5 Prep Tips For Your Engagement Photography Session

After the proposal, many couples choose to find an engagement shoot photographer immediately. This is a great idea because engagement photography session images have so many uses, from the save-the-dates to your wedding website.

It’s also a great opportunity to work with the photographer you’ll have on your wedding day, too. Plus, you’ll have a core memory with your partner, and that’s always a great thing!

There are always a lot of questions my clients have when planning their engagement photography session, so I want to talk about the top prep tips I give couples so they can show up for their engagement photography session feeling their best.

So here are five preparation tips for your engagement session photo shoot!

Tip #1: Pick A Creative Theme for Your Engagement Photography Session

Selecting a theme for your engagement photography session adds a unique flair and reflects how couples choose to express their personality. Vintage-inspired themes provide a nostalgic backdrop, offering a timeless feel that enhances any photo album.

For the couples who love the city life, colorful urban settings offer dynamic and trendy environments.

For a playful and unique touch, consider themes/activities like picnic settings, cocktail parties, or renting a swan boat at Ladybird Lake. Some clients ride bikes, pull inspiration from a Pinterest board, etc. We can collaborate if you’re drawing a blank.

Tip #2: Choosing the Right Location

Recently, I wrote a blog about spots for your engagement photography sessions because I feel like the location of your photo shoot really matters. You want to be comfortable in front of the camera, and a part of that is being comfortable in your environment.

You want to be able to relax with your future spouse, so think about a location that means a lot to the both of you. Think of it as a break from wedding planning, so consider something fun! Maybe a favorite bar or park. Where do you and your partner love to do together?

Practical considerations are also essential when choosing a perfect location. Ensure that the place is accessible with good parking and check if you need any permits for your photo shoot.

Some ideas I recommend often are botanical gardens and local parks as ideal backdrops, because you can’t go wrong with a little greenery. Favorite spots like coffee shops or breweries can also inspire unique engagement sessions, adding a personal touch to your images.

Tip #3: Decide If You Want Seasonal Inspiration

For those that are focused on making sure everything is as perfect as it can be, you’ll want to consider the best season (if you aren’t on a save-the-dates deadline). Each season offers distinct vibes that can enhance the beauty and theme of your engagement photos:

Basically, you’ll want to decide if sweata’ weatha’ sounds fun or if you’re a big fan of wearing lighter clothing in the warm sun!

Tip #4: Picking Your Outfit For Stunning Engagement Photos

Before we dive into outfits, I want to put out there that this is an opportunity to try a new makeup look in front of the camera. My femme clients like to schedule their hair and makeup done ahead of time for their makeup trial. This is a great way to see what the hair and makeup will look like on the wedding day!

Moving on, selecting the right outfits is key to stunning engagement photos. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Try to choose complementary outfits over matching ones
• Let your dynamic shine and pick outfits that reflect your personalities and style.
• It can be uncomfortable being in front of the camera, so make sure you feel comfortable and confident in your outfits.
• Bring two outfits! If the situation works for it, I recommend wearing a more relaxed outfit first, then the second outfit can be perfect for date night right after!
• Don’t forget your engagement ring!
• Bring an extra pair of clothing for the photos, just to be safe!

Let’s explore some outfit ideas to help you look your best during your engagement photo shoot.

Casual Outfits

Engagement photos are about the vibe, so some couples choose to go the casual route. Casual outfits are perfect for creating a relaxed and comfortable experience during your engagement session. Some couples wear themed T-shirts and jeans.

There are no rules for engagement photography, so don’t stress about it!

Formal Outfits

If you prefer a touch of sophistication and a timeless look, you can opt for formal outfits. Think: elegant dresses and suits. They can elevate the final images by adding class and elegance. A classic and neutral choice is to opt for white or black as the color theme. It easily complements any location!

Formal attire that aligns with the wedding theme can also create a cohesive look for your engagement photos. A beautiful dress or suit for your engagement shoot will look great in the final product!

Coordinating Colors

This is something couples really need to keep in mind! Coordinating colors in your outfits can significantly influence the overall feel and mood of your engagement photos. Imagine trying to wear a bright pink shirt and your partner wearing a lime green shirt.

