Your Guide to Planning The Engagement Session of Your Dreams

Why is an Engagement Session Important?

Planning an engagement session is an important step for your wedding journey. It is a rare chance to capture an important stage in your life that you only experience once. Although it’s not required, I highly recommend it. This session not only preserves this exciting time by documenting the love you both share, it has a unique impact on the quality of your wedding day photography.

Here Are A Few Ways That Happens

First and most importantly, it’s a great way to get comfortable while having a camera pointed at you. This is one of the most common things I hear from my couples. “I don’t like being photographed.” I have been a photographer for nearly 8 years now and I hear that nearly every consultation. I don’t think there is a bride or groom who is naturally comfortable when a camera is in front of them. I have even worked with models and they are sometimes timid. So practicing before your wedding is key to your wedding day success. Second, It allows us to build a connection, giving you the confidence and peace of mind to know I understand the vision for your wedding day. Lastly, it’s an opportunity for you to see how I approach work, which gives you a glimpse into how I’ll capture one of the most important days of your life.

These are the three reasons are why I will always encourage my bride and grooms to schedule a session. But even beyond those, it’s just fun to have photos of the two of you. Take this rare opportunity to document your relationship, enjoy the fleeting moment and make some awesome memories together while your at. So your engagement session is more than just photos in a gallery. Use it as part of your wedding planning process and it will set the stage for a smoother, more personalized experience when the time comes to say “I do.”

Step 1: Plan To Use A Meaningful Location

The location of your engagement session sets the tone and provides the backdrop for your photos, so it’s important to pick a place that holds meaning for you as a couple. Think about locations that are tied to your story—like the place where you had your first date, the place where you first kissed, where you were proposed to, or simply somewhere you both enjoy spending time.

If you don’t have a specific spot in mind, consider places that reflect your shared interests or personalities. Love the outdoors? Opt for a scenic hiking trail or a quiet beach. Prefer something urban? Explore a cityscape with unique architecture or colorful murals. I can also help you choose a spot that matches your vision and works well with lighting and composition.

The key is to select a location that feels authentic to you. When you’re surrounded by a place that means something, your comfort and connection will naturally shine through in the photos. Remember, it’s not just about aesthetics, you want to look at these photos and remember what you felt that day. So it’s also about creating images that reflect your relationship in a meaningful way.

Plan for an Activity

Incorporating an activity into your engagement session is a fantastic way to make your photos feel authentic and uniquely yours. Whether it’s walking your dog, enjoying coffee at your favorite café, or having a playful picnic, activities bring natural movement and genuine emotions to your images. They help you focus on each other rather than the camera, making the session feel more relaxed and fun. Choose something that reflects your relationship—maybe a hobby you both enjoy or a favorite pastime. These moments not only create beautiful, candid photos but also turn your engagement session into a memorable experience together.

What happens if I haven't shot at a location?

Step 2: Plan The Perfect Time

I have a natural talent for working with any lighting conditions I am faced with to create beautiful, timeless images. However, I have to acknowledge that there’s something truly magical about golden hour. Golden hour occurs shortly after sunrise or before sunset. This is when the best light is found. It’s is beautiful, soft, and warm, that cast’s a romantic glow on you. Planning your session during golden hour will give you that dreamy, cinematic feel you find in magazines. Choosing the right time of day is an important step to capturing the essence of your story.

And if mornings or evenings aren’t your thing, I will adjust my approach to work with any lighting available and still deliver timeless, romantic, and captivating images. The difference will be found in the tones and colors of the final images. This lighting does not degrade any photos taken during direct sunlight, it just changes the overall look. It’s also important to note that Golden Hour varies by season, it occurs earlier in the day during winter than it does in the summer.

What Happens When Natural Light Fails?

While natural light creates soft and romantic tones, there are moments when its limitations call for a creative approach. That’s where my dear friend, off-camera flash, steps in. By adding controlled lighting, I can highlight intricate details, enhance depth, and I can add my dramatic flair to your photos. Which is my favorite part. No matter the time of day or location. It’s the perfect complement to natural light.

If I Had To Choose

My favorite time of the day for any session would definitely be golden hour, especially just before sunset. The light at this time has a unique way of wrapping everything in softness and warmth. Pair that with off-camera flash and MMM… Chef’s Kiss. It takes the magic to the next level. The natural glow of golden hour combined with the added depth and drama from flash creates some of the most incredible images—ones that are both striking and timeless. It’s the perfect combination to highlight your connection and make every moment unforgettable.

Step 3: Plan Your Outfits

The second most common question I get asked as a photographer, is what should I wear? It is an important question that shouldn’t be glossed over. Because, what you wear has a significant impact on how your photos turn out. I have read comments and reviews about how brides don’t like their outfits, ruining their session. So, believe it or not, the clothes you wear are a big deal. To avoid the possibility of you not liking your photos I have 3 tips for clothing and your engagement photos.

Prioritize Comfort and Movement

Prioritizing comfort and moment affects how confident and natural you will appear in your photos. That is why I recommend choosing outfits that you normally wear when on a date. If you’re wearing something that feels good and allows you to move easily, it helps you relax and enjoy the experience. This comfort translates into authentic expressions and genuine moments. All of which I will capture beautifully. While I will guide you through various poses and prompts, your ease and confidence are the foundation for creating images that truly reflect your connection and personality.

