If you are recently engaged and wondering if you should book engagement photos, the short answer is yes! These sessions do more than give you pretty photos: they set the tone for how you will feel on your wedding day and help you feel confident in front of the camera. If you’re engaged, make sure you read all the way through the ultimate 10 tips for nailing your engagement session in this post.
First and foremost, before we get into the practical side of things, it’s important that you know: engagement photos prepare you for wedding day photography. This is the biggest benefit by far, in my book! When the wedding day arrives, being photographed will now feel familiar. It means the “learning curve” of being in front of a camera has already been practiced. And you will know how I work behind the camera, and you will already feel relaxed and confident. That peace of mind will translate to an even more laid-back experience on your big day (and better photos)!
Engagement photos are also perfect for save the dates, wedding invitations, and your wedding website.
They give your guests a glimpse into who you are as a couple. This season of life is special and deserves to be documented thoughtfully. You’ll be married the rest of your life, but you’re only a fiancé for a short season of time! Above all else, hire a professional photographer you feel comfortable with. Your photographer should have a clear process and guide you every step of the way. After nearly two decades of photographing couples, I am proud to say every couple (even all the grooms!) have shared that they had fun and never felt awkward! I work hard to make sure you have the best photo experience you possibly can.
So here are the Ultimate 10 Tips for Nailing Your Engagement Session:
1. First things first: meet your photographer ahead of time.
Building rapport before your session helps you relax and trust the process. Whether this is over the phone, Zoom or in-person, having some conversations off the screen will help you feel relaxed and prepared before the camera ever appears.
2. Choose a location that means something to you.
This could be where you met, a favorite travel spot, or a place that reflects your lifestyle. Below are some of my top places I’ve photographed engagement sessions at! Save this list for your next adventure:
Charleston
Moab
Jackson Hole
Joshua Tree
NYC
Positano
Salt Lake City
Napa
Iceland
Pink Lake/The Salt Flats
San Francisco
Yosemite
Zion
But honestly, anywhere that feels magical and special to you will make for beautiful images, whether that be a familiar location, somewhere adventurous and brand-new, even your favorite local hangs downtown or your very own home! It’s special because it’s yours. Picking a location that is meaningful to you both is always my recommendation!
3. Schedule around the sun.
Lighting matters more than most people realize. Trust your photographer to guide you toward the best time of day. You might love the early morning sunrise, or maybe golden hour right before the day is over– typically sessions will take place in one of these two lighting windows. Whatever look you’re going for, trust your photographer to plan a session where that lighting is possible.
4. Wear outfits that feel like you.
Try them on ahead of time and move around! Can you bend over, dip, walk, etc comfortably without needing to constantly be adjusting your clothes? Comfort shows in photos, so make sure that you are just as comfortable as you are elevated. You can shop your closet first and then blend in new pieces as needed. No need to stress over brand-new outfits (but feel free to use this as an excuse! 😉 )
5. Prep your outfits the night before.
Pack everything the night before your session, so you are feeling prepared and excited the next day. I recommend setting out: shoes, accessories, jewelry, outfits, and backup options or props. Steam or iron pieces so they look polished (no, we can’t always Photoshop out wrinkles on your shirt). It really does make a difference!
Next in the ultimate 10 tops for nailing your engagement session?
6. Plan around turnaround time.
Think ahead about when you need your images. Avoid feeling rushed or stressed by planning your session with plenty of time to take photos, wait for editing to be completed and then order your prints from the lab. Asking your photographer about their turnaround time is a good idea before booking if you’re in a time crunch.
7. Bring a small essentials bag.
I love a good back-up bag!! We are often hiking, walking, spinning, dancing… lots of movement in our session! I recommend bringing water, snacks, lip balm, makeup for touch ups, and a hairbrush. Those go a long way on session day.
8. Make it a date.
This whole session will be an experience. I highly recommend making it an whole day. Arrive early to our session, soak in the location, and enjoy each other. Plan dinner out before or afterwards! You’ll not only feel all dressed up, but you’re going to feel so in love with your person after photos.
Last but not least!
9. Keep it intimate.
Focus on connection, not perfection. You and your partner will want to spend this time together. No friends, family or distractions (besides, who is comfortable being super romantic in front of their parents?). Create a little bubble before the wedding festivities, where you can escape for the day and bask in the “oh my god we’re getting married!!!” magic.
10. Remember, you are already good at this.
If we’re really being honest, being in love is the only requirement for your session. You can show up wearing whatever, whenever… and we’re still going to capture the most beautiful photos of your love. My promise as a wedding photographer with over a decade of experience is that no matter how little experience you have being photographed or how awkward/nervous you may feel, you will walk away feeling like a million bucks- and have the photos to match!
Let this be your sign to book engagement photos!
Because in a nutshell, the 10 Tips for Nailing Your Engagement Session comes down to preparation, trust, and letting yourself be present with the person you love most.
It really is that simple.
Here are some couples who said “yes” to their experience, and walked away with photos like these to carry with them into the rest of their lives:
Ready to book your engagement photos? Contact me here to start the magic!
