Documentary Style With a Mix of Editorial Style Engagement Session in Savannah
Beautiful Savannah Engagements
When it comes to engagement photos, you don’t just want pretty pictures—you want something that feels like you. Imagine photos that capture the stylish elegance of an editorial magazine spread but still include those candid, heartfelt moments that reflect your relationship. That’s the magic of blending an editorial style with a documentary approach, and Savannah is the perfect place to make it happen.
Savannah is one of those cities that seems tailor-made for romance, and perfect for an engagement session. From its cobblestone streets to its grand historic architecture, the setting feels like it’s out of a love story. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing engagement sessions at two of Savannah’s iconic hotels — The Alida Hotel and The Perry Lane Hotel. The vision for the session was clear—a sophisticated editorial look with heartfelt, documentary-style moments.
What made this session truly special were all the thoughtful details. Let’s talk about why these details matter and how they can make your engagement session unforgettable.
The Power of Professional Hair and Makeup
Here’s the thing—professional hair and makeup aren’t just about “looking good.” It’s about stepping into your session feeling like the best version of yourself. And trust me, confidence shines through in every photo! For this session, the bride-to-be worked with a talented stylist who understood how to enhance her natural beauty while keeping the look timeless.
Professional makeup is also designed to hold up under all kinds of lighting, whether it’s the soft natural glow of window light or the artificial lighting inside a luxurious venue. The right stylist knows how to balance glamor with subtlety, ensuring you look amazing in close-ups without appearing overly done.
Hair plays an equally big role. Loose, flowing waves or an elegant updo can complement your outfit and the session’s vibe. And, of course, don’t forget about the groom! A quick grooming session—whether that’s a fresh haircut or a little beard touch-up—can make all the difference.
Outfits: Elevating the Experience
Your outfits aren’t just clothes; they set the tone for the entire session. Think about it—what vibe do you want your photos to give off? Chic and modern? Classic and timeless? Playful and romantic? For this session, both couple leaned into sophistication. Together, they looked like they stepped out of the pages of a magazine.
But choosing outfits isn’t just about aesthetics. You also want to consider how your clothing will photograph. Solid colors or subtle patterns usually work better than bold prints, which can be distracting. Textures like lace, silk, or velvet can add depth, while accessories like jewelry or pocket squares can tie the look together.
And here’s a pro tip: bring a backup outfit! Changing mid-session can give you two distinct looks and double the variety in your gallery.
Location, Location, Location
Savannah offers no shortage of picturesque spots, but this couple wanted something extra special. They chose a luxury hotel with stunning interiors, elegant staircases, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The trick with venues like this is planning ahead—you often need prior approval and, in some cases, a permit (that might come with a cost). As the photographer, I assisted the couple with making arrangements early, ensuring we could focus on the session without worrying about logistics.
The location also set the mood. The hotel’s modern bar and rich textures created a cinematic backdrop. Every corner offered a new opportunity for creative shots, whether it was a candid moment near a sunlit window or a posed shot in front of the dramatic staircase.
When choosing a location, think about what resonates with you as a couple. Love nature? Consider Savannah’s parks or gardens. Prefer something chic? Look for modern or historic venues with character.
Choosing the and Experienced Photographer
When it comes to blending editorial elegance with documentary authenticity, your photographer’s experience makes all the difference. An experienced photographer doesn’t just snap pictures—they guide the entire process, ensuring every detail aligns with your vision while also adapting to the unexpected.
For example, in this Savannah session, the luxury hotel’s dramatic interiors offered gorgeous natural light, but some areas required modified lighting to achieve the desired effect. An experienced photographer knows how to use tools like reflectors, diffusers, and off-camera flashes to enhance lighting without losing the mood. Whether it’s softening harsh shadows or adding subtle highlights, modified lighting can bring out the richness of colors, textures, and emotions in your photos.
Additionally, an experienced photographer is skilled at balancing posed and candid moments. They can direct you into elegant poses that feel natural and effortless while also knowing when to step back and let your authentic connection shine through. Their ability to navigate different environments, like adjusting to tight spaces or uneven lighting, ensures you get a gallery filled with stunning, polished images.
Pick a photographer that already have a portfolio that matches your Pinterest board!
Choosing an experienced photographer means having someone who understands the technical side of photography, the creative artistry, and the ability to tell your story with intention and care. It’s an investment in not just photos, but memories you’ll cherish forever.
Why Details Matter
When planning your engagement session, every detail plays a role in telling your story. Thoughtful choices around timing, wardrobe, and personal style make your photos more meaningful and visually striking.
For this Savannah session, timing was everything. We chose a morning session to take advantage of the soft, natural light pouring through the hotel’s large windows. Morning light is perfect for creating a warm, romantic atmosphere while highlighting architectural details. It also provided a sense of calm, with fewer distractions, making it easier for the couple to feel at ease in front of the camera.