Match Your Look to the location

Wearing a bright, bold baseball jersey to a session at a rustic countryside barn can create a visual mismatch. The sporty, casual vibe of the jersey doesn’t align with the atmosphere the barn has, making the overall look feel disjointed. Instead, opt for a casual button-down shirt or a soft sweater in neutral or earthy tones that complement the setting. This choice helps the location and outfit work together harmoniously, ensuring the focus stays on you and the story being captured rather than a distracting contrast between outfit and background.

Select Timeless Colors and Accessories

Imagine wearing an Apple Watch with a bright, trendy band during your engagement session, paired with clothing in bold, trendy colors. Years later, the watch might be discontinued, and the combination of modern tech and eye-catching hues could date your photos. Instead, opt for softer tones or neutral clothing that complements your surroundings and leave modern accessories, like an Apple Watch, out of the frame. These choices create timeless, cohesive images that keep the focus on your love story rather than distractions tied to fleeting trends. PS. My apple watch is a part of me.

Step 4:Prepare for Weather

Weather is very unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared. Check the forecast in advance and have a backup plan if you don’t want to incorporate weather into your images. For cooler weather, consider adding stylish layers like coats or blankets that keep you warm while looking great in photos. On warmer days, choose breathable fabrics and bring water to stay comfortable.

If there is a chance for rain, don’t stress—it adds a romantic touch to your photos! A clear umbrella can create incredible images while keeping you dry. Alternatively, if you don’t want to incorporate the elements we can always reschedule your shoot.

Embracing the elements, whether it be a chilly breeze or a golden sunset, will add authenticity and beauty to your photos. Being prepared for what ever comes the day of your session will help you relax and enjoy the moment.

If rain is in the forecast, don’t stress—it can add a romantic touch to your photos! A clear umbrella can create stunning, dreamy images while keeping you dry. Alternatively, talk to your photographer about rescheduling if the weather doesn’t align with your vision.

Embracing the elements, whether it’s a chilly breeze or a golden sunset, adds authenticity and beauty to your photos. Being prepared ensures you can relax and enjoy the moment, no matter what the weather has in store.

Step 5: Plan Personal Touches

Your engagement session is all about showcasing the unique love story you share, and adding personal touches is a great way to do that. Think about bringing props or items that are meaningful to you as a couple. This could be anything from a picnic blanket and champagne to your favorite books or a guitar. You can also use event spaces to help with this. Here is an example, one of my clients rented a speak-easy from the prohibition era, and it was dope! They were going for an old rustic feeling, and they nailed it!

Pets

Pets are also a wonderful addition to your session if they’re a big part of your life! Just make sure to bring a friend or handler to help out when they’re not in the spotlight. Activities, like sharing coffee at your favorite café or strolling through a farmer’s market, can also add an authentic, candid feel to your photos. Personal touches make your photos stand out and add layers of meaning that you’ll cherish for years to come. Learn how to calm them down for the shoot?

Step 6: Plan Snacks

Snacks and water might seem like a small detail, but for longer sessions, they can make a big difference. Especially for those taking place outdoors or involving multiple locations. These types of sessions can be physically demanding. So, having a light snack on hand—like granola bars, fruit, or trail mix—can help keep your energy levels up and prevent any mid-session fatigue. Water is equally important to stay hydrated and refreshed, particularly during warmer months or longer sessions.

You also want to be mindful of the snacks that you bring, you will want to bring things that are easy to clean up if they make a mess. You dont want to bring something that can cause a stain.

Step 7: Hair and Makeup

Your engagement session is the perfect opportunity to look and feel your best. If you plan to have your hair and makeup professionally done this will be a perfect time to do a trial run. For men planning to get a haircut, be sure to schedule it at least 3-4 days before the session. That way your hair will settle into a more natural look. Believe it or not, straight lines aren’t natural, so avoid making drastic changes to your hairstyle or hair color right before the session. It’s best to stick with what makes you feel confident and comfortable. (If you get your hair or makeup professionally done, let me know so I can tag them in the gallery!)

For makeup, consider using your engagement session as a trial run for your wedding day look. Professional makeup can enhance your features and ensure you look great in photos, but it’s important not to go overboard. Keep it natural and timeless to avoid trends that might date your photos. If you plan on getting a spray tan, make sure it’s done several days in advance, as even professionally applied tans can look unnatural within the first 24 hours. (I personally don’t recommend doing them at all due to blotchy nature.)

Ultimately, the goal is to feel like the best version of yourself. A little planning ahead will go a long way in ensuring you’re confident and camera-ready for your session.

BONUS!!!! Since You're Dressed Up

Just Because your engagement session is done, doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! Take advantage of being dressed up and plan a date night or special outing right after your session. Whether it’s dinner at your favorite restaurant, a walk through a scenic area, or even grabbing dessert at your favorite hole in the wall, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate your love.

You’ve just spent time connecting and sharing intimate moments for your photos, so why not carry that into a meaningful evening together? Use this time to reflect on the experience, talk about your favorite moments, or dream about your future plans.

Being dressed up also makes it an ideal time to snap a few casual selfies to share with friends and family as a sneak peek of your session. By extending the day with a date or special moment, you’re adding even more memories to this exciting chapter of your story.

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