How to Prepare for Your Engagement Session

Engagement sessions are one of my favorite things to shoot. Not only are they super fun, but I always suggest these to my couples because it allows us to get to know each other before your wedding day! During this session, I will be giving tips on how to pose and will help you feel comfortable in front of a camera. By the time we finish our session, you will feel much more confident going into your wedding day! Below are some tips on how to prepare for your upcoming engagement shoot.

1. PICK A LOCATION, DATE, AND TIME

When you start to plan your engagement session start thinking about locations that are special to you and your partner. Where did you first meet? Do you have a favorite date spot? Revisiting a location that is sentimental to the two of you will help you feel comfortable when shooting. I always suggest shooting outdoors where the lighting is best. Golden hour is the best time for a photoshoot so you may want to plan the shoot an hour or two before sunset! Don't forget to plan ahead. If the location you want to shoot at is particularly busy during a certain time or day consider that, you don't want a bunch of people in the background of your photos!

2. PLAN OUT WHAT YOU WANT TO WEAR

After you pick the location and date of your shoot, it's time to start thinking about what to wear. Keep in mind the time of year and where the shoot will take place. If you want to propose on top of a mountain I wouldn't suggest wearing heels and a suit. Another tip I have is to coordinate your outfits. Your photos will look best if the two of you are wearing the same color palette. If you want to wear a white dress with yellow flowers and with nude sandals, have your partner wear light blue jeans and a tan top. Black and white are classic colors and you can't go wrong when wearing them for an engagement shoot but don't be afraid to be a bit bolder and more daring! Wearing jewel tones translates beautifully on camera (sapphire, ruby red, emerald green). All of these colors will look nice when paired with a neutral color and they won't pop too much like a neon color would. When picking an outfit make sure to stay away from any logos or patterns that may be distracting. Ladies, if you like flowy dresses now is the time to break them out! Any dress that shows movement will translate beautifully on camera and add that extra pop. Lastly, don't be afraid to accessorize! Big floppy hats, jewelry, and layers will help add dimension and interest to your photos!

3. SCHEDULE HAIR AND MAKEUP APPOINTMENTS

Many of my couples use their engagement session as a time to test out their wedding day look! Since you will be doing hair and makeup tests before your wedding day some people like to get all glammed up for their engagement session! Men, make sure to shave and have your hair trimmed before your photoshoot! Plan ahead if you like the look of a grown-out beard or long hair!

5. GET YOUR NAILS DONE

If you plan on surprising your significant other with a proposal try and make sure their nails are done for their engagement photos! This will make them feel more confident when taking detailed shots of the ring!

6. CLEAN YOUR RING

This is a small detail many people will overlook! Giving your ring a quick cleaning will help ensure it looks the best when being photographed! No need to take it to a jeweler, just soaking it in some hot water and dawn dish soap will do the trick!

7. WHAT TO PACK

1. Additional outfits (if you plan on wearing more than one)

2. Comfortable shoes if there is a lot of walking involved

3. Makeup for touch-ups

4. A bottle of water

5. Coat or cover-up

6. Money for parking fees

7. Props: blanket, champagne, nice ring box, sign, pets, etc...

8. RANDOM TIPS

1. Take off smartwatches

2. Don't chew gum

3. If you're bringing a pet, make sure to bring another person to watch them between photos

4. Take off sunglasses

5. Take hair ties off your wrist

6. Take your phone out of your pocket before the shoot!!