How to Prepare for your Engagement Session

Never taken professional photos together or as an individual?  

Have zero clue how to pose or what to do with your hands? 

Hate taking photos in general but need something to use for the Save the Dates? 

Listen... I have said it before and I will repeat is as many times as necessary... 

“Do you two like each other?”  

Perfect, leave the rest to me! I use gentle prompts aimed at getting you and yours to interact and enjoy each other. Do not worry about a thing other keeping your hands on your person. Which, by the way, is the answer to “What do I do with my hands?”. Unless I tell you specifically where to place them, then keep your hands on your person!  

Remember, the hard part is over. You found your forever , and people are weird, and dating in 2025 blows. Your spouse loves you and all your quirks, and you love them. This is the fun part! 

A few tips for a successful session: 

1.  Pick a location that you LOVE.  That cute little first date spot?  The first place your spouse said, “I love you”?  Your happy place aka the beach, the mountains, or your own backyard?  Getting married in the desert, but you really love Spanish Moss and low hanging oaks?  

Ok, extreme, I know.... But you get the point.  Choose a place that makes you both happy.  

*Make sure the location you pick allows photography. Call ahead and make sure we meet any requirements set forth by the location.   

2. Pick outfits that boost your confidence.  I encourage bringing a change of clothes if you wish and recommend choosing one dressy outfit and one more casual (but as always, you do you).  As with any session make sure your outfit fits well, especially in the places you are insecure about if you have them, and that your bra straps, boxers, underwear, etc are all concealed.  Bring a comfy pair of shoes for walking if need be.  

3. Make sure your outfit blends well with your partner’s. Yes, I said blend, not match. If you want to match, go for it, just make sure the colors are an exact match (two off shades of the same color, meh).  Blending neutrals with a pop of color or pattern photograph well. Make sure your color palate accentuates both skin tones and personalities. Consider the background when choosing your color palates (ex- photographing in a dark green forest, maybe you don’t want to pick a green color scheme to wear).  

Check the world wide web for inspo and text me a picture if you need any help! 

4.  Your wedding day you may not get to choose the exact time you want for your portraits, and you certainly cannot control the weather. There is a reason photographers love Golden Hour, whether it be near sunrise or sunset. We are looking for the best even lighting to photograph our subjects in.  We want the sun as low as possible in the sky to avoid harsh shadows on the subject (especially around the eyes), squinting, dappled lighting on the subject or ground, and blown out backgrounds.  Yes, I can photograph you at any point during the day and make it look as good as possible. Why not pick the best time of day and have it look extraordinary?  

5.  Make sure you are meeting your own personal grooming standards.  Consider professional hair and or make up, mani/pedis, brow waxing or lashes, haircuts, beard trims, and clean your engagement ring.  Take advantage and schedule your hair and make-up trial and our engagement photo adventure sesh on the same day if you like (why not save a few dollars and look fab doing so?).  If you want a spray tan, go for it, just not the day before the shoot and not for the first time ever. You want to make sure the bronzer has had time to settle (3 days prior at least) and that you have chosen the best shade to compliment you (this applies to wedding day as well, no Oompa Loompas please, and I thank you).   

6. Consider bringing snacks, water, sunscreen, a towel or fan especially if you know your sweat glands work exceptionally well, touch up foundation/powder or lip color, the dog (check out: the blog on sessions with fur babies, they are like children and require their own special prep), items with your shared last name, etc.  If you like, bring something to do or a pick a location that offers activities.  You can even make it a date, just don’t mind me, the high energy third wheel! 

7. Pick a date that works for your needs. Saturdays in wedding season are usually not available.  Galleries take 2-4 weeks for delivery; previews are released within 72 hours of all sessions.   

Lastly, breathe. There is a reason you hired a professional, I’ve got you. Let's go have fun and capture some memories!