Doesn’t sound like something most couples would want, so just make sure to pay attention to what you choose to wear.

Instead of going totally matchy-matchy, choose complementary colors and avoid tiny patterns for better visual harmony.

Tip #5: Timing Your Engagement Session

My final tip is to figuring out the timing of your engagement photos. The final images will be influenced by the time of day you pick. Timing has a significant impact on the quality of your photos. The best times are during sunrise or sunset, known as the golden hour, for ideal lighting. Scheduling about two hours before sunset enhances the aesthetics of your photos.

Let’s explore more about golden hour and nighttime photos to help you choose the perfect time for your engagement session.

Golden Hour

Golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset when the light is soft and flattering. Engagement photos taken during this time benefit from a warm glow that enhances skin tones and adds a magical touch to your images.

This lighting can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your engagement photos, creating a dreamy and romantic atmosphere.

Keep in mind for fall engagement sessions and winter engagement sessions that the sun sets a lot earlier (also good to keep in mind if your wedding day is during these seasons, too).

Nighttime Photos

Capturing engagement photos at night can add a magical and romantic atmosphere to your images. The twinkling city lights or the serene glow of a full moon can create a unique and enchanting backdrop for your engagement session.

Whether you’re posing under a starlit sky or in a bustling cityscape, nighttime photos offer a different and captivating perspective that can make your engagement pictures stand out.

Bonus Tip: Working with Your Engagement Session Photographer

I’m biased, but one of the top engagement session ideas is establishing a good relationship with your engagement photographer, especially if you’re auditioning them to be your wedding photographer.

The right photographer can make a significant difference in the quality of your engagement photos. This is a great opportunity to establish a connection with your photographer. Working together during your engagement session will make you feel more at ease on the wedding day.

When I work with my clients, I always encourage them to share their preferences and individual styles to create unique engagement photos.

We’ll discuss different ideas for your engagement shoot, including location ideas or outfit ideas so it’s the best engagement photoshoot possible!

Wrapping Up

Being engaged is such an exciting time! Most couples choose to plan an engagement session, but get a little overwhelmed. Planning your engagement session involves choosing the right theme, location, outfits, and timing to create stunning and meaningful photos.

By incorporating personal elements, using props, and working closely with your wedding photographer (me!), you can make your engagement photo shoot a fun and memorable experience.

Remember to relax, enjoy the moment, and let your love shine through in every picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now that we’ve gone over some engagement photo ideas, let’s go over some of the most frequently asked questions about taking the best engagement photos so you can feel comfortable.

What are some popular themes for engagement sessions?

Engagement sessions can be really fun with themes like vintage-inspired looks, urban cityscapes, or even playful settings like picnics and beach days. The key is to choose a theme that reflects your personality as a couple!

How do I choose the right location for my engagement session?

Select a location that feels special to you as a couple, and don’t forget to check for accessibility and any necessary permits. Some engagement photo ideas are a date night, visiting where you had your first date, meeting at a place you both absolutely love, planning a shoot at a spot that means a lot to your relationship, or even a bucket list activity!

What should we wear for our engagement photos?

Your images will be their best when you feel your best! It’s best to wear outfits that complement each other and the setting, with a mix of casual and formal options. Plan to dress in coordinating colors and patterns, which will really make your engagement pictures shine!

When is the best time to schedule our engagement session?

The best time to schedule your engagement shoot is during the golden hour, either at sunrise or around two hours before sunset, for the most flattering lighting. Trust me, you’ll love the way the pictures turn out! A lot of couples like to schedule sessions in the evening, though!

How can we display our engagement photos creatively?

One fun way to show off your engagement photos is by creating a gallery wall with framed prints. You could also design a keepsake photo album or use them for unique save-the-date cards to really wow your guests!

They can also be a great addition to a sign-in table on the big day, framing the pictures for wedding guests to admire.

Does My Engagement Photographer Need To Be My Wedding Photographer?

Not at all. Your photographer should be someone you’re comfortable with in front of the camera, but also someone you’re confident can capture your big day. A photographer is there for more than just taking photos.

They’re there to be creative during inclement weather, help give the best advice possible, be extremely helpful on the wedding day, and even help you with poses. You shouldn’t be responsible for figuring out poses!