Engagement SessioN Guide
Engagement SessioN Guide
Engagement SessioN Guide
WELCOME TO YOUR ENGAGEMENT GUIDE!
Your engagement season is such a special chapter. You’re celebrating your relationship, planning your wedding, and starting to bring your vision to life. Once you’ve booked your photographer, one of the most exciting next steps is planning your engagement session. These photos become part of your story. You’ll share them with friends and family, use them on your wedding website, save the dates, and probably as your phone wallpaper too.
Like anything worthwhile, a great engagement session starts with a little preparation. Thoughtful planning helps you feel confident, relaxed, and excited going into your shoot, which always leads to better photos. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your engagement session from start to finish:
Prep Beforehand
Preparation makes all the difference. A little planning ahead keeps the experience fun and stress free!
Confirm your date, time, and location with your photographer early so everyone is on the same page.
Choose your outfits ahead of time instead of waiting until the last minute. I always recommend bringing at least two outfit options if possible! One dressier look and one more casual look gives you great variety in your gallery. Need help? Check out my Style Guide.
If you’re planning professional hair and makeup, schedule those appointments in advance. Bridal trials are a perfect opportunity to use the same look for your engagement photos!
Book nail appointments (your hands WILL be photographed!) ahead of time and don’t forget to clean your ring; I will absolutely want to capture that sparkle. Even just a quick wipedown with a polishing cloth can make a difference!
Pack a small essentials bag depending on your location and season. Comfortable shoes, water, touch up makeup, a jacket or wrap, tissues, hairspray, and a phone charger can all come in handy.
Prioritize good rest the night before and give yourself plenty of time to get ready so you’re not rushed or flustered.
If being in front of the camera feels a little awkward, don’t worry. That’s totally normal. You don’t need to practice modeling. Just focus on being comfortable together and showing up ready to have fun!
Location, Location, Location
A great way to add some dimension, and diversity and be a little bit more creative for your engagement session is to try different engagement photo locations. Having a beautiful backdrop makes all the difference when it comes to getting your engagement photos done. That being said, a perfect way to add a little bit more oomph to your backdrop is by choosing multiple different locations. Do these have to be the most extravagant, out-of-the-box engagement photo locations you’ve ever seen? Absolutely not! Can it be? Hell yes. When it comes to choosing your engagement photo locations, the choice is up to you. However, if you’re struggling to find the perfect backdrop for your engagement photos, here are a few tips you can follow!
When choosing a location, keep a few things in mind:
• Make sure the location complements your outfits so you don’t blend into the background or clash with the surroundings
• Consider how much walking or exploring the location requires and dress accordingly
• Think about the overall mood you want. Light and airy, cozy and intimate, urban and modern, or adventurous and scenic all photograph beautifully, just in different ways
• Keep travel time in mind if you’re hoping to use more than one spot. Locations that are close together help keep the session flowing smoothly
• Remember that lighting changes everything. I’ll help you choose the best time of day once your location is selected
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed by options, I’ve put together a blog post with my favorite engagement session locations and why they photograph so beautifully. It’s a great place to start narrowing down what feels right for you.
You can explore my top DFW engagement session locations here
Or if you just know the vibe you want and need help, I can create a custom list of options for you!
What To Expect During Your Session
My goal is for your photos to feel natural, not stiff or overly posed. I’ll give you direction and prompts, but I won’t micromanage every hand placement or pose. Movement is your best friend. The more you move, laugh, walk, hug, and interact, the more variety and authentic moments we capture.
Touch is encouraged. Hold hands, play with each other’s hair, hug, kiss, laugh, be flirty, be silly. Be yourselves.
We’ll probably get a little goofy. I will absolutely make fun of myself and possibly you in the most loving way. It keeps things relaxed and genuine.
Think of this less like a photo shoot and more like a date with a very enthusiastic third wheel.
Expect to carve out up to two hours for your session, including time for outfit changes, location changes, and breaks as needed.
Feel free to bring meaningful items or fun elements if you’d like, like a pet, a hobby item, or something special to your relationship. If you have specific photos in mind for save the dates or invitations, tell me so we can make sure we capture them.
And if you need anything at all, just reach out. I’m here for you every step of the way.
What To Bring
- Outfits (If you’re doing a wardrobe change, I will have a pop up changing tent as needed- please just let me know before hand!)
- Comfortable walking shoes that are easy to get on and off
- a hand fan is a great thing to bring if you get hot easily
- Accessories if you plan to change them
- If ya'll want, a bottle of champagne to pop or two (in case the first is a dud)
- any props you want (cake or food, signs, sentimental items, ect. )
- Touch-up items (hairbrush/comb, makeup, lint roller, small mirror)
- Water bottle
- A small towel for dabbing sweat
- Small bag or tote to carry your essentials
FAQ
What if we feel awkward or nervous in front of the camera?
Totally normal. Almost every couple tells me this at first. You do not need to know how to pose or what to do. I’ll guide you with easy prompts and movement so you’re never just standing there wondering what to do with your hands. Most couples relax within the first few minutes and end up having way more fun than they expected.
How long does an engagement session usually last?
Most engagement sessions last about 60 to 90 minutes. This gives us plenty of time to settle in, move through a location or two, and capture a good mix of natural, playful, and romantic moments without feeling rushed.
What time of day is best for engagement photos?
The best light usually happens during the hour before sunset or around sunrise. This soft, flattering light creates that dreamy glow everyone loves. Once you’ve chosen your location, I’ll help recommend the best time of day to photograph there.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If the forecast looks rough, we’ll make a call together. Light clouds can actually be beautiful for photos, but heavy rain, extreme wind, or unsafe conditions may mean rescheduling. I always want you to have the best experience possible.
Can we bring our dog or a prop?
Absolutey! Just let me know beforehand so I can confirm that the locations are pet friendly! Just bring treats, a leash, and a helper to watch your pup while you're focused on loving eachother. If you’re unsure about an idea, feel free to run it by me!
What if we’re running late?
Life happens. Just send me a quick message if you’re running behind. Keep in mind that late arrivals may shorten shooting time depending on light and location availability which can impact your total amount of photos delivered.
Your engagement session is meant to be fun, relaxed, and a true reflection of your relationship. A little preparation, some inspiration, and a willingness to lean into the experience goes a long way. Show up ready to laugh, connect, and enjoy this season of life together.
If you ever have questions while planning, need outfit feedback, or want help choosing a location, I’m always here for you!
