, but if you choose to do one , it will give you tons of extra time with your fiancé and really help with not being too rushed for your timeline. If you’re skipping the first look with your fiancé, adding in one with your kids, parents, bridal party or grandparents is such a fun idea! Some of my favorite first looks were with the father of the bride or Bridal party!
Bridal Party, Portraits and Couples Pictures will be done at different times throughout the day depending on how your photographer builds your timeline. Since those shots are more typically seen on Social Media, I am going to cluster them together. While I 100% think these moments are SO important to capture, the point of this blog is to show the images not as often seen!
Your ceremony is what the wedding day is really about! Finally getting to marry your best friend with the most important people in your life! Everything from the ring exchanges to personal written vows will make these moments so memorable! Don’t forget to kiss, dance and pose your way back down the aisle after your I do’s!
The most important part of my job on a wedding day is this moment right here,, Family Formals. Probably not your first thought when planning your elopement or wedding day but if you have family present for your day it is SO important to get some photos with them! It doesn’t take long to capture these memories and they are invaluable! When is the next time you will all be together again? Capture the most important people in your lives on one of the most special days of yours!
A lot of couples have been changing up the way they do receptions! Starting by ditching expectations when it comes to “traditions”. Receptions are the least seen part of a wedding gallery but so so so fun to photograph!
Last but not least.. The Exit! Sparklers are a fun and popular option but you can also do glow balloons or glow wands!
2021 Recep
Big changes and lots of beautiful couples and adventures coming this year! Now that 2022 is here I want to get back to blogging (always the goal but I have not done my best!). Starting that off by reminiscing on this past year and all of the amazing people I got to spend it with! 2021 was a good one y’all! I spent a lot of time traveling to Florida, Tennessee, Illinois, Colorado, Michigan & South Carolina. And of course stayed super busy with all of my amazing local Indiana & Kentucky couples! Here’s a little recap/highlights from the year, Bring on 2022!
Wedding Day Details
Whether you’re planning a big celebration or an intimate elopement, one of the most under estimated parts of a wedding day is the details! After all your vendors have been booked you’ll have to start making a lot of seemingly “small” decisions. Choosing details that truly reflect you and your fiancé can take your wedding to a whole other level. Untraditional is the newest trend so don’t be afraid to wear a tie that doesn’t match your wedding colors, use knick knacks for your center pieces or opt for cactuses and succulents over flowers. Here are just a few of some of my favorite details over the past couple of years!
What to ask your wedding photographer
Choosing a vendor is hard! Check out these questions that may help when choosing your photographer. Make planning a little less stressful and get the best fit for your wedding day!
Okay, choosing vendors is hard! When you’ve never planned a wedding or elopement before how do you even start? After choosing your date and venue, I’m guessing photography is next on your list. Finding a style you like and someone who fits your budget is just the start and then there is the consultation. Most photographers will likely lead you though the consultation with information you may not even think to ask but just in case they leave some things out make sure to ask some questions yourself! Scroll down to see the 10 questions I think every couple should be asking their photographer before they book!
What is your shooting style? Making sure you like the way a photographer edits their images is important but how they photograph you is what’s going to make you feel comfortable in front of their camera. Do you want candid images, posed, a little of both? There is so many ways a photographer may go about getting those amazing images you see on their Instagram or website. There’s no wrong way to this question it will be more about preference. I tend to shoot more candid and pose when needed. Find out what your photographer does and why they do it that way.
Have you ever shot at a venue/location like mine? It’s not necessary that your photographer has shot at your exact location although that is great as well! Just make sure they know how to shoot in the type of location you’ll be at. Dark venue with little light? Ask if they’ve ever shot in low light. 2pm ceremony on a golf course? Ask them about any harsh light weddings they’ve shot at before and how they handled it.
Can I see a two or three complete wedding galleries? Any photographer can get a couple beautiful images from an entire wedding day so make sure you ask to see a few full day galleries! Pay close attention to the “small” moments like family formals and getting ready pictures. Make sure their work is pretty consistent throughout the day and not just the couples formals at sunset.
Do you work off of a shot list? Personally, I do not use a shot list except for family formals, I prefer for the day to flow more organically. Some photographers accept them and even may ask for one. This again would be personal preference so try and think about what you prefer. Ask them if they use one and why or why not to get a better understanding of if they’d be a great fit for you!
