Tips for Planning an Engagement Photo Session

Engagements, Planning

May 27, 2024

Celebrate Your Engagement with Stunning Photos

Congratulations on your engagement! This exciting milestone deserves to be celebrated with beautiful engagement photos. Engagement photo sessions are a great way to capture your love while helping you get comfortable in front of the camera before your big day. Think of it as a fun practice run that eases nerves and results in cherished photos!

You may not believe me, but engagement sessions are the perfect date night. Spend the day celebrating each other to spark romance before meeting up for your portraits! This can look like going to dinner together before, spending some time curled up on the couch together, or dancing in your kitchen that afternoon.

A black and white photo of a couple embracing by the water, with the man holding the woman close as she leans back against him.

A black and white photo of a couple sharing a playful piggyback ride in a field, with the woman laughing and holding on to the man's back.

A happy couple embracing in a field, both smiling and sharing a joyful moment, with the woman in a lavender dress and the other in a light gray sweater.

Choosing the Perfect Setting for Your Engagement Photos

The location of your engagement session should reflect your personality and the unique bond the two of you share. Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures, grabbing lattes downtown, or a cozy indoor lazy day, the right backdrop enhances the authenticity of your photos. Consider places that hold special meaning to both of you. This could be a favorite park, a charming coffee shop, or a scenic trail you love to hike. The goal is to choose a setting that feels natural and comfortable for you, but don’t overthink it too much! You can wind up with great photos anywhere.

Ideas for Meaningful Locations

Nature Spots: Parks, botanical gardens, and hiking trails offer beautiful, natural backdrops.
Urban Scenes: City streets, murals, and rooftop views add an urban chic vibe.
Cozy Indoors: Home settings, coffee shops, or bookstores provide a warm, intimate atmosphere.
Special Locations: Think about places where significant moments in your relationship occurred, like where you first met or where the proposal happened.

A couple hiking hand in hand along a forest trail, surrounded by tall trees and dappled sunlight.

A couple embracing and smiling with a stunning mountain view in the background.

A black and white photo of a couple laughing together surrounded by trees, holding each other close.

A couple relaxing by a mountain lake, surrounded by lush greenery and towering mountains.

Timing Your Engagement Session

When planning your engagement session, timing is crucial. Aim to schedule your photos 8-10 months before your wedding to ensure you have plenty of time to receive and use them for Save the Date cards, wedding websites, and other pre-wedding essentials. The season and time of day can greatly influence the look of your photos.

Seasonal Considerations

Spring: Symbolizes new beginnings with blossoming flowers and fresh greenery. Ideal for vibrant, colorful, and lively photos.
Summer: Offers long, sunny days perfect for bright, cheerful photos with lush landscapes. The sunsets are also some of the best!
Autumn: Provides a rich, warm palette with colorful foliage, creating a cozy atmosphere. Leaning into the rainy weather aids to a romantic feel.
Winter: Brings a cozy, intimate vibe, whether indoors by a fireplace or outside in the snow. Perfect for warm, heartfelt images.

Best Times of Day for Photos

Golden Hour: Just after sunrise or before sunset when the light is soft and flattering. Consider the season when planning for a sunrise session. Winter is the best time for sunrise if you’re not an early rise, however, you’ll want to be sure to bundle up!
Blue Hour: The period of twilight each morning and evening with a softer, more diffuse light. This is a great time if you’re a fan of grainy, moody photos or want to get the lights of the city!
Overcast Days: Cloudy days provide even lighting, eliminating harsh shadows and making for ideal shooting conditions throughout the day. That’s a win for the PNW! I like to shoot earlier in the day when it’s cloudy outside, it gives us a better chance that some sun will sneak through.

A couple standing on a cliff, surrounded by lush forest and overlooking a serene lake.

A couple sharing a kiss by the sparkling water, with sunlight reflecting off the surface and creating a romantic glow around them.

A couple walking hand in hand on a forest path, with the sun setting behind them.

What to Wear for Your Engagement Session

Selecting the right outfits is crucial for your engagement photos and comfort should be your top priority. Choose clothes that make you feel good and reflect your style. Coordinating your outfits without being overly matching creates a harmonious look. I am always up to help you plan outfits!

