Today I’m sharing a few tips on how to make your engagement session run as smoothly as possible, and to give you those amazing and dreamy shots you see on my portfolio. Like everything in life, your engagement session will run so much smoother if you plan ahead! Remember, these sessions are not just another box on the wedding checklist to mark off, they are SO fun and a great way for us to get comfortable with each other before your wedding day! I’ve compiled just a few tips to help you when planning your engagement session that will help you prepare and enjoy the session as much as possible!
Two Outfit Changes & Locations
I always recommend that we choose two distinct locations for your engagement session. This goes along with bringing two outfit changes. This gives us a lot of variety to work with. our first location might be more high-end and luxurious, with you in a long, flowy dress (which photographs a-maz-ingly!) and your fiance in a fitted suit. Our second location might be more fun and laid back, with you both in more casual outfits (think summer dress for you and button up and slacks for your man).
One of my goals for every session is to get as much of a variety of images as possible! Choosing two locations and two outfits effectively doubles the number of photos I’ll deliver! Aside from that, I want to capture your personalities in as much variety as well! You can go from looking formal and fancy to showing your more ‘everyday’ side in casual outfits.
Remember to Bring Extras
Bringing a couple of extra details to your engagement session can help give that editorial look-and-feel that I love! Whether it’s a floral bouquet, a picnic basket, a bottle of champagne, or anything else that speaks to you, it’ll look magazine-worthy when included in your session. it’s so fun as a photographer to get to photograph those details, and they can give fun pops of personality to your session.
The key with these extra details is to try to make them personal to you! Anything that makes your relationship unique – like letters you’ve written to each other, your favorite flowers, a special gift – will be a sweet addition to your engagement gallery (or maybe part of your wedding day guestbook!).
Timing
As a photographer, timing your engagement session during the best light is my priority! I always prefer to shoot at sunset or sunrise whenever possible. The light is less-harsh and so dreamy during those times of the day.
If you’re planning a sunrise session, I’ll have you meet me 30 minutes before sunrise just to be safe! If we are meeting before sunset, I love to start these sessions about 2 hours before the sun is due to go down. This gives us plenty of time for shooting at two locations and also accounts for outfit changes!
Prepare Your Man
Don’t forget to prepare your fiance for your session! Turn the day into an experience by planning a fun breakfast or dinner date for after the engagement shoot. When you are both relaxed and comfortable, it really comes through on camera! I love engagement sessions because they allow me to get to know my couples more than I would on a wedding day. Don’t be afraid to open up and have fun! Your engagement session is the perfect way for us to get to know each other and to help you and your fiance get comfortable in front of my camera!
Wrapping It Up
There you have it! Those are just a few tips for planning your engagement session. What you choose as a location, outfits, and details is what will make your engagement session unique and totally YOU! I love engagement sessions because I get to know my couples so much better in that type of low-pressure, casual situation! You’ll get used to being photographed by me and you will be pros at being photographed when your wedding day rolls around!
XOXO –
