5 Engagement Session Tips

It’s no secret that wedding planning can be overwhelming. Even if you opt for a smaller intimate affair or an elopement over a massive party, an engagement shoot can be a great excuse to schedule some self-care, spend some fun time with your fiancé, and really celebrate what’s beautiful about your relationship. Plus, the photos from your shoot are a chance to capture and remember yourself and your partner the way you look and feel everyday (rather than at your fanciest, though that’s important too!).

Engagement shoots are also a great opportunity to get to know the photographer you’ll be working with on your wedding day. You get a front-row seat to their process, artistic style, and weird humor ;-)

Photographers tend to spend more time with a couple on their wedding day than any other vendor, so working with yours for an engagement shoot means you won’t feel like you’re being followed around by a stranger on one of the most special days of your relationship.

These types of shoots should feel fun and relaxed! However, to create that environment requires a little bit of planning ahead.

Here are 5 tips for making your engagement session photos magical:

1) Try to choose a location that has personal significance to you as a couple

• The coffee shop where you first met, your favorite park to walk on a Sunday afternoon, the site of your most memorable vacation, etc. You’ll feel comfortable and familiar there, and the photos will take you back to that place as you enjoy them for years to come.

2) Schedule the shoot when the lighting will be perfect at your location

• This is usually within 2 hours of sunrise or sunset (what photographers call the “golden hour”). Though, if your location is in the Redwoods or another thick forest, it’s best to work within 2-4 hours of sunrise or sunset for the most flattering light. Your photographer will help schedule your shoot when the light will be best at your location during that time of year.

3) Make any grooming appointments within 1-2 weeks of your session

• Need a fresh haircut or hair color? Manicure or pedicure? Facial? Be sure to schedule them close enough to your engagement shoot so you’ll look and feel your very best. If your skin is on the drier side, it’s also a good idea to moisturize right before your session (so you’ll be prepared for any close up shots!).

4) Consider these factors when choosing what to wear

• Your personal style and comfort level

• The location and season (be sure to bring comfortable shoes for walking to or between locations)

• Location appropriate style and colors. For instance:

  • Casual long sleeve button down shirt or sweater, jeans and hiking boots for the redwoods.

  • Collared shirt, chinos and casual dress shoes for the city.

• Be sure to bring multiple clothing options to the session pressed and hung on hangers (not folded in a bag) to avoid wrinkles!

  Some outfit choices to avoid would be:

  • Large logos - these can make your photos feel more like an advertisement than a celebration of your relationship

  • Matchy-matchy outfits - similar colors and patterns can blend your bodies together and create unflattering lines and shapes (I am always a sucker for matching track suits though!)

  • Outfits that don’t fit well - this can be uncomfortable for you and can be distracting or overwhelming visually

5) Bring a “wrangler” to help with pets if they’ll be involved

• Pets are always fun to include in your photos, but I recommend bringing a friend to help keep them safe and contained when getting shots without them.

That’s it! For more engagement session inspiration, check out the highlights from Whitney & John’s Malibu Canyon Engagement Session here.