Outfit Tips

Complementary Colors: Opt for colors that go well together without clashing. Avoid overly bold patterns that might distract from your face. Neons are fun for a carnival setting, but not for a nature shoot. If your session is outdoors, earth tones are always a great plan. Try googling different color palettes to get an idea of how to coordinate your outfit coloring.
Appropriate Attire: Dress suitably for the setting and weather. Consider the location and the season when choosing your outfits. Wear appropriate shoes! If you’re walking on a rocky beach, heels are probably not the answer. If we’re shooting during the snowy winter, you won’t want to wear a sundress and open-toed shoes. If you’re cold or uncomfortable that shows in your photos.
Accessorize Thoughtfully: While we don’t want to overdo it with the props, hats, sweaters, scarves, and jewelry add a personal touch and variety to your photos.
Layers and Textures: Add depth to your photos by incorporating layers and different textures in your clothing.

Client Wardrobe Ideas Board

A couple embracing on the deck of the Washington Ferry with the Seattle skyline in the background, under a partly cloudy sky.

A black and white close-up of a couple sharing an intimate kiss, with the man's hand gently touching the woman's chin.

A couple sharing a tender embrace in a rocky landscape with a natural arch in the background, both smiling and enjoying the moment.

A couple embracing in a sunlit meadow with tall grass, trees in the background, and a warm sunset creating a romantic atmosphere.

Preparing for Your Session

Preparation is key to a smooth and enjoyable engagement session. I will help you with logistics, such as meeting locations and what essentials to bring. Here are some helpful tips to ensure everything goes smoothly:

Practical Tips

Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, and any other items you need to stay comfortable.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: I am bringing this up twice because it is so important. Especially if your session involves walking or hiking. You can always change into dressier shoes once you reach the photo location.
Prepare for the Weather: Dress in layers and be ready for any weather changes. Seattle’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to be prepared for rain or shine.

A couple walking hand in hand along a rocky beach, surrounded by trees and calm water.

A couple lying down and holding hands, both looking peaceful and content.

A romantic moment of a couple standing barefoot in a mountain lake, surrounded by forested hills and misty mountains.

During the Session

During your engagement session, relax and be yourselves. The best photos capture genuine moments of love and joy. Treat the session like a fun date, with me there to document your connection. Don’t worry about posing perfectly; just enjoy each other’s company and let your affection shine through. The more you relax, the more natural your photos will be.

Tips for Natural Photos

Be Affectionate: Don’t be afraid to show affection. Hold hands, embrace, and kiss. The closer you are, the more genuine the photos will look.
Have Fun: Laugh, joke around, and be playful with each other. Authentic smiles and laughter make for the best photos.
Trust Your Photographer: I’m here to guide you and capture your best moments. Trust the process and let me direct you for the most flattering angles and poses.

A picturesque moment of a couple embracing on a grassy hillside, with lush greenery and a serene body of water in the background under a cloudy sky.

An engagement photo of a couple holding hands with their dog sitting between them on a sunlit beach.

Communication is Vital

Effective communication is essential for a successful photo session. Share your ideas, preferences, and any concerns with me to ensure your vision is captured. Feel free to provide feedback and ask questions throughout the process. To help me understand your style, you are welcome to share a Pinterest board or any saved photos that showcase poses and styles you like. Additionally, review my past blogs and highlight photos you particularly enjoyed. Don’t hesitate to tell me what you don’t like as well; my goal is to make you look and feel your best.

Receiving Your Photos

After the session, you can expect to receive your edited engagement photos within four weeks. I take the time to individually edit each photo to ensure you receive the highest quality images. This timeline allows me to give each client the attention they deserve, resulting in photos you will love.

A romantic silhouette of a couple facing each other closely at sunset, capturing their intimate connection against the backdrop of a twilight sky.

A joyful photo of a couple lying on the sand in a desert, smiling and holding hands, with the man wearing a suit and the woman in a light cardigan.

A cozy outdoor engagement photo of a couple sitting together in a grassy field, the woman wearing a brown beanie and white sweater, leaning into the man who is wearing a plaid shirt.

A scenic engagement photo of a couple standing near the Deception Pass Bridge, surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the water below.

I hope this guide helps you prepare for a memorable engagement photo session. Capturing your love story through photos is a beautiful way to celebrate your engagement and create lasting memories. With thoughtful planning and genuine moments, your engagement photos will be a cherished keepsake. While you’re here, browse through some of my recent engagement sessions!