How to Prepare for Your Engagement Session: 10 Tips from your photographer
Your engagement session is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning—it’s a chance to celebrate your love story and get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day. But if you’re feeling a little unsure about what to wear or how to prepare, don’t worry! These 10 easy tips will help you show up feeling confident, relaxed, and totally ready to rock your session.
Bring Your Dog for the Beginning of the Shoot
If you and your partner have a fur baby, bringing them for a few photos at the start of your session is a great idea! Pets add a personal touch to your photos, and let’s be honest—dogs make everything better.
• Bring a friend or family member to take your pup home after the first few shots.
• Coordinate a cute collar or bandana to match your outfits.
• Pack treats and a favorite toy to keep them engaged.
Engagement photos featuring pets are trending, especially for couples who want a relaxed, fun vibe!
Plan Your Outfits in Advance
The last thing you want is to be scrambling for outfits on the day of your shoot. Choose and try on your outfits at least a week in advance to ensure everything fits well and makes you feel amazing.
Coordinate as opposed to Matching
Gone are the days of matching outfits in engagement photos (think denim-on-denim 90s-style). Instead, pick colors that complement each other.
• Neutrals and earth tones photograph beautifully in any setting.
• If one of you wears a pattern, the other should opt for a solid color.
• Soft, muted shades tend to look better than bright, neon colors.
Wear Something Comfortable
Yes, you want to look stunning, but comfort is key. If you’re constantly adjusting your outfit or feeling restricted, it’ll show in your photos.
• Choose fabrics that allow for movement.
• Avoid anything too tight or too loose.
• If you’re wearing new shoes, break them in ahead of time!
Pick a Location That Feels Like “You”
Your engagement session should reflect your personalities and love story. Whether it’s a scenic park, a trendy downtown area, your own kitchen or the coffee shop where you had your first date, the right location will help tell your story in a meaningful way.
Think of activities you two love doing together! I can always help with location ideas, but love to hear preferences from my couples!
Dress for the Season
Think about the weather when planning your outfits.
• Spring & Summer: Light, airy fabrics and pastel colors.
• Fall: Warm tones and layers (chunky sweaters and boots look great!).
• Winter: Stylish coats, scarves, and even a cozy blanket for snuggly shots.
Consider Professional Hair & Makeup
If you want to look and feel your best, consider booking a professional makeup artist and hairstylist. Not only will this give you a polished look, but it also helps your makeup last longer under different lighting conditions.
If you’re doing a bridal makeup trial, schedule it on the same day as your engagement session! That way, you can see how it photographs.
Consider Bringing an Outfit Change
If you want a little more variety in your photos, bring a second outfit!
• Start with a dressier look for those romantic, editorial-style shots.
• End with something casual and fun to photograph through sunset!
Don’t Overthink It
The best photos come when you’re genuinely enjoying the moment. Instead of focusing on looking “perfect,” focus on each other. Laugh, hug, twirl, crack jokes and just be yourselves!
Trust your photographer
Your photographer (if you’re reading this, hopefully it’s me!) knows how to pose you in the most flattering ways, understands light and location and can do beautiful and unique things through composition, so trust their direction.
A great engagement session is about capturing real connection and emotion. Just relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience!
