Do we actually need an engagement session?
Most couples have never been professionally photographed before and your wedding day is not the ideal time to figure out your best angles and how to follow a photographer's cues and directions. For most, it takes time to feel comfortable in front of a camera.
An engagement session helps with that.
You get beautiful, professional, authentic photos of this season of your relationship. And on your wedding day, it makes my job as your Chicago wedding photographer easier. You already know my cues, you've built trust, and you know the photos will look good. It makes the portrait time on your wedding day so much more relaxed and enjoyable. Not required — but I always recommend it.
What locations do you recommend?
I always start with the same question: "Are there any locations that have sentimental value to you, or any vibes you have in mind?"
We start there, then I bring in my knowledge of what works best for your style, the time of day, and the season.
A typical daytime engagement session is 90 minutes with up to two locations and two outfits. I have an extensive library of hand-selected Chicago locations and I'm happy to share ideas once we start talking.
I also offer a night session as an add-on where we pick a location that looks amazing once the sun goes down.
We don't know how to pose, will you help us?
Of course...that's what I do.
We all have flattering and unflattering angles, and most people genuinely don't know theirs until someone shows them.
During your session we work together to find the poses that look the best and feel the most natural. I give clear direction without making it feel like a production. About 10 to 15 minutes in, someone often says "oh, this is actually fun." By then we're usually just getting started.
Can we add a night session?
Yes, and I love how Chicago looks at night. Everything is a little more romantic, a little more dramatic. But taking photos at night is much more technically demanding from a photography standpoint, so I only offer it as an add-on to a daytime session. You have to learn how to be directed and flow through poses during the day so that when we step into the city at night, everything goes smoothly. The results are worth it.
How is editing handled?
Every image is personally edited by me for consistent color, light, and tone. A curated selection of your favorites is also hand-retouched with distracting elements removed. Anything that pulls attention away from the two of you.
I don't outsource editing. I don't batch-process. Every photo you receive has been seen by me, selected by me, and edited by me. That's what takes the time and that's what makes the difference.
What's the investment for a Chicago engagement session?
Chicago engagement sessions typically range from $800–$1,650, depending on the scope of the session.
That includes 90–120 minutes, up to two locations and outfits, weekday and weekend availability, an optional night session add-on, and all the Nakai Essentials. Head to the info and pricing page for full details, or just reach out and we can talk through what makes sense for you.
