How to Have a Successful Engagement Session

Your engagement session is more than just a photoshoot or a place holder for your save the date —it’s a chance to celebrate your love, get comfortable in front of the camera, and create beautiful memories before the big day! Unless you’ve planned a wedding before there is no way you’re going to know everything about photos. Your engagement session doesn’t have to be boring, as a wedding photographer, I want to ensure you feel relaxed and confident so we can capture images that truly feel like you.

Whether you’re an adventurous type or the stay at home on the weekends kind of couple, your love is unlike any other and that’s how I aim to capture it. Reminder that everything I say in this post is only a suggestion and not the rule. Here are my top tips for making the most of your engagement session!

Choose a Location That Feels Like You

The best engagement sessions take place in locations that mean something to you as a couple, whether you love boating in the summer or snuggled up in your home in the winter, when you feel a connection to a place you’re not only likely to feel comfortable in front of the camera but when you go back and look at your photos you’ll remember the feeling of being connected to that place.

Consider:
– A favorite park, downtown area, or coffee shop
– The spot where you first met or got engaged
– A scenic area with stunning natural light (think beaches, fields, or mountains)

Want to know how to figure this out? Every couple that books with me will receive an engagement questionnaire to get to the heart of who you are as a couple. These questions allow me to get to know you from an inside perspective, making your photos feel genuinely and truly you. I’m more than happy to travel to a new location too!

Things to think about:

• Do you love the outdoors or do you share the joy of being snuggled on the couch?
• What’s your favorite thing to do together?
• What do you want to remember about this season of your lives?

Plan Your Outfits in Advance

What you wear can make a big difference in how your photos turn out! I cannot stress this enough, wear whatever you feel MOST yourself, comfortable and happy in. Make sure the fit feels totally you.

Some tips:
– Coordinate, Don’t Match – Stick to a complementary color palette instead of identical outfits.
– Choose Timeless Over Trendy – Neutral tones, classic silhouettes, and soft textures photograph beautifully. Patterns can be a good thing when done right. When you combine such a minimal backdrop with a busy pattern it doesn’t draw youe eye away from the subject.
– Dress for the Location – Consider the setting and season when choosing outfits. You wouldn’t wear open toe sandals in the snow would you!? or would you wear shoes in your home!? Make sure to check the weather and prepare!
– Bring an Extra Outfit – Many couples like to have one casual and one dressy look for variety!

Need inspiration? I’m happy to help with outfit ideas!

Timing is Everything

Lighting is key to dreamy, romantic photos. I always recommend scheduling engagement sessions during golden hour—the hour before sunset—when the light is soft and flattering. However depending on the location we can photograph at any time of the day when you know how to work with lighting! If we are photographing your session in-home I suggest we photograph when the light is the brightest in your home.

Get Comfortable & Trust the Process

I know that being in front of the camera can feel awkward at first, but I promise to guide you every step of the way! Here’s what will help:
– Focus on each other, not the camera.
– Move naturally—walk, laugh, hold hands, or whisper something sweet.
– Don’t stress about posing—I’ll help with that!

The more you relax and have fun, the more genuine and beautiful your photos will be. Just think of it as I’m joining you on a date night! The more you connect with each other the more candid and genuine your photos will feel.

Incorporate Personal Touches

Want to make your engagement session even more special? Consider adding:
– Your pet (because dogs in engagement photos? Always a yes!)
– A bottle of champagne to pop for a fun, celebratory shot
– A meaningful prop like a book, blanket, or coffee mugs if that fits your vibe, even accessories can be super fun!

Little details like these can make your session even more unique to your love story.

Don’t Forget About Hair & Makeup

Some couples choose to get professional hair and makeup done for their session, especially if they want a polished, camera-ready look. Bonus: It’s a great time to test out your wedding day makeup! If that’s not your style, no worries—just aim for a look that makes you feel your best.

Embrace the Unexpected!

If it’s windy, if a little rain starts to fall, if your dog won’t sit still—don’t worry! Sometimes, the most candid, fun moments happen when things don’t go perfectly. Just enjoy the experience, and I’ll capture the magic.

Set yourself up for Success!

Spend the day or morning of together! I know it can be challenging to take off work but this allows life to not become the main focus and for you to show up relaxed and ready to go!

Let’s ride to the shoot together or meet for coffee/ drinks prior. This allows us to sit down and get to know each other before I even pull out my camera.

Be on time! Life happens I get it, try your best to set yourself up for success with this one! If you feel rushed I feel rushed and that’s not where the magic happens!

Have Fun & Celebrate This Chapter!

Your engagement session isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about celebrating this exciting season of your lives. Laugh, be playful, be romantic, and most of all, enjoy the moment!

I can’t wait to capture your love story! If you’re ready to plan your engagement session, let’s chat and find the perfect time and place to make it happen.

Looking to have your engagement session captured!? I’d love to chat with you!