10 Engagement Session Tips for Couples
You got that ring on your finger, and you’re ready to dive into wedding planning - but for so many couples, it can be hard to know where to start! I always recommend that couples opt for an engagement session because it can be so helpful to meet your photographer and practice being in front of the camera so that on your wedding day you can feel relaxed and comfortable. Plus, you’ll get some great photos for save-the-dates!
You’ve probably never done an engagement session before (most couples haven’t), but don’t worry! As a wedding photographer, I’ve got the inside scoop on engagement sessions, and I’m here to share 10 engagement session tips to make the experience fun and memorable!
Book a Good Photographer
Of course, before you start planning your engagement session, you’ll need to find a photographer. I recommend hiring the same person for your wedding photos and your engagement photos, for a few reasons. You’ll get to know them before the big day, and feel more comfortable, your photos will be consistent, and many photographers offer free or discounted engagement sessions with wedding photo packages!
But what is a “good” photographer? How do you know when it’s the right fit?
When looking at photographers, make sure you like their photos of course, but it’s also important that your photographer is someone you can spend your wedding day with! They’ll be with you for the best day of your life, so choose a photographer whose personality you click with and who makes you feel comfortable and confident.
2. Keep it Comfy
When it comes to engagement photos, the most important thing is to feel comfortable. You want to look like yourself and feel confident and cute, so pick outfits that you feel good in. That pair of jeans that makes your butt look great but makes it hard to bend your legs might be tempting, but a few minutes into your engagement session you’ll be miserable. Pick something you can move around in! If you’re uncomfortable, the photos will show it.
3. Stick to Neutrals
When it comes to choosing an outfit, neutral colors work best. That doesn’t necessarily mean beige and gray - forest green, burnt orange and navy blue are all examples of neutrals that look great in photos and aren’t too distracting.
Speaking of distracting, I recommend avoiding intense patterns too - florals and subtle prints can be great, as long as they aren’t too busy!
4. Bring Outfit Options
A lot of couples like to bring two outfit options - one casual one, and one fancier one. That way, you get some variety in your engagement photos and get a few different looks. You can also bring a few different options, and ask your photographer what they think! They’ll be able to tell you what will photograph best and look good in the location you chose.
5. Hair and Makeup
It can be tempting to try out a new look for your engagement photos, but I recommend sticking to your usual makeup routine. If dark eye shadow and heavy eyeliner aren’t part of your everyday look, you won’t recognize yourself in your engagement photos. Don’t overthink it - just style your hair and do your makeup the way you usually do!
6. Get Your Nails Done
This is something that so many people forget! During your engagement session, you’ll inevitably be taking ring photos and photos that your hands are in. A manicure can make all the difference in giving your photos a polished look!
7. Choose a Meaningful Location
When it comes to finding the perfect spot, one of my engagement session tips is to choose somewhere that’s meaningful and important to you! It could be the places where you had your first date, your favorite park, the college campus where you met, anything! Adding this sentimental touch to your engagement session will make the experience more meaningful and special.
8. Make it a Date
The best way to make your engagement session fun is to turn it into an experience! Don’t think of it as just an hour or two where you have to be in front of the camera - make it a date! You can plan a fun day exploring the location before your session, go out for dinner after, or even bring a picnic or some wine to the engagement session to make things more fun.
9. Bring Props
By props, I don’t mean cheesy Pinterest signs (unless you want to!), I mean things like guitars, picnic blankets, your dog, anything sentimental to you that would make for some fun photos! Adding some personal touches is one of the best engagement session tips because it’ll make your photos more interesting, and more meaningful, as well as enhance the entire experience.
10. Take a deep breath, You are doing great!
Easier said than done, I know. But, the best way to enjoy your engagement session and get the best photos is to relax. If you need an IPA or some champagne to make that happen, that’s totally fine! Try to remember that your photographer’s got this - it’s their job to make you comfortable and to guide you through the poses. All you have to do is be in love! Easy, right?
Ready for Your Engagement Session?
If you’re ready to have a good time, celebrate your love, and get some photos while you’re at it, I happen to know a photographer! Wink, wink… it’s me. I offer complimentary engagement sessions with some of my wedding packages because I love getting to know my couples before the wedding day and I think meeting up for an engagement session is the best way to do that! If you want to chat about your engagement session, reach out! I’m ready when you are.
