How to Prepare for your Engagement Session

It’s about that time of year when we start to think about engagement sessions! If you’ve chosen to have an engagement shoot, I’m really happy about that. You can see why in this post I shared previously! Now to help you prepare, take a look at some of these helpful notes to get you ready. Keep in mind that you are going to be able to use these photos to not only remember this short time before the wedding, but also to get to know your photographer better so that you can feel comfortable in front of the camera on the day of your wedding. In the end, you’ll have photos you’ve always dreamed of having so that you can share your joy with the rest of your family and friends.

More About the Session

The engagement session is all about celebrating your love. By making a choice to spend the rest of your lives together, you’re on your way to becoming one! This is your chance to create memories that tell your story and really create an individual illustration of the love between you. My sessions are around 1 to 2 hours long. They are stylish and a lot of my couples dress up for the occasion. The end result are images that are truly a classy representation of you at your best.

The location can be a place that is uniquely special to you. Maybe it’s a part of the city that you’ve spent time at together. It may be the place where you had your first date or where he proposed. If you’re not sure where you might want to have your shoot. Then it’s my job to help you narrow down those options. Just ask!

What to Wear 

I will say it again because I think it’s important. Your outfits should also be a reflection of you, at your very best! Your clothes should fit you and allow you to move around since we may be walking around the location. You’ll want to keep the location and the temperature in mind when planning your wardrobe. I’m a huge fan of having 2 outfits – one with a long and/or flowing dress or semi formal gown and another option with a casual look!

It’s a celebration of the beginning of your lives together, so why not dress up to celebrate?! Take this as your excuse to buy that dress from your favorite boutique and to break out the shoes you look amazing in and just had to buy. If you need to break them in, bring a pair of flats so you can walk around with ease. Primary colors play a huge part in my style of photography. A touch of red, yellow, green, or blue can make any ensemble really pop and help you stand out from the background. But don’t shy away from pastels or neutrals either. Try including some accessories – a simple necklace, a set of bracelets, a scarf, or add some trendy layers that make you look just a little more stylish. And guys can (and should) accessorize too!

A great fitted button up shirt is perfect, but guys may even be comfortable in a blazer and/or tie, or rolling up his sleeves for part of the session for something a little more casual or bring a jacket. If he’s a hat guy, bring a fedora. During the session, I suggest bringing and carrying the bare minimum so that we can walk around and capture images on the move.

Being Confident

Confidence is everything in photographs. What you choose to wear should be something you feel comfortable and fabulous in. Let’s face it, when you dress well you tend to feel better and walk with confidence. So choose an outfit that compliments your physical features, your individuality, allows you to move and also makes you feel AMAZING!

For most couples, engagement sessions are fun because you get to be yourselves. Don’t worry too much about your poses, as a photographer it’s my job to help you with that.

Makeup Trials

I often recommend scheduling the make up trial with your makeup artist on the same day as the engagement shoot – getting your makeup done also makes you feel a little more ready to work it for the camera. The camera loves eyes that pop, so feel free to give your lashes, brows, and eye make up a little extra attention before the session. Don’t forget to wear nail polish or if you prefer bare nails and you’re worried about your nails during ring shots, consider treating yourself to a manicure.

These are just some helpful tips. This shoot is really all about you! Let me know if you have any questions in the comment section below!

~Sam