How much time do we need for our day? This will vary by photographer and by your own personal wedding day! Your photographer will know how much time you should need based off what you’re wanting and how much time they’ll need for pictures.
How much planning help do you offer? Location help, timeline planning, and vendor recommendations are just a few of the ways some photographer choose to help you with your wedding planning. Your photographer may offer more or less so make sure to check in with them about this if you think you will want help in some areas.
Do you have insurance? If you’re getting married at a venue, some places require all vendors to hold insurance. Check in with your photographer to make sure they’re legal and insured to be safe!
Do you have a backup plan in case of an emergency? I could write ten pages on just this but for your sake I’ll just give you the cliff notes. Lets be honest, shit happens. Even on your wedding day something can go wrong. As much as we don’t want to think about that, make sure your photographer is prepared for everything! Do they have backup equipment? How are they backing up your images to make sure they don’t loose them? What happens if they can’t be there on your wedding day (sickens/accident/death)? How do they handle bad weather? The list goes on but just make sure they got you covered!
Last but definitely not least, Get to know your photographer! What kind of music do you like? Where’s your dream travel destination? Do you like tacos or nah? Sounds silly but making sure you have a connection with your photographer will make the wedding day so much more fun and will help you to feel more comfortable in front of their camera!
Hopefully these questions are helpful! Write them down, add your own, and chat away with your potential wedding photographer!
Family Formals
Wedding Planning Tips- How to build the perfect Family Formal list
Your wedding day family formals are so important and honestly, in my opinion, the most important part besides your vows. Most people dread this part of the day because they feel like they’re just standing there and they’re not wrong BUT it’s worth it! I don’t remember the last time my family and I had pictures done together and what a bummer! I always make a customized family formal list for all of my couples who decide to have family present at their elopement or wedding. This is the only time I use a shot list to guarantee you will get all the important shots with the people you love the most.
Some things to consider when making your own Family Formal list is how do you and your fiancé want to be included in each others lists? Want them completely separate? Every single shot with the both of ya? Every single image without and with each other (most of my couples choose this option)? Some with and some without? No matter how you choose to do it is okay!! In this example I’m going to do a combination of it all!
Things that may make your list a little (or a lot) different is if you have blended families. I have a big blended family so I completely understand how this may make it more stressful, especially when certain family members may not get along. For the sake of ease I’m giving this “couple” names, Jordan & Dakota. Jordan will have a very “traditional” family and Dakota will have a blended family so you can see how to incorporate that if you’re making your own list. Feel free to copy, insert your own names and tweak where needed!
Jordans's Side
- Jordan and Dakota with both sides of Jordan's Immediate Family (grandparents, parents, siblings, spouses, nieces, nephews)
- Jordan and Dakota with Jordan's Immediate Family from her maternal side (grandparents, parents, siblings, spouses, nieces, nephews)
- Jordan and Dakota with Jordan's Immediate Family from her paternal side (grandparents, parents, siblings, spouses, nieces, nephews)
- Jordan, Jordan’s Parents & Siblings (add in Dakota, siblings spouses, and children)
- Jordan & Jordan's Siblings (add in Spouses & Children)
- Jordan and Dakota with Jordan's Nieces and Nephews
- Jordan with both Parents (add in Dakota)
- Jordan with Dad
- Jordan with Mom
- Jordan, Dakota and Jordan's Maternal Grandparents
- Jordan, Dakota and Jordan’s Paternal Grandparents
Both Sides
- Jordan and Dakota with All Sets of Parents
Dakota's Side
- Dakota and Jordan with Dakota's Maternal Immediate Family (parents, siblings, siblings spouses, grandparents, nieces, nephews)
- Dakota and Jordan with Dakota's Paternal Immediate Family (parents, siblings, siblings spouses, grandparents, nieces, nephews)
- Dakota with Dakota's Parents and Siblings (add in spouses and children)
- Dakota with Siblings (add in Jordan and Spouses)
- Dakota and Jordan with Dakota's Nieces and Nephews
- Dakota with Both sets of Parents (add in Jordan)
- Dakota & Mom (add in Step-Dad)
-Dakota & Dad (add in Step-Mom)
-Dakota and Jordan with Dakota's Maternal Grandparents
- Dakota and Jordan with Dakota's Paternal Grandparents
There’s no wrong way to make this list! Do it however you want and check in with those close to you to see what they think! Sometimes they’ll think of things we might leave out! Happy Planning!