Preparing for your engagement session can have you feeling scattered or nervous leading up to the day. We know it’s an intimate and special moment you and your partner share. This is why we want to make sure you have everything you need and more.
I am answering your most asked questions when it comes to planning for an engagement photoshoot. Sharing important information for the bride or groom to be, along with some guidance for the photographer themselves.
To ensure you are fully prepared for this day, I have made a free downloadable checklist available for any couple planning their engagement session.
Why is it important for you to have an engagement photoshoot? I am breaking it down into four simple reasons:
- It gives the couple time to be in front of the camera together and to get their initial camera nerves out of the way before the wedding.
- It gives the photographer and the newly engaged couple time to meet and work together. We can learn how to read them and see how comfortable they interact with one another. As a photographer, we are able to get feedback or insight into what type of photos they love most of themselves before the wedding day.
- It provides professional photos in a casual setting. It’s nice to be able to mix up the wall portraits, and not just include wedding day photos.
- Having these casual photos in a more natural state is a way to document who they are and where they are in life at the current time, leading up to the big day.
When during the wedding planning process do I schedule an engagement session?
This can depend on what the couple has planned for the engagement photos. I always first ask my couples upon booking if they are planning on using the photos to send out with their save the dates or invites. Once I get an idea of their timeline, I then give my actual date recommendation. The longest I suggest waiting to have them done (when not needing the photos for invites or other items) is at least 4 months before the wedding day. Anytime after that could just add stress to the couple since their biggest focus around then is fine-tuning wedding details.
How do I decide on a location & time?
The time of the session is dependent on the season, the weather, and the location. I scout locations a few days before our scheduled session to determine these exact details. It always helps if everyone can be flexible in case we do have to move dates because of the weather.
When moving dates isn’t an option, it’s important to have a backup location planned just in case the first one doesn’t work out. This can happen when either the couple or myself are traveling for the engagement session and we only have one day to make it happen. I scout locations both the couples list and ones I recommend. I always give them options to get an idea for their vibe. Photographers, also keep in mind when scouting the best time to work around with the light you want.
As far as time goes, golden hour is my most recommended time. You have two options when choosing golden hour. Either one hour right before sunset, or one hour directly after sunrise. Also known as “magic hour”, there is something about this sweet spot that makes the couples and the setting look their absolute best.
What do I wear and how many outfits do I bring?
For outfits, I always suggest bringing just one. This is so we can get the best use of our time together and we aren’t interrupting the flow of our session for an outfit change. I see engagement sessions being about the couple connecting and being completely present together. It’s one of the best opportunities for the photographer and couple to work together on finding their flow. Outfit changes can also take away precious time for light! My advice for outfits is to stick with neutrals. A neutral color palette can work in any setting and is not distracting.
What can I do with my engagement photos?
- Portraits for your home
- Decor photos for your wedding
- A guest sign book for your wedding
- Holiday cards for the year you got engaged
- Save the Date Cards via mail or email
- Your wedding website
- Post on social media for fun or any future announcements
- Bonus for my couples: I always take individual photos at engagements and my couples often use those headshots for Linkedin! 🙂
Important to note, your photographer usually has the highest quality of prints through their own shop site. They want to ensure you are getting the best for all professional printing products.
What do I bring to my engagement session?
There are many lists on what to bring for your wedding day, but what about for the day of your engagement session? It’s just as important to stay organized and prepared for this photoshoot. I’ve created a detailed list I share with all my couples ahead of time so they can pack all the necessary items. Some of the items in the list include:
- 2 Pairs of masks per person
- Sanitizer
- Water
- Lip color for touch-ups
- Tide Pen for spills or smears
- Bobby Pins + Hair Spray
- Sunscreen
To get the entire list in a free printable-friendly version, CLICK HERE.
