I get it, photoshoots can be nerve-wracking. If you aren’t a professional model (most of us ARE NOT) then you are probably wanting to make sure that your photos don’t look awkward or overly posed. Most people are not used to being in front of the camera. Your engagement session shouldn’t be a stiff, formal affair.

You want them to look like you. 

Your engagement session is the perfect time for you, your love, and your chosen photographer to get to know each other! I always take the opportunity during the engagement session to really figure out a couple’s best angles, what they like and don’t like for poses, and how far I can take my shenanigans LOL.

This is one of the first steps in your wedding journey and it should be a fun step!

Think of it as a practice run – treat it like a date night with a third wheel!

I have a few great tips for making sure you are ready before AND during your engagement session to make it the best time ever!

1. Wear an outfit that you’re comfortable in.

This is probably a no-brainer but it’s so important! Comfortable clothes that feel like you and allow you to move will mean that you also feel great in them! It’s just one more way to help shake any nerves that may come up. You don’t want to be worrying about the way your clothes fit during your session. It will only serve to distract you from the fun.

I vote to choose something that represents who you are. Something that makes you feel amazing when you put it on and you can’t wait for someone to see you in your outfit! If you don’t normally wear a suit and tie, I would skip it. Wear what you are comfortable in! This is about you.

Pro Tip: Make sure to steam or iron your outfits ahead of time! Wrinkles won’t look too great in your photos. Editing out extra things like wrinkles may not always work out. The best bet is to come to your session wrinkle-free so you won’t need to worry.

2. Consider a test run with your hair and make-up artist

Your engagement session is a great time to consider getting hair and make-up done by the same people that will do your wedding hair and make-up. It’s a great time to see how they hold up if their style is to your liking and you’ll have awesome make-up for your engagement shoot!

Professionally done make-up tends to last longer than when we do it ourselves and it’ll be a great time to get to know your stylist/artist.

If you haven’t already found your hair and make-up team then I’d schedule a consult for the day of or before your session and kill two birds with one stone!

However, if you are a non-make-up wearer like myself (I tend to only put on makeup for special occasions), feel free to come as you are! I tend to just bring or wear a light foundation and something to blot just in case I’m shiny. Absolutely don’t stress too much over it if that’s not your thing.

3. Location, Location, Location

Location is everything! Think about the places that really represent you as a couple. Places that really mean something to you or that are special to your relationship. Maybe an at-home lifestyle session is best for you or the waterfall that you always visit together.

It can be an adventure, it can be a chill stroll through a park or a relaxing date night at home. What represents you?

If you can choose a location that’s meaningful to you and your partner then when you look back on these images years from now they will be just that much more special!

The main tip is just to make sure to choose a place where you’ll be comfortable laughing and being goofy with each other in that space. It’ll be amazing!

4. Consider the sun!

Have you been imagining your engagement session shot under the beautiful golden hour sun? Just before the sun sets is that sweet spot to get that gorgeous light but you have to plan for it!

Your weather app can help you determine the best time and Your photographer can help you to know what time the sun will be setting and to plan to be at your location already shooting in order to catch as much of that beautiful golden light as possible! I am always checking to try to catch that light. You will also want to plan for the harsh light of high noon or even if it will be overcast or rainy on the day of your session.

If you are an early riser then the morning light can be absolutely magical and is definitely something to consider as well!

5. Make a day of it!

I know it can be hard to carve out a whole day or even half the day when you are busy planning a wedding and living your life. But making your engagement session a part of an all-day date will make sure that you don’t feel rushed or pressured to get it done quickly. You can both take your time and make the most of the day. You and your partner can take the time to feel connected to each other and bask in your love for the day.

Overall, your engagement session is the time for you and your partner to let loose and get comfortable in front of the camera with each other. This is a great opportunity to make some memories and hang out with each other and your new photographer!

Until Next time,