The couple’s wardrobe added to the session’s charm. The groom opted for a simple yet timeless look with a long-sleeve white collared shirt. This choice brought a clean and classic aesthetic, perfectly complementing the bride’s elegant outfit. To elevate this look even further, consider adding a blazer or suit jacket and a tie. These additions can introduce a touch of formality while maintaining a polished and stylish vibe.
Subtle details, like the fit of the shirt or the choice to roll up sleeves for a more relaxed feel, make a big difference. The groom’s understated style allowed the session to feel approachable yet refined, highlighting the couple’s authentic connection.
Details like these may seem small, but they create a cohesive and personalized look that shines through in every photo. By planning your timing, wardrobe, and overall style thoughtfully, you ensure your engagement photos are as unique and timeless as your love story.
Why Go for an Editorial Style?
An editorial-style engagement session transforms your photos into something truly unforgettable. Inspired by the polished, high-fashion imagery seen in magazines, this approach emphasizes elegance, artistry, and attention to detail. It’s perfect for couples who want their photos to feel timeless yet striking.
Editorial photography focuses on creating intentional, carefully styled images. From the way your outfit flows to the way the light falls just right, every element is thoughtfully composed. It’s not just about taking pictures—it’s about crafting images that could easily belong on the pages of a luxury publication.
This style also allows you to express your personality in a bold and stylish way. Whether it’s wearing a sleek, tailored outfit or choosing a dramatic location, editorial photography elevates your session to feel like a special event. It’s a chance to showcase your love story in a way that’s as unique and captivating as your relationship.
By opting for an editorial style, you’re creating photos that not only look beautiful but also leave a lasting impression. Every frame feels like a piece of art, telling your story with sophistication and flair.
The Heart of Documentary Photography
Documentary-style engagement photography is about capturing genuine, unscripted moments as they happen. Unlike posed portraits, this approach focuses on authenticity and storytelling, letting your love unfold naturally in front of the camera.
It’s about documenting real emotions, whether it’s a tender touch, a shared laugh, or a quiet moment of connection. Each photo becomes a genuine reflection of who you are as a couple—no artificial poses, just authentic moments that speak to the heart of your relationship.
Documentary photography allows for spontaneity and intimacy, offering a refreshing contrast to the more controlled editorial style. It’s perfect for couples who value authenticity and want their photos to reflect the true essence of their love story. Whether it’s a candid moment on a city street or a quiet embrace in a cozy corner, every image captures the essence of who you are together.
How the Two Styles Work Together
Editorial and documentary styles may sound like opposites, but they’re a match made in photography heaven. The editorial style provides the structure and artistry, while the documentary approach brings life and emotion to the photos. Together, they create a gallery that feels dynamic, sophisticated, and deeply personal.
Imagine a beautifully posed shot of you and your partner in a luxurious setting. Now, add the warmth of your natural laughter or the softness of a stolen glance. This blend creates a story that’s as stylish as it is real—and that’s what makes it unforgettable.
Savannah: The Perfect Setting
Savannah’s historic charm and luxurious venues make it an ideal location for an editorial-documentary session. The city’s architecture provides endless opportunities for dramatic backdrops, while its relaxed vibe brings out those candid, natural moments.
For this session, we chose a luxury hotel with opulent interiors, warm lighting, and grand features like ornate staircases and chandeliers. Working in a venue like this required some extra planning—approval and permits are often necessary—but the effort was absolutely worth it. Every shot felt cinematic, from the posed portraits to the candid moments caught between takes.
How to Prepare for Your Session
To truly capture the magic of an editorial-documentary session, preparation is key. Here are a few tips:
- Choose Professional Hair and Makeup:
This isn’t the day to DIY your look. Professional styling ensures you’ll look polished and camera-ready in every shot. Plus, it gives you the confidence to shine in front of the lens. - Pick Outfits That Elevate Your Style:
Think timeless, chic, and coordinated with your location. Neutral tones, sleek silhouettes, and luxurious textures like silk or velvet photograph beautifully. - Plan Your Location Carefully:
Whether it’s a luxury hotel, a historic site, or a hidden gem, your location should match your vibe. Be sure to check for permits if necessary! - Hire a Photographer Who Gets Your Vision:
Blending these two styles takes experience. Choose a photographer that has a portfolio that matches these style. So they can guide you through poses while also capturing those candid, unscripted moments.
Why This Style is Worth It
An engagement session isn’t just a photoshoot—it’s a way to tell your story. An editorial-documentary approach ensures that story is captured in the most stunning, authentic way possible. You’ll walk away with photos that are as timeless as they are personal, each one a perfect blend of art and emotion.
If you’re ready to create engagement photos that are both chic and meaningful, let’s chat. Together, we’ll design a session that brings your vision to life in a way that feels as unique as your love. Savannah awaits—are you ready?
Contact me for you engagement session in Savannah!
Phavy Photography (phavyphotos.com)
Engagement Photographer in Savannah, GA
E-mail: contact@phavyphotos.com
Phone: 904-228-1350
Instagram: 904